How much does camping cost at Little Oak Campground?

Camping fees at Little Oak Campground are $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Little Oak Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Little Oak Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Little Oak Campground before I book?

Yes! Little Oak Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Little Oak Campground?

Little Oak Campground is open April 06 to November 01. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Little Oak Campground?

Yes, Little Oak Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Little Oak Campground have?

Little Oak Campground has 69 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Little Oak Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Little Oak Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Little Oak Campground?

Little Oak Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Little Oak Campground?

Popular activities at Little Oak Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Little Oak Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Little Oak Campground?

Fire policies at Little Oak Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.49

440 reviews

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, Tennessee 37692, United States

B-Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,814 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Big Oak and Lone Pin...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,814 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Big Oak and Lone Pin...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Little Oak Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

423-735-1500

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Campground Map

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, Tennessee 37692, United States

Little Oak Campground

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, Tennessee 37692, United States

Nearby places

Bristol, Tennessee: 30 minutes

Backbone Rock Recreation Area: 30 minutes

Jacobs Creek Campground: 25 minutes

Damascus, Virginia: 35 minutes.

Weather at Little Oak Campground

Current alerts(13)

All pets must be on a 6' leash at all times. Owners must pick up after their pets, and all pet waste disposed of properly.
All recreation areas on the Cherokee National Forest are alcohol free to promote family-friendly recreation.
Big Oak and Lone Pine loops will open on 4/6/26. These loops will have dry vault toilets only. The showerhouse, hydrants and dumpstation are WINTERIZED and, weather depending, will open up on or after 4/27/26. Hemlock and Lone Pine loops will open on 4/27/26.
Check-out time is no later than 11 am EST on your departure day. You may check-in to the campground between 2 pm EST and 10 pm EST of your arrival date.

Best Time to Camp at Little Oak Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and spectacular scenery — daytime highs are generally in the 55–75°F range with crisp nights in the 30s–50s, and the Holston and Iron Mountain ridgelines explode in golds and crimsons. Hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic drives are at their peak as the crowds thin after summer, while lake boating and shore fishing remain excellent on calm, cooler days. Expect moderate weekend visitation from leaf-peepers but plenty of quieter midweek camps, Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Early April openings, pleasant weather and full access to lake activities make spring attractive.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 06 to November 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Big Oak and Lone Pine loops will open on 4/6/26. These loops will have dry vault toilets only. The showerhouse, hydrants and dumpstation are WINTERIZED and, weather depending, will open up on or after 4/27/26. Hemlock and Lone Pine loops will open on 4/27/26.

About Little Oak Campground

Little Oak Campground sits in the Cherokee National Forest foothills near Bristol, Tennessee, offering lake access for swimming, boating, and fishing. The mid-sized facility serves tent campers, RV users, and groups with flush and vault toilets, showers, and a dump station. Managed by the national forest, it operates seasonally with quiet hours and an overnight gate closure.

Little Oak Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, with universally accessible sites. While no electricity or water hookups are available, the campground offers a rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and spectacular scenery — daytime highs are generally in the 55–75°F range with crisp nights in the 30s–50s, and the Holston and Iron Mountain ridgelines explode in golds and crimsons. Hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic drives are at their peak as the crowds thin after summer, while lake boating and shore fishing remain excellent on calm, cooler days. Expect moderate weekend visitation from leaf-peepers but plenty of quieter midweek camps, Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation1814 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySouth Holston Lake, a 7,580-acre TVA reservoir, dominates the scenery. The surrounding forest provides shade and frames views of Holston and Iron Mountain ridgelines. At 1,814 feet elevation, the campground sits where highland forest meets expansive waterfront. Wildlife is active here: black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys appear regularly. Spring and summer bring native wildflowers to the forest floor. The lake itself offers calm water for boating and fishing, particularly on cooler fall days.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not feature hotel-style lodges or cabins. Camping accommodations are limited to tents and RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits not specified.

Groups

The campground includes group sites that can accommodate larger parties, but specifics about group size limits are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (website and app), or by contacting the Recreation.gov customer service center.

AccessibilityThe campground is designed to be universally accessible, with paved roads, accessible campsites, and amenities like accessible vault toilets and showers.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with enough room to accommodate both tents and RVs.

