How much does camping cost at Old Forge Campground?

Camping fees at Old Forge Campground range from $7/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Old Forge Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Old Forge 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.

What is the best time to visit Old Forge Campground?

Old Forge Campground is open March 15 to October 26. 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 Old Forge Campground?

Old Forge Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Old Forge Campground have?

Old Forge Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Old Forge Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Old Forge Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Old Forge Campground?

Old Forge Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Old Forge Campground

4.33

22 reviews

Top 19%Summer

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Camping Near Asheville#2

Quick Facts

1,919 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

october 2025

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on cherokee national forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,919 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

october 2025

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on cherokee national forest Official Website

Get Directions

Old Forge Campground

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $7.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Old Forge Campground

36.0911, -82.6819

Nearby places

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Weather at Old Forge Campground

Best Time to Camp at Old Forge Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for hiking and stream swimming — expect daytime highs around 75–85°F (24–29°C) with cool nights in the mid-50s to low-60s. Trails are fully clear, forest canopy provides shade for long day hikes, and shallow mountain pools and streams are most swimmable then. Because Old Forge is remote, you’ll enjoy solitude even in summer, though weekends see more local day-use visitors on popular trailheads. Peak months: July, June, August, October

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in US

Best season noted as summer; warm weather and swimming/wading make it most appealing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 15 to October 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: october 2025

About Old Forge Campground

Old Forge Campground sits in the Cherokee National Forest foothills with direct access to a mountain stream. This small, Forest Service-run site offers primitive tent camping with vault toilets in a quiet, wooded setting. Visitors come for stream wading, forest hikes, and solitude away from developed recreation areas.

Old Forge Campground is a primitive, tent-only facility with no RV or group camping options. It is ideal for campers seeking a rustic and quiet environment.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for hiking and stream swimming — expect daytime highs around 75–85°F (24–29°C) with cool nights in the mid-50s to low-60s. Trails are fully clear, forest canopy provides shade for long day hikes, and shallow mountain pools and streams are most swimmable then. Because Old Forge is remote, you’ll enjoy solitude even in summer, though weekends see more local day-use visitors on popular trailheads. Peak months: July, June, August, October

Elevation1919 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests at 1,919 feet in the Southern Appalachians, surrounded by hardwood forest and perched atop ancient rock formations millions of years old. A mountain stream runs near the sites, creating shallow pools for swimming in warmer months. Dense canopy provides shade, and the remote location means few artificial light sources at night. Black bears are active in the area.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo cabins, lodges, or other hotel-style accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation Platformsnull

Site SizeThe campground is small, with only about 10 to 12 campsites according to user reviews. Sites are walk-in tent sites.

PrivacyThe sites are described as generally quiet and secluded, especially on weekdays. Some privacy is afforded by the forested surroundings.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Best Campsitesnull

Need help booking Old Forge Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Old Forge Campground offers a secluded and affordable camping experience in the Cherokee National Forest. It is situated in a remote area, surrounded by forested mountains. The campground features walk-in tent sites and is well-maintained, with basic amenities for campers seeking a rustic getaway. Notable features include a brisk mountain stream and a swimming or wading hole popular during warmer months.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Old Forge Campground offers a range of outdoor activities suited to its remote, natural setting. Campers can enjoy hiking, water-based recreation, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to a mountain stream enhances the experience, providing both a recreational and aesthetic appeal.

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThere is no electricity, not even a light over the vault toilet. Reviewers have noted the presence of basic bathroom facilities.

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).

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

22 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews for Old Forge Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an emphasis on its secluded, peaceful atmosphere and affordability. Many highlight the pristine natural surroundings, although the remote location and lack of amenities are noted as potential drawbacks for some.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the campground's quiet setting, affordability ($7 per night), and proximity to a mountain stream. Comments like 'Absolutely love it here,' and 'Well maintained with a bathroom' are...

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users point out the lack of electricity, difficult access via a single-lane dirt road, and spotty cellular service. One user mentioned, 'No electricity (not even a light over the vault toilet),'...

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not individually reviewed, but the campground generally has 10 to 12 sites. Visitors note the sites are well-maintained.

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend camping on weekdays to enjoy a quieter experience, as weekends can attract more locals. They also stress the importance of proper food storage due to black bears in the area.

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter during weekdays and in the late fall, as noted in user reviews. Warmer months see increased activity in the swimming hole.

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'There’s only about a dozen sites, you’re in a remote, forested part of the mountains, and it’s three miles down a single-lane dirt road to get to the nearest house.' 2. 'Tents only and a price...

Based on 22 reviews