The 7-mile drive from the main road winds through Cherokee National Forest before reaching Little Oak Campground on the shores of South Holston Lake. This Forest Service campground spreads across multiple loops on peninsulas that extend into the water, giving most sites proximity to the lake though not all have direct water views due to dense vegetation.
Campers launch kayaks directly from their sites, though accessing the water requires navigating a fairly steep bank in some areas. The campground attracts anglers and boaters who appreciate the on-site boat ramp and easy water access. Daniel L. notes the facilities include "very big picnic tables, shared water, bathrooms, and a boat ramp." Sites offer full or partial shade under mature trees, with generous spacing between camping spots. Bathrooms receive daily cleaning, and several reviewers mention spotless facilities throughout their stays.
The access road presents challenges for larger RVs, featuring multiple switchbacks and blind turns. Daniel L. warns that "locals breeze through it, but if you are hauling a very large trailer/RV be prepared." Most sites lack electrical or water hookups, operating as primitive camping with shared facilities. Generator use stops at 10 PM, and boat traffic quiets down in the evenings. Cell service remains spotty, particularly for Verizon users.
The campground fills up during peak seasons and weekends, with the Hemlock Loop offering some of the most desirable sites for lake views. Campers can explore [camping spots around Cherokee National Forest] for additional options in the area. Alcohol is prohibited though enforcement appears inconsistent based on reviewer observations. The surrounding region includes [Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables] for those seeking different amenities. Reservations are recommended during busy periods, and bringing pre-split firewood saves time since available wood requires chopping.
Description
Overview
Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions.
Recreation
Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.
Facilities
There are 69 universally accessible campsites for tents or RVs within four loops at Little Oak Campground. Each loop has a pair of vault toilets. In addition, there is an accessible shower house with 8 showers for the campground. There is a boat launch within the campground with an additional single vault toilet. The boat launch is for use by registered campers and their guests only.
Natural Features
South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.
Nearby Attractions
Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLittle Oak Campground is located in Tennessee
Directions
From Bristol, take US 421 south for 12 miles, and turn right onto paved Camp Tom Howard Road. After 0.5 miles, this road becomes Forest Road #87. Continue on Road #87 for six miles. Turn right on Road #87G for 1.5 miles to Little Oak.
Address
1051 Little Oak Rd
Bristol, TN 37620
Coordinates
36.5195389 N
82.0608167 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/13/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/13/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/13/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/13/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 14 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 53 min from Morristown, TN
- 2 hrs 10 min from Asheville, NC



