PrivacyCampsites provide a moderate level of privacy, with many shaded by trees. Reviews noted that sites are well-spaced, allowing for a sense of seclusion.

Total Campsites69 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites on the inside of loops for more safety from drop-offs. Sites near the lake offer water access.

Best CampsitesSites 49, 51, and 60 get consistent praise for direct lake access. Reviews suggest lakeside sites book fast, so reserve early. Poplar Loop reportedly has better cell coverage than Hemlock Loop if that matters to you.

Need help booking Little Oak Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Little Oak Campground offers 69 universally accessible campsites on the picturesque shores of South Holston Lake. The facilities include warm showers, vault toilets in each of the four loops, and an accessible shower house with eight showers. A concrete boat launch is available exclusively for registered campers and their guests. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern poles at each site. Trash disposal is managed through bear-proof dumpsters to maintain cleanliness.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Little Oak Campground

Little Oak Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating. The lakeside setting is ideal for water sports, and the surrounding forest provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and birding.

Fishing4.0/5

South Holston Lake is a popular fishing destination; campsites allow easy shoreline access.

Boating4.0/5

Concrete boat launch and 7,580-acre South Holston Lake support boating, kayaking and canoeing.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

Nearby trails praised for scenic beauty and horseback riding opportunities.

Biking3.5/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lakeshore, ridgelines and wildlife provide strong photo opportunities at sunrise/fall.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredNo individual lockers; campers must use bear-proof dumpsters for trash.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is managed through four bear-proof dumpsters located in the Boat Ramp parking area. Campers are advised to properly dispose of waste to avoid attracting wildlife.

Cell CoverageCell service availability is mixed. One reviewer noted limited Verizon service in Hemlock Loop but better coverage near Poplar Loop. AT&T service was reported to be better than Verizon in some areas.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

440 reviews

Recommended

Little Oak Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Little Oak Campground are generally positive, highlighting the beautiful lakeside setting, clean facilities, and spacious sites. However, noise from generators and occasional issues with campground hosts have been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 440 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and showers, spacious campsites with lake access, family-friendly environment, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Based on 440 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from generators, inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours, lack of electrical hookups, and occasional unprofessional behavior from campground hosts.

Based on 440 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 49, 51, and 60 are recommended for direct lake access. Site 58 is praised for privacy and scenic views.

Based on 440 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book reservations well in advance for lakeside sites. Bring sufficient supplies as the campground is remote. Consider camping during weekdays for a quieter experience.

Based on 440 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak summer months are busier, with some complaints about noise and generator use. Fall offers a quieter, more scenic camping experience.

Based on 440 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The sites are spacious, situated around a gorgeous lake, have a fire ring, heavy-duty picnic table, and lantern post.' (James Henson) 2. 'The lake is gorgeous and the water is so clean and...

Based on 440 reviews

Accessibility Features

While the campground is universally accessible, one reviewer noted that hooks in the handicapped bathroom were not low enough for wheelchair users.

Based on 440 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Some complaints were noted about unleashed pets interfering with other campers.

Based on 440 reviews

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Little Oak Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

423-735-1500

Go if

You want lake access, clean facilities, and fall foliage near Bristol without breaking the bank.

Skip if

You need 24-hour gate access or prefer campgrounds with consistently enforced quiet policies.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.4

(119)

Little Oak Campground

Camp Tom Howard Rd, Sullivan County, Tennessee, USA

Little Oak Campground sits on a peninsula jutting into South Holston Lake in Cherokee National Forest, where water wraps around the landscape in multiple directions. The campground has 70 sites spread across five loops (Lone Pine, Big Oak, Hemlock, and two Poplar loops), most near or adjacent to the lake. Fees run $10-12 per night. Reviews praise the lake views and peaceful atmosphere, though some visitors report inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours and occasional maintenance issues.

Little Oak Campground

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Quick Facts

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Best Time to Camp at Little Oak Campground

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About Little Oak Campground

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Amenities available

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How campers graded it

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Ask Camp Sage about Little Oak Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Little Oak Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

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Need help booking Little Oak Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Little Oak Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews