Camper submitted image from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF - 1

Camper submitted image from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF - 2

Camper submitted image from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF - 3

Roads

Camper submitted image from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF - 4

Water

Camper submitted image from Lost Creek - Cherokee NF - 5

People

Dispersed Camping

Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

9 Reviews

About

National Forest

Lost Creek Campground is located along the banks of Big Lost Creek. This primitive campground offers remote camping and is surrounded by dense forest and creeks. Lost Creek Campground is open year round. Sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. While staying at Lost Creek, campers can enjoy fishing in Big Lost Creek (note: special regulations are in effect for fishing in Big Lost Creek).

Suggest an Edit

Location

Lost Creek - Cherokee NF is located in Tennessee

Directions

From Reliance, TN, take State Rt. 30 south 1.6 miles to Lost Creek campground sign. Bear left at sign onto Forest Rt. 103 and go 7.2 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

Coordinates

35.16000098 N
84.46800018 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Available
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Lost Creek - Cherokee NF needs a permit.

Try PRO for Free

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Contact

General Info

J A.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 17, 2024

Nice but crowded long drive in.

Nice but super crowded on the weekend.

Month of VisitApril

Rayley P.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 13, 2023

Love it here!

It’s a free campsite so it’s first come first serve and everyone we’ve met so far there have been the friendliest of people. There’s a drop toilet which are pretty still smell though. Each campsite has a concrete table, fire pit, and tent platform. Some have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt.

Month of VisitNovember

Chris D.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2023

Great Backcountry Area

I’ve ridden a bike through here several times over the years and finally we got to stay here . Super quiet when we were there in March . Toilet could be cleaner but at least it’s there . Nice creek view through the side of the campground , likely no cell service unless you go one way or another up the mountain . Many places to explore on bike or hiking . Super remote area , ride were in decent shape , I could see them being bad after a heavy storm . Gravel 7 miles to here .

Month of VisitApril

(4) View All

Charles H.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 7, 2021

A good spot

This is a great spot in the river. Picnic tables, fire ring, pit toilet and all you hear is the river at night. No cell service and its first come first served for a spot

Month of VisitDecember

Scott E.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 10, 2021

Out of the way

This little site was a great get away, except for the dogs. We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived. There are rest rooms and bear proof trash bins, we chose to set up our own restroom. The highlight would definitely be the creek. There are spots that you can swim around in. We apparently went during hunting season. Had to have been a dog sport. Too many dogs running around and barking throughout the night. Other than that we enjoyed our stay.

Siteunmarked corner site next to creek

Month of VisitNovember

Larry

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 20, 2021

Quiet and out of the way

Small, off the beaten path campground. Nice creek on one side, seems lightly used.

Month of VisitMarch

Gregg G.

Ranger

Reviewed Jan. 18, 2021

USFS Remote Campground

The lost cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN. The campground is operated and maintained by the USFS. Once leaving the pavement of the main road and traversing a well maintained gravel road for 7 miles you will reach the Lost Cove Campground. A portion of campground adjoins a small creek. The creek can be used for shallow water wading or fishing. During our visit in Mid January there were no other visitors at the campground. The campground offers concrete picnic tables, lantern post, a pit toilet and bear safe trash receptacles. There is no potable water available from a spicket and no Verizon cell reception.

(6) View All

Tyler J.

Ranger

Reviewed Mar. 20, 2020

Primitive bliss

Your classic primitive campground. No generators, water, or porta potties. How camping in the forest should be!

Brittany S.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2016

Fantastic Free Campground

This campground is incredibly clean + quiet—and completely free. It's in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access (some sites are right beside the creek), and the Benton McKaye trail running directly beside it. Sites can accommodate tents and small RVs, complete with concrete picnic tables and a fire ring. The restroom, although primitive (no water—bring along some hand sanitizer), is incredibly clean. Sites are pet friendly and relatively private. Really fantastic place to stay!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the max vehicle length at Lost Creek - Cherokee NF?

Lost Creek - Cherokee NF allows vehicles up to 38 feet.

Are fires allowed at Lost Creek - Cherokee NF?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Lost Creek - Cherokee NF, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Lost Creek - Cherokee NF have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Lost Creek - Cherokee NF does not have wifi.