How much does camping cost at Little Oak Campground?

Camping fees at Little Oak Campground range from $10-$12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Little Oak Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Little Oak 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 Little Oak Campground?

Little Oak Campground is open Late April through mid-October.. 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 Little Oak Campground?

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

How many campsites does Little Oak Campground have?

Little Oak Campground has 70 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Little Oak Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Little Oak 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 Little Oak Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Little Oak Campground?

Popular activities at Little Oak Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Little Oak Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Little Oak Campground?

Fire policies at Little Oak Campground: Campfires are permitted but restricted to burning local wood only; plastic and non-wood products are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.44

119 reviews

Camp Tom Howard Rd, Sullivan County, Tennessee, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Tennessee Hidden Gem Campgrounds Tennessee Family-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee +2 more

Quick Facts

1,760 ft

Price

$10 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

4/6/26 - 11/2/26

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,760 ft

Price

$10 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

4/6/26 - 11/2/26

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Little Oak Campground

$10.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak Season (April 28 - October 13): Single Site: $12 per night Non-Peak Season (October 14 - November 02): Single Site: $10 per night Camping is $12...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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USFS

Provider

423-735-1547

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Camp Tom Howard Rd, Sullivan County, Tennessee, USA

Little Oak Campground

Camp Tom Howard Rd, Sullivan County, Tennessee, USA

Nearby places

Bristol, TN: Approximately 12.5 miles, 25 minutes of travel time.

Nearby supplies

Nearest grocery and gas station: Bristol, TN, approximately 12.5 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Bristol, TN, take US Rt. 421 east 12.5 miles to Little Oak Recreation Area sign (Camp Tom Howard Rd.). Turn right onto Camp Tom Howard Rd. and go 6.6 miles to Little Oak campground sign. Continue straight past the sign onto Forest Rt. 87G for 1.6 miles into the campground.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, including Camp Tom Howard Road and Forest Road #87, but requires navigating twisty and somewhat narrow roads, especially for trailers. Forest Road #87G leads directly to the campground.

Weather at Little Oak Campground

Best Time to Camp at Little Oak Campground

Fall delivers the campground's best conditions: daytime temperatures typically 55-70°F, nights 35-50°F, with peak hardwood color hitting mid-October. The maples, oaks, and hickories turn along the ridges and lakefront. Boating and fishing remain strong through early November, with fewer boat crowds than summer. Expect moderate visitation, busy on fall color weekends but quieter midweek. Summer brings long warm days for lake activities. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms. Winter can dip below freezing with occasional snow. The region gets characteristic afternoon showers year-round.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Identified as best season: daytime temps 55–70°F and peak hardwood color in mid-October; many positive fall reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late April through mid-October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: 4/6/26 - 11/2/26

About Little Oak Campground

Little Oak Campground sits on a peninsula jutting into South Holston Lake in Cherokee National Forest, where water wraps around the landscape in multiple directions. The campground has 70 sites spread across five loops (Lone Pine, Big Oak, Hemlock, and two Poplar loops), most near or adjacent to the lake. Fees run $10-12 per night. Reviews praise the lake views and peaceful atmosphere, though some visitors report inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours and occasional maintenance issues.

Little Oak Campground primarily caters to tent camping, with universally accessible sites offering lake views or direct access. RV camping is limited by the inoperable dump station and lack of hookups.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the campground's best conditions: daytime temperatures typically 55-70°F, nights 35-50°F, with peak hardwood color hitting mid-October. The maples, oaks, and hickories turn along the ridges and lakefront. Boating and fishing remain strong through early November, with fewer boat crowds than summer. Expect moderate visitation, busy on fall color weekends but quieter midweek. Summer brings long warm days for lake activities. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms. Winter can dip below freezing with occasional snow. The region gets characteristic afternoon showers year-round.

ElevationPerched at 1,760 feet above sea level, Little Oak Campground offers a refreshing mountain climate where summer heat gives way to cool evening breezes and morning mists rise mysteriously from the lake. This elevated position gifts visitors with sweeping mountain vistas that stretch across the horizon, while the altitude provides a natural respite from valley heat. Here, the air feels cleaner, the stars shine brighter, and the gentle mountain atmosphere creates the perfect setting for restorative outdoor adventures.

Natural Features and SceneryThe peninsula location creates water views from multiple angles, with cooling lake breezes filtering through the surrounding hardwood forest. Oak, hickory, and maple trees provide the canopy, while the mountainous terrain forms ridges and valleys that shift with the light throughout the day. The campground sits at 1,760 feet elevation. Wildlife appears frequently enough that the area has been designated a Watchable Wildlife Area. Reviewers mention deer at dawn, wild turkeys moving through sites, and herons fishing the shoreline. Two interpretive trails wind through the forest. The lake itself changes character throughout the day, from mirror-calm mornings to afternoon breezes.

Geological RegionThe campground claims a privileged position on a peninsula jutting into the eastern shore of South Holston Lake, where the ancient Appalachian landscape meets modern recreation. This unique geography creates an almost island-like experience, with water views in multiple directions and cooling lake breezes from every angle. The surrounding Cherokee National Forest showcases the region's characteristic mixed hardwood ecosystem, where oak, hickory, and maple trees thrive in the rich mountain soil. The mountainous terrain provides a dramatic backdrop, with ridges and valleys creating ever-changing plays of light and shadow across the landscape. This convergence of lake, forest, and mountain defines not just the scenery but the very soul of the camping experience at Little Oak.

Scenic ViewsLakefront views are available from most campsites, providing serene vistas and direct water access.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or cabins are reported in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 7:00 AM.

Check-out

Must vacate by 10:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 5 guests per site.

Groups

Group site features are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative content or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe five loops spread across the peninsula with most sites near or adjacent to the lake. Reviewers note ample spacing between sites and describe them as spacious. Semi-privacy is the standard, with sufficient distance between neighbors to maintain tranquility.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come, first-served, but this availability can vary, and reservations via Recreation.gov are recommended.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through Recreation.gov, and specific policies for penalties are available on the platform.

AccessibilityThe campground features universally accessible sites, and its location on a peninsula provides easy access to trails and lake views. Accessibility for toilets and showers, however, has not been specified.

Site SizeCampsites are described as ample and spacious by user reviews.

PrivacySites offer semi-privacy; users report that neighboring campsites are sufficiently spaced to ensure tranquility.

Total Campsites70 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lakefront sites for direct water access and serene views.

Best CampsitesSites adjacent to South Holston Lake get the most praise in reviews for their convenience and views. Reviewers describe spots as 'spectacular' and semi-private. The campground operates first-come, first-served, so arriving early matters for securing waterfront sites.

Need help booking Little Oak Campground?

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When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Gates are open at 7am and closed at 10pm. Guests are asked to leave the area before the gates are closed for the evening.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Little Oak Campground offers a range of activities centered around its location adjacent to South Holston Lake. Notable options include fishing, boating, and hiking trails. Wildlife viewing is emphasized due to the area's designation as a 'Watchable Wildlife Area.' However, swimming is specifically prohibited.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity requires adherence to strict food storage rules. Narrow and twisty roads can be challenging for large RVs or trailers.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are not provided, but strict food storage rules apply.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted but restricted to burning local wood only; plastic and non-wood products are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced after 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital: Bristol Regional Medical Center, approximately 20 miles away. Ranger station: Cherokee National Forest ranger station, contact: 423-735-1547.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, but recycling options are not detailed in the provided sources.

Water FeaturesLocated on South Holston Lake, the campground offers direct lake access, a concrete boat ramp, and opportunities for fishing, sailing, and motorized boating.

Camp HostMixed reviews from visitors regarding host behavior, professionalism, and helpfulness.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews, leaving coverage uncertain.

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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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

119 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews are mixed, with general praise for the campground's peaceful atmosphere, lake views, and wildlife. Negative comments target the hosts' behavior, maintenance issues, and restrictive rules.

Review Summaries

Based on 119 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include 'spectacular' semi-private spots, clean bathrooms and showers, helpful camp hosts, beautiful lake views, and ample space between campsites.

Based on 119 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include unprofessional behavior by hosts, lack of site availability due to reservation inconsistencies, poor bathroom and shower maintenance, and too many restrictive rules.

Based on 119 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Many users praise lakeside sites for their convenient access to boating and fishing, while complaints target inconsistent reservations for first-come, first-served sites.

Based on 119 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User tips include arriving early for first-come, first-served sites, bringing extra supplies due to the drive to nearby stores, and being respectful of quiet hours.

Based on 119 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews emphasize beautiful foliage during fall, while complaints mention closed facilities and disrespectful neighbors. Summer reviews highlight the availability of boating and fishing.

Based on 119 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground on a beautiful lake.' - Angie Pangie 2. 'Went back camping and it was spectacular, semi-private spots, great walking trails.' - Jessica 3. 'Nice showers and bathrooms, almost...

Based on 119 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are noted for universally accessible campsites, but reviews do not detail experiences for users with disabilities.

Based on 119 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on a maximum 6 ft. leash, and user reviews mention positive interactions with camp hosts who provide dog treats.

Based on 119 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers and paddlers who want direct boat ramp access and lakefront sites. Fall is the sweet spot: 55-70°F days, peak hardwood color by mid-October, fewer boats than summer, and the best seasonal scores on offer.

Skip if

Families counting on swimming will be turned away at the water's edge, it's prohibited. Large RVs will struggle on narrow, twisting approach roads with no hookups waiting at the end. Host behavior gets enough negative reviews to be a real wildcard.

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Campgrounds

Cherokee National Forest

Little Oak Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Little Oak Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Looking to camp near a large lake? Try Little Oak Recreation Area, located on a peninsula along the eastern shore of South Holston Lake in Sullivan County. In this campground, most of the 68 universally-accessible sites have lake views and many have direct access. Little Oak is a designated Watchable Wildlife Area with two interpretive trails. A concrete boat ramp provides a popular launch site into South Holston Lake, and is for use by registered campers and their guests only. Many of the campsites are reservable by going to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/little-oak-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=122240">Recreation.gov</a> or by calling 1-877-444-6777 for your convenience.  <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd876961.pdf">Little Oak Campground Map</a>

About the campground

The elevation is 1,760 ft. The campground is composed of five loops - Lone Pine, Big Oak, Hemlock and two separate loops with the same name of Poplar. Most sites overlook or are adjacent to South Holston Lake; boats can be moored near some sites. There is a fish-cleaning hut located at the boat ramp. Cherokee National Forest 114

Seasons & access

Big Oak and Lone Pine loops: Open April 6 through October 31 Hemlock and Popular loops: Open May 18 through September 18

Facilities

Water system inoperable at time of visit - bathhouses closed, but Porta-A- Potties provided.

Water activities

South Holston Lake is 7,580 acres.

RV information

Parking aprons are gravel. Because water system was inoperable, RV waste station was closed at time of visit.

Directions

From Bristol, TN, take US Rt. 421 east 12.5 miles to Little Oak Recreation Area sign (Camp Tom Howard Rd.). Turn right onto Camp Tom Howard Rd. and go 6.6 miles to Little Oak campground sign. Continue straight past sign onto Forest Rt. 87G for 1.6 miles into campground.

National Forest: Cherokee National Forest
Ranger District: Watauga
Elevation: 1760
Rate: $12 per day - April 17 thru November 2 $10 per day - March 25 thru April 17 and November 2 thru December 7
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: 4/1/2024 – 11/4/2024