How much does camping cost at Donley Cabin?

Camping fees at Donley Cabin range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Donley Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Donley Cabin 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 Donley Cabin before I book?

Yes! Donley Cabin has 7 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 Donley Cabin?

Donley Cabin is open The cabin is listed as closed due to lack of a bridge for access.. 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 Donley Cabin?

Donley Cabin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Donley Cabin?

Fire policies at Donley Cabin: 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. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Donley Cabin have?

Donley Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Donley Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Donley Cabin?

Donley Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Donley Cabin?

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

Donley Cabin

1 review

250 Ranger Station Road

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Tennessee

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The cabin is listed ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on US Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The cabin is listed ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on US Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Donley Cabin

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(423) 253-8400

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

250 Ranger Station Road

Donley Cabin

250 Ranger Station Road

Nearby places

Tellico Plains (approximately 5 miles by road).

Weather at Donley Cabin

Current alerts(8)

Be Bear Wise: Never leave food out on tables or in the open. Store unattended food in bear-resistant containers, in a vehicle in solid non-pliable material, or suspend food at least ten feet off the ground.
Guest must bring trash bags and pack out all garbage
Guests must bring their own food and water
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more

Best Time to Camp at Donley Cabin

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking reasons to visit: crisp, clear days and peak hardwood color (typically mid-October to early November at 2,000 ft) with daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Hiking, wildlife viewing and photography are at their peak as leaves glow and visibility through the forest improves; trout fishing is excellent on cooler, clearer waters. Expect moderate weekend crowds on popular trails but far fewer people than lower-elevation tourist hotspots —  Peak months: October, November, September, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Mid‑Oct to early Nov peak hardwood color; fall highlighted as clearest case for visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The cabin is listed as closed due to lack of a bridge for access.

About Donley Cabin

Donley Cabin sits in the Cherokee National Forest foothills near Tellico Plains, operated by the US Forest Service. This rustic rental offers a serene base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in hardwood forest that peaks with color in mid-October. The cabin suits groups or couples seeking a primitive experience with vault toilets and fire rings but no modern conveniences.

Donley Cabin is a unique camping experience offering historic and primitive lodging within the Cherokee National Forest.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking reasons to visit: crisp, clear days and peak hardwood color (typically mid-October to early November at 2,000 ft) with daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Hiking, wildlife viewing and photography are at their peak as leaves glow and visibility through the forest improves; trout fishing is excellent on cooler, clearer waters. Expect moderate weekend crowds on popular trails but far fewer people than lower-elevation tourist hotspots —  Peak months: October, November, September, May

Elevation2000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin rests in the Tellico River watershed, where three rivers converge and dense Appalachian hardwoods blanket the rolling terrain. Tributaries tumble down the mountainsides, creating waterfalls throughout the area. Deer, wild turkeys, and barred owls inhabit the surrounding forest. In autumn, the hardwoods turn crimson and gold, typically peaking mid-October to early November at this elevation.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin is a primitive lodging option with a full-size metal bed and two bunk beds, accommodating up to six people. It does not include mattresses. "Guests must bring their own bedding."

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 3 nights during a single visit, and up to 13 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 guests accommodated by the cabin.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe cabin is accessible only by walking a quarter-mile along a slight grade and over a bridge. "Guests must walk a quarter-mile from the parking area" and carry all equipment to the cabin.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to six people, with limited space for personal belongings.

PrivacyUser reviews describe the cabin as "pretty secluded," though the hiking path near the yard may bring occasional visitors.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for visitors looking to explore primitive and historic locations. Access requires physical effort due to the quarter-mile trail.

Best CampsitesThe cabin is the only option. Reviews describe it as pretty secluded, though the hiking path runs near the yard and may bring occasional foot traffic. Six people fit inside, with limited space for personal belongings.

Need help booking Donley Cabin?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Donley Cabin offers primitive amenities in a historic setting, reflecting its rustic nature and historical significance. "Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning purposes, as well as lanterns or flashlights, bedding, towels, cooking and eating gear, food, garbage bags, toilet paper, and other necessities." Additionally, firewood that is "dead and down may be obtained from the surrounding forest." The cabin does not have electricity, running water, or locks on the door. Facilities include an outhouse with a vault toilet, a campfire ring, and a grill outside, as well as a rustic fireplace, kitchen table, and rocking chairs inside. User reviews mention the hike to the cabin isn't difficult and highlight its seclusion, though visitors might occasionally pass by the hiking trail near the yard.

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Activities include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. "There are hiking trails and fishing streams in close proximity to the cabin." Hunting is also popular from September to December. The nearby Sycamore Creek Trail and Big Cove Branch offer trout fishing and scenic waterfalls. The cabin's elevation and surrounding rivers provide opportunities for exploration and nature-based activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The cabin provides an outhouse with a vault toilet.

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.

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

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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

0.0

1 reviews

Limited Reviews

Donley Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the cabin for its secluded and peaceful atmosphere, as well as its historical charm. Common appreciation revolves around the quiet environment and opportunities for family and group visits.

Review Summaries

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the cabin's beauty and serenity, with comments such as "So beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend it." Another reviewer noted, "We've gone as a couple, hosted kids, and brought...

Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are generally absent in the reviews provided. No negative feedback related to the cabin's amenities or management was noted.

Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users did not provide specific feedback on individual components of the cabin (e.g., beds or fireplace).

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing necessary supplies, including bedding, flashlights, and water. "The hike in isn't so bad" according to one review, even under less-than-ideal physical conditions.

Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Autumn is highlighted for its stunning fall foliage and tranquil atmosphere. Hunting activity from September to December may affect the level of privacy.

Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"So beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend it. Can't wait to go back." "The hike in isn't so bad, if I could do it."

Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges include the quarter-mile hike to the cabin that requires visitors to carry their gear. "Guests must walk a quarter-mile from the parking area."

Based on 1 reviews