Katy Branch

Cherokee National Forest

Discover a peaceful lakeside retreat at Watauga Point Recreation Area, where grassy parklands meet the sparkling waters of Tennessee's highest reservoir. This day-use gem offers shaded picnic spots, an electric-equipped pavilion, and a scenic gravel trail winding through nearby forest, all perched at over 1,900 feet elevation along Watauga Lake's southern shore.

Cherokee National Forest

Perched at 1,800 feet along the scenic curves of Tennessee Highway 107, Houston Valley Recreation Area serves as your gateway to the best of Cherokee National Forest. This welcoming day-use area blends open meadows with the shade of ancient hardwoods, offering the perfect basecamp for exploring nearby Paint Creek and Weaver Bend while enjoying picnic facilities, trail access, and some of the region's most spectacular autumn displays.

2145 NC-209, HOT SPRINGS, NC, 28743

Tucked away in the lush forests near Hot Springs, North Carolina, Rocky Bluff Campground beckons those seeking a true escape from the modern world. This rustic woodland retreat invites you to disconnect and rediscover the simple pleasures of outdoor living. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite comes equipped with the essentials for memorable nights under the stars: sturdy picnic tables for gathering, level tent pads for restful sleep, traditional lantern posts that cast a warm glow, and stone-ringed fire pits complete with grills for campfire cooking. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with porta-johns serving as facilities, this only adds to the authentic wilderness experience. The melodic sounds of nearby Spring Creek and easy access to winding forest trails create an atmosphere of tranquil seclusion that's increasingly rare to find.

Cherokee National Forest

Nestled beneath towering old-growth forests, Rock Creek Recreation Area offers an enchanting escape where nature's canopy provides natural air conditioning. Choose from traditional tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, spacious double sites for group camping, or secluded walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more intimate wilderness experience. Modern bathhouses ensure comfort while you explore miles of hiking and biking trails, take refreshing dips in the historic swimming area, or gather around evening campfires during ranger-led programs that bring the forest's stories to life.

Cherokee National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, Round Mountain Campground offers a refreshing escape into Tennessee's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path with secluded camping spots among towering trees and babbling streams. Simply arrive, select your perfect site, and settle into the tranquility of the forest.

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN, 37692, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Dennis Cove Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where Laurel Fork Creek whispers through a canopy of ancient trees. At 2,650 feet elevation, this rustic hideaway provides a natural air-conditioned escape from summer's heat, where campers wake to misty mornings and fall asleep to the symphony of rushing water and rustling leaves.

Cherokee National Forest

Escape into the untamed wilderness at this secluded campground nestled deep within Cherokee National Forest. Far from the crowds and connected only by winding forest roads, this remote sanctuary offers an authentic backcountry experience where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves and distant bird calls. Perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and a genuine connection with nature.

1965 Lower Paint Creek Rd

Tucked away in a secluded mountain cove along the babbling waters of Paint Creek, this enchanting campground offers a true escape into nature at 1,760 feet elevation in Greene County, Tennessee. Here, generously spaced campsites provide an intimate connection with the wilderness, where towering hemlocks and ancient rhododendrons create natural privacy screens between sites. The melodic sounds of Paint Creek accompany campers throughout their stay, while mountain laurels paint the landscape with delicate blooms, creating a photographer's paradise and a nature lover's dream retreat.

4400 Unicoi Drive

Perched on a scenic peninsula that juts into the pristine waters of Watauga Lake, Cardens Bluff Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Cherokee National Forest. This thoughtfully designed campground features 43 intimate sites crafted specifically for tent camping enthusiasts who crave a genuine connection with nature. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, including clean flush toilets, a well-maintained bathhouse with hot showers, and fresh potable water throughout the grounds. True to its back-to-nature ethos, the campground intentionally forgoes electrical hookups, encouraging visitors to unplug and immerse themselves in the tranquil mountain setting.

4900 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN, 37743, USA

Nestled alongside the gentle babbling of Rock Creek, this enchanting recreation area invites families into a world where time slows down. Picture yourself cooling off in a pristine, creek-fed swimming pond while admiring the craftsmanship of 1930s-era bathhouses that still stand sentinel over this peaceful retreat. Wander through a network of winding trails that beckon explorers of all ages, then return to your spacious, private campsite tucked beneath the protective canopy of Cherokee National Forest. Here, the only sounds breaking the tranquil silence are birdsong and the whisper of wind through ancient trees.

2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641

Tucked away in a pristine hardwood forest, Horse Creek Recreation Area