Cherokee National Forest

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Reviews

Cherokee National Forest campgrounds are widely praised for their beautiful, peaceful natural settings with spacious and well-maintained campsites. Visitors appreciate the friendly and helpful hosts, clean facilities, and numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to lakes and trails enhance the appeal. However, common concerns include limited or absent cell phone service, occasional maintenance issues with restrooms and showers, noise disturbances from neighbors, generators or nearby roads, and some sites lacking water or electrical hookups. Reservation challenges and strict enforcement of campground rules are also occasionally mentioned. Overall, the campgrounds offer a scenic and relaxing experience with a strong emphasis on nature and outdoor recreation, though visitors should be prepared for rustic amenities and variable cell coverage.

Beautiful and peaceful natural settings

Clean and well-maintained facilities and restrooms

Friendly, helpful, and attentive campground hosts

Spacious, shaded, and private campsites

Access to hiking, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities

Limited or no cell phone and internet service in many areas

Occasional maintenance issues with bathrooms, showers, and facilities

Noise disturbances from generators, neighbors, or nearby roads

Sites often lack electrical and water hookups

Reservation system can be difficult and requires early booking

2,881 reviews

5 stars

1,956

4 stars

560

3 stars

209

2 stars

1 stars

Greg O

Campground:Indian Boundary

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

This is the real deal when it comes to camping. It’s not your concrete pad and no trees place. Think of all the things you want in a campground and this place has it all.

Jennifer Y

Campground:Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)

Loop:B Loop

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Amazing campground, great hiking, clean bathrooms.

Amy S

Campground:Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)

Loop:B Loop

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Campsite 13 was perfect. Good separation from sites next to it and clean and clear. A fun flock of chickens came by each morning to visit. Only complaint is bathrooms were not heated.

Jenna B

Campground:Chilhowee Campground

Loop:B Loop

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Camp host was amazing and so helpful! Cleanest bathhouses I’ve ever used.

Samuel V

Campground:Thunder Rock Campground

Loop:Thunder Rock Campground

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Good place to base camp for other trips .

Van G

Campground:Indian Boundary

Loop:C

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Had a great trip to Indian Boundary! The sites are large and spaced out well. Bathhouse facilities were clean and maintained. Fall colors were not very far along, but that was expected given it was early October. Looking forward to another visit!

Keep your options open

Watch for a matching campsite across monitored campgrounds in Cherokee National Forest.

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 18% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 5 years of reservations.