Little Oak Campground

Star4.51
440 reviews
4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, Tennessee 37692, United States
Family FriendlySummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,814 ft

Price

$10 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Open from April to N...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Cherokee National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Little Oak Campground
$10.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric sites range from $10.00 (non-peak season) to $12.00 (peak season) per night. Reservation fees vary depending on booking method...
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Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
423-735-1500
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What Campers Say

4.51

Top-Rated

Based on 440 reviews

94 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsspacious

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, Tennessee 37692, United States

Little Oak Campground

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, Tennessee 37692, United States

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Little Oak Campground is only accessible via paved Camp Tom Howard Rd off Hwy 421. The gravel road past the campground is closed due to road construction.
Nearby places
Bristol, Tennessee: 30 minutes
Backbone Rock Recreation Area: 30 minutes
Jacobs Creek Campground: 25 minutes
Damascus, Virginia: 35 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries and fuel can be found near Bristol, approximately 30 minutes away. There is also a marina across the lake for boat-related needs, but no camp store is present at Little Oak.

Best Time to Camp at Little Oak Campground

Experience the gentle rhythms of the seasons at Little Oak, where spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and perfect hiking temperatures, and fall paints the mountainsides in brilliant golds and crimsons. Summer brings warm, lazy days ideal for swimming and boating on the lake, while winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland. Plan your visit according to seasonal access, as winter weather may affect campground availability.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open and busy in summer (peak season); noise and generator complaints increase then.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in TN

Fall offers quieter visits and strong scenic color displays; reviewers favor fall for peace and views.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and pleasant hiking temps; reviewers note strong spring experience.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (open April–November).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 28, 2025 - October 13, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April to November annually. Reservations are available starting in late June each year.
  • Current Alerts: Gravel roads beyond the campground are closed due to construction.

About Little Oak Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of South Holston Lake, Little Oak Campground invites you to experience the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. With 69 thoughtfully designed, universally accessible campsites spread across four scenic loops, this family-friendly retreat ensures everyone can enjoy the great outdoors. Each site offers easy access to modern amenities including vault toilets and an accessible shower house, while the exclusive camper-only boat launch puts you just moments away from adventure on the water. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring nearby trails, or simply watching wildlife from your campsite, Little Oak provides an alcohol-free environment where families can create lasting memories together.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Between 2 PM and 10 PM EST.
Check-out
11 AM EST
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights allowed.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingNearby trails offer opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. Reviewers have praised the scenic beauty of the trails but noted that the terrain can be hilly.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with South Holston Lake providing opportunities for catching various fish species. Some campsites allow easy shoreline access for fishing.
SwimmingThere is a grassy area by the lake that is popular for swimming. However, no officially designated swimming area is mentioned.
BikingCampers frequently enjoy biking along the paved roads connecting the camping loops. The terrain is generally suitable for both adults and children.
BoatingA concrete boat launch is available for campers, and the lake is suitable for kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports. Campers often tie their boats near their campsites.
Wildlife viewingGuests have reported sightings of deer, turkey, and wildflowers. Black bears are also present in the area, requiring campers to follow strict food storage guidelines.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include black bears, raccoons, and skunks. Campsites near the lake may have cliffs or drop-offs. Poisonous spiders like black widows have been reported.
Active AlertsGravel roads beyond the campground are closed due to construction.
Food Storage RequiredNo individual lockers; campers must use bear-proof dumpsters for trash.

Weather at Little Oak Campground

Reviews

4.5
440 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Little Oak Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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...
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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

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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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