Jacobs Creek Recreation Area

Star4.39
44 reviews
Jacobs Creek Recreation Area, Tennessee
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,780 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Watauga Ranger District site

Official Website
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Jacobs Creek Recreation Area
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is $12 per site. Day use fees are $2 per vehicle per day, or a Cherokee National Forest Pass for $30 per year.
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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USFS
Provider
423-735-1547
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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 44 reviews

244 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersfriendly

Some mention

small

"User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness, scenic location by South Holston Lake, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, criticisms include the behavior of boaters near the swimming area and occasional overcrowding."

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Campground Map

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area, Tennessee

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area, Tennessee

Driving directionsFrom Bristol, take US Rt. 421 east 12.5 miles to Jacobs Creek Recreation Area sign (Denton Valley Rd.). Turn left onto Denton Valley Rd. and go 1.6 miles to another Jacobs Creek Recreation Area sign (Jacobs Creek Rd.). Bear left onto Jacobs Creek Rd. and go 0.9 miles to the campground.
The road leading to the campground transitions from paved to gravel at the entrance. There may be navigation challenges due to seasonal closures or terrain changes for gravel roads.
Nearby places
Bristol is approximately 12 miles northeast of the campground.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are not explicitly mentioned, but access points for boating and other services are nearby.

Best Time to Camp at Jacobs Creek Recreation Area

Experience the magic of four distinct seasons at Jacobs Creek, where warm summer days invite endless water activities and cozy campfire nights. Spring brings wildflower blooms and perfect hiking weather, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with occasional snowfall creating picture-perfect scenes, though visitors should come prepared for crisp mountain temperatures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in TN

Open and busiest May–Sep; swimming, boating and peak-season activities make summer best.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.0 / 5

Campground closes Sep 18, so fall camping is limited and not a main season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 18; late spring offers good weather and wildflowers but season access is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed through winter months; no winter services or access reported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season aligns with the campground's open dates, from May 18 to September 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 18 through September 18.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is currently closed due to extensive damage from Hurricane Helene, including destruction of bathroom facilities. Repairs are planned, and the projected reopening is July 31, 2025.

About Jacobs Creek Recreation Area

Escape to Jacobs Creek Recreation Area, where 27 pristine campsites await on a stunning peninsula embraced by the sparkling waters of South Holston Lake. This hidden gem offers the perfect blend of modern convenience and natural beauty, with a well-maintained dump station, meandering lakeside trail, and inviting day-use areas featuring expansive grassy picnic grounds. Cool off at the designated swimming area where crystal-clear waters beckon on warm summer days.
The campground accommodates basic tent camping with no electricity or water hookups. There are 27 single-unit campsites, with no separate RV or group sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 7 AM.
Check-out
Check-out deadline is 10 PM.
Stay Limit
Stay is limited to 14 days maximum.

Amenities available

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

Activities you can enjoy

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area offers activities such as fishing, non-motorized boating, picnicking, and swimming. Its proximity to South Holston Lake enhances water-related activities.
HikingJacobs Trail, a 0.3-mile trail suitable for both foot traffic and biking, is available for use.
FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, with species like small and largemouth bass, lake trout, crappie, and bluegill in South Holston Lake.
SwimmingA designated swim site is located in the day-use area. Reviews highlight the large grassy beach area near the water.
BikingThe 0.3-mile Jacobs Trail also accommodates biking.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed. A nearby boat ramp managed by TWRA provides easy access.
Wildlife viewingOne reviewer mentioned spotting a bear, suggesting opportunities for wildlife viewing.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPossible hazards include bears, as reported by one reviewer: 'I even seen a bear campground nice.'
Active AlertsThe campground is currently closed due to extensive damage from Hurricane Helene, including destruction of bathroom facilities. Repairs are planned, and the projected reopening is July 31, 2025.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are required for compliance with Cherokee National Forest Food Storage requirements, but the number and locations are unspecified.

Weather at Jacobs Creek Recreation Area

Reviews

4.4
44 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Jacobs Creek Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness, scenic location by South Holston Lake, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, criticisms include the behavior of boaters near the swimming area and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

"Bathrooms are nice and clean with warm showers." "The sunsets are amazing." "Great for families and fishing." "Very friendly hosts."
Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with noisy and inconsiderate boaters near swimming areas, occasional overcrowding, and damaged bathroom facilities from the hurricane.
Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Consider bringing your own firewood as availability is unclear. Access to the campground is on a gravel road, so drive carefully. Adhere to food storage rules due to bear activity.
Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight summer as the most popular season due to swimming and lake activities. Fall camping is limited due to seasonal closures.
Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The absolute best place to camp! Eddie and Brenda are the most friendly hosts!" "The park was great, but the boaters made it bad." "The bathrooms are neat and clean. Nice time!" "The camping appears...
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Based on 44 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the lake are frequently praised for their views and convenience. Specific sites (e.g., near bathrooms) receive occasional mentions but no detailed evaluations.
Based on 44 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 44 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leashes, and several reviews mention bringing dogs. Compliance with leash rules is enforced.
Based on 44 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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