Lost Corral Horse Camp

Hickey Gap Campground, near Mill Creek, Crandall, GA

Tucked away in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Hickey Gap Campground offers an intimate escape where the gentle murmur of Mill Creek sets the soundtrack for your wilderness retreat. This hidden gem features five thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with everything you need for a perfect night under the stars: sturdy tent pads, welcoming fire rings for evening storytelling, and picnic tables for memorable outdoor meals. Best of all, this pristine slice of nature comes without a price tag – camping here is completely free, with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who seek authentic outdoor experiences.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Tucked away where the pristine waters of the Conasauga River wind along the Tennessee-Georgia border, this secluded campground offers an authentic wilderness escape that feels worlds away from civilization. Whether you're settling in for a peaceful riverside camping experience or using the convenient day-use parking to explore the surrounding trail network, you'll discover why outdoor enthusiasts consider this riverside retreat one of the region's best-kept secrets.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Tucked into the scenic Alaculsy Valley along the Conasauga River, Cottonwood Patch Campground offers eight secluded sites behind a peaceful gated entrance in the heart of the Cohutta Mountains. While designed with equestrians in mind—complete with trailer spurs, hitching rails, and water troughs—this campground welcomes all adventurers seeking a gateway to wilderness exploration, maintained through a unique partnership between Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia and the U.S. Forest Service.

Cherokee National Forest

Nestled alongside the gentle waters of Tumbling Creek, this intimate 8-site campground offers a perfect escape from the hustle of modern life. Here, where the creek whispers its ancient song and Ocoee #3 Lake shimmers through the trees, visitors discover the kind of profound tranquility that only comes from immersing oneself in untouched wilderness. This hidden gem attracts those who prefer the company of birdsong to crowds, making it an ideal basecamp for adventurers seeking authentic outdoor experiences.

3171 Hwy 64, Benton, TN, 37307, USA

Tucked along the rushing waters of the Ocoee River, Thunder Rock Campground offers an intimate escape into Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest. This beloved riverside retreat welcomes adventurers with thoughtfully spaced sites beneath a canopy of ancient hardwoods, accommodating everything from backpacking tents to compact RVs under 20 feet. With one electric hookup site and a spacious group camping area, Thunder Rock has become a cherished basecamp for whitewater enthusiasts and trail explorers who return season after season to experience the raw beauty of the Southern Appalachians.

3171 Highway 64 East

Tucked away in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, Parksville Lake RV Campground offers an intimate escape where the gentle babble of a creek provides the soundtrack to your stay. This cozy, tree-canopied haven welcomes RV enthusiasts with thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with electrical hookups and complemented by picnic tables, grills, and traditional lantern poles that evoke the classic camping experience. While you'll need to fill your water tanks before arrival, the central bathhouse ensures modern comfort meets rustic charm in this peaceful forest retreat.

3171 Highway 64 East, Benton, TN, 37307, USA

Nestled high in the Cherokee National Forest, Chilhowee Group Camp offers an unforgettable mountain retreat where up to 75 adventurers can gather under towering pines and hardwoods. This well-appointed basecamp features everything large groups need for the perfect outdoor experience—from RV hook-ups and grilling stations to direct access to pristine hiking trails. Just a short walk away, the sandy shores of McKamy Lake beckon swimmers and anglers alike, while the surrounding wilderness promises endless exploration at 2,000 feet above the everyday world.

3171 Highway 64 East

Nestled deep within the Cherokee National Forest, Chilhowee Campground beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of modern comfort and wilderness escape. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling into an RV site with electric hookups, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's playground. Cool off in the refreshing swim area, explore winding forest trails, or pack a lunch for the picnic facilities before embarking on the moderate hike to the stunning Benton Falls, where cascading waters reward your journey with a spectacular display of natural beauty.

Cherokee National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, Lost Creek Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. This intimate, primitive campground follows the gentle curves of Big Lost Creek, where towering hemlocks and ancient hardwoods create a natural cathedral overhead. Each carefully placed campsite offers front-row seats to the creek's endless symphony, making this hidden gem the perfect basecamp for adventurers who prefer their camping experiences raw, real, and refreshingly uncomplicated.

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

<h2>Your Adventure Awaits</h2> <p>Discover the freedom of spontaneous camping at this pristine first-come, first-served destination. No advance reservations needed—simply arrive with your gear and claim your perfect spot among nature's splendor. This traditional approach to camping rewards early arrivals and adventurous spirits who prefer the excitement of finding their ideal campsite in person.</p> <p>For a seamless check-in experience, we've embraced modern convenience with QR code payment technology. Before you venture into the wilderness, <strong>download the free Recreation.gov mobile app at https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app</strong>. Once you've selected your campsite, simply scan the QR code with the app's Scan and Pay feature to complete your registration—even in areas where cell towers are just a distant memory. Planning ahead with the app ensures you're ready to settle in quickly and start making memories under the stars.</p>

Cherokee National Forest

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Cherokee National Forest, Holly Flats Campground offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This hidden gem operates on a refreshingly old-school first-come, first-served basis—no reservations, no crowds, just you and the wilderness. Simply arrive with your gear and claim your piece of paradise among the peaceful sites scattered throughout this tranquil forest retreat.

Cherokee National Forest

Escape to Spivey Cove Campground, where adventure begins the moment you arrive at this hidden gem operating on a first-come, first-served basis. There's something wonderfully spontaneous about pulling up to claim your perfect spot among the trees, knowing that your camping experience starts with the thrill of discovery. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach, modern convenience meets wilderness charm through an innovative QR code payment system. Simply scan and pay through the Recreation.gov mobile app right from your campsite. Pro tip: Download the app before you venture out, as cell towers are few and far between in this secluded paradise – exactly how a true outdoor escape should be.

Cherokee National Forest

Step back in time at this beautifully preserved Civilian Conservation Corps campground, where the legacy of America's conservation movement lives on in every hand-laid stone and thoughtfully placed trail. Built during the 1930s by the young men of the CCC, this tranquil sanctuary beckons modern adventurers seeking respite from the digital world. Whether you're spreading a checkered blanket for an afternoon picnic or settling in for a night under the stars, you'll find yourself immersed in the same peaceful atmosphere that has welcomed nature lovers for generations.

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Tucked away in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, North River Campground offers a genuine escape into wilderness simplicity. This primitive camping haven sits peacefully along the babbling North River, where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves and flowing water. With basic vault toilets and no running water, it's a place where modern distractions fade away, leaving you with pure mountain tranquility. The nearby Cherohala Skyway winds through spectacular mountain vistas, making this remote spot a perfect basecamp for scenic adventures. As one satisfied camper, Dan Crumpton, puts it: "Beautiful primitive camping area on the North River. If you can get a spot, it's nearly perfect."

250 Ranger Station Rd, Tellico Plains, TN, 37385, USA

Tucked away in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, McNabb Creek Group Campground offers an intimate escape along the pristine waters of the North River in eastern Tennessee. This hidden gem welcomes groups of 10 to 60 adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds. Days here unfold with the gentle rhythm of the river - cast a line for native trout, take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear swimming holes, or explore miles of hiking trails that wind through ancient forests. When autumn arrives, the surrounding woodlands transform into prime hunting grounds for those with proper permits and a keen eye.

205 Ranger Station Rd

Nestled deep within the Cherokee National Forest's Tellico Ranger District, Indian Boundary Recreation Area stands as a premier destination where modern comfort meets untamed wilderness. Families gather here to create lasting memories, enjoying the convenience of electric hookups and modern facilities while immersing themselves in nature's playground. From the well-stocked general store to pristine restrooms, every amenity has been thoughtfully placed to enhance your outdoor experience. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring winding trails, or taking an afternoon swim in crystal-clear waters, Indian Boundary transforms camping from a simple getaway into an unforgettable adventure.

Cherokee National Forest

Tucked away from the crowds, Jake Best Campground offers a serene escape for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences. This hidden gem provides primitive camping sites in a tranquil, remote setting where the sounds of nature replace the noise of civilization. While maintaining its rustic charm, the campground can accommodate some RVs, making it accessible to various camping styles. Visitors consistently praise its peaceful atmosphere, noting it as one of the less-traveled destinations that rewards adventurers with genuine solitude.

3171 Hwy 64, Benton, TN, 37307, USA

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

3171 Highway 64 East

250 Ranger Station Rd, Tellico Plains, TN, 37385, USA

Hickey Gap Campground, near Mill Creek, Crandall, GA

3171 Highway 64 East

3171 Highway 64 East, Benton, TN, 37307, USA

Cherokee National Forest

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Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest