How much does camping cost at Jacobs Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Jacobs Creek Campground are $12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Jacobs Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Jacobs Creek 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 Jacobs Creek Campground?

Jacobs Creek Campground is open April 27 to October 12. 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 Jacobs Creek Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Jacobs Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Jacobs Creek 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.

How many campsites does Jacobs Creek Campground have?

Jacobs Creek Campground has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Jacobs Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Jacobs Creek 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 Jacobs Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Jacobs Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Jacobs Creek Campground include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

4.44

112 reviews

300 Jacob's Creek Rd

Top 15% in TNSummer

BReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Tennessee Boating Camping Tennessee Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee

Quick Facts

1,730 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,730 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

$12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric Single Site: $12.00; Tent Only Nonelectric Single Site: $12.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

423-735-1500

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Campground Map

300 Jacob's Creek Rd

Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

300 Jacob's Creek Rd

Nearby places

Bristol, Tennessee (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes). Damascus, Virginia (35 minutes). Backbone Rock Recreation Area (30 minutes).

Weather at Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

Current alerts(11)

CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
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.
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 Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest advantage: warm, sunny days (typical highs ~75–90°F, nighttime lows ~50–60°F) and reliably pleasant evenings for campfires and stargazing. Water recreation — boating, swimming, and lake fishing for bass and panfish — is at its peak and all campground facilities and boat ramps are open. Expect higher weekend crowds and busy boat traffic on holiday weekends, so reserve waterfront sites early or plan weekday visits for a quieter experience. Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in TN

Best season for lake activities; peak season with warm days and lively recreation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 27 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is from April 28, 2025, to October 13, 2025.

About Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

Jacobs Creek Campground sits in the Cherokee National Forest foothills near Bristol, Tennessee, offering budget-friendly lakeside camping with boat access. Operated by the Forest Service, this small seasonal campground provides tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush and vault toilets, showers, and potable water. Visitors come for boating, fishing, and quiet summer evenings by the water.

Jacobs Creek Campground offers standard nonelectric campsites, tent-only sites, and a mix of sites suitable for travel trailers. The campsites are non-electric and do not provide water or sewer hookups. Some sites are set along the waterfront for direct lake access.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest advantage: warm, sunny days (typical highs ~75–90°F, nighttime lows ~50–60°F) and reliably pleasant evenings for campfires and stargazing. Water recreation — boating, swimming, and lake fishing for bass and panfish — is at its peak and all campground facilities and boat ramps are open. Expect higher weekend crowds and busy boat traffic on holiday weekends, so reserve waterfront sites early or plan weekday visits for a quieter experience. Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1730 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks South Holston Lake, a 7,580-acre TVA reservoir. Holston Mountain and Iron Mountain frame the lake, their forested ridges providing black bear habitat. Mornings bring mist off the water. Deer and wild turkeys move through camp regularly. The lake's coves and fingers create sheltered water worth exploring by boat. Native wildflowers appear seasonally along the forest floor, though specific species aren't documented in reviews.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at Jacobs Creek Campground. The accommodations are restricted to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, drinking water, flush toilets, and showers are available. No specific details on ADA compliance were reported for the beach area, though one reviewer noted the beach is not handicapped accessible.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating both tents and travel trailers. Several sites are spacious with level tent pads, such as site #9.

PrivacyCampsites near the lake have varying levels of privacy, with some shielded by trees and others more open.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesFor waterfront views, choose sites close to South Holston Lake like #22. Families may prefer spacious sites like #9 for tent setups. Visitors seeking privacy should consider sites with more forestry around them.

Best CampsitesSite 9 has space and a level tent pad. Site 22 gets waterfront views and lake access. Site 11 sits close to South Holston Lake. Lakefront sites need early reservations in summer.

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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

Jacobs Creek Campground is situated along the South Holston Lake, featuring 27 campsites (23 reservable) and three loops with a variety of site types, some along the water and others set back. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts. "The camp was clean and very well cared for," and "bathrooms were cleaned daily and restocked with toilet paper and soap," according to user reviews. There is a showerhouse near site 19, but its roof was damaged by Hurricane Helene and remains under repair. Drinking water is accessible via spigots across the campground. A day-use area with a designated beach and picnic tables is adjacent to the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

The campground offers an array of recreational activities including fishing, swimming, boating, biking, and wildlife viewing. There is a day-use area adjacent to the campground with a designated beach for swimming. The pristine lake and surrounding Cherokee National Forest provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Swimming4.0/5

Day-use area features a designated beach; water described as clear.

Boating4.0/5

Boating is popular; boat launch a few miles down Hwy 421 and boat access from the lake.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Deer, wild turkeys regularly seen; forested ridges are black bear habitat.

Water Sports4.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Seasonal notes mention pleasant evenings for stargazing in this rural lakeside setting.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

112 reviews

Recommended

Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Jacobs Creek Campground receives highly positive reviews for its cleanliness, scenic views, and friendly hosts. The campground is especially popular among families and pet owners.

Review Summaries

Based on 112 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 112 reviews.

Site #9 (Loop A)Loved
Site #9 (Loop A) is noted for being spacious with a level tent pad.
Site #22 (Loop C)Mentioned
Site #22 (Loop C) is highly recommended for its lake views.
Site #19 (Loop C)Issues noted
Site #19 (Loop C) is frequently praised for its proximity to the water but had some complaints about noise.

What Campers Love

Users praised the cleanliness of the bathroom and shower facilities, the well-maintained campsites, and the helpful, friendly campground hosts. Many reviewers also mentioned the beauty and...

Based on 112 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned issues with certain campground hosts being rude or overly strict about rules. Others raised concerns about noise from other campers, lack of accessibility at the beach, and...

Based on 112 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own shade or umbrella for the beach area as it lacks natural cover. Book lakefront sites early. Educate yourself on using vault toilets to minimize odors. Keep an eye out for chiggers near...

Based on 112 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground tends to be most popular during summer months when lake activities like swimming and boating are in high demand. However, some users noted it can get crowded, and lakefront sites are...

Based on 112 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms were cleaned daily and restocked with toilet paper and soap." "There’s a nice bathroom facility + showers…our site right by the water was like our own little beach." "The camp hosts...

Based on 112 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer noted, "The beach area isn’t handicapped accessible at all," suggesting the need for improved accessibility for water entry.

Based on 112 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, and dogs are allowed to swim outside the swim buoys. All pets must be kept on a leash.

Based on 112 reviews

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Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

$12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric Single Site: $12.00; Tent Only Nonelectric Single Site: $12.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

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 affordable lakeside camping with boat access and appreciate a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere.

Skip if

You need abundant shower facilities or prefer campgrounds with flexible noise policies.

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Jacobs Creek Recreation Area

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area, Tennessee

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area occupies a peninsula on South Holston Lake's eastern shore in Cherokee National Forest. The 27 sites are primitive and tent-friendly, running $12 per night with flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. The setting is scenic but open. Expect lake views with close neighbors.

Jacobs Creek Campground (Tn)

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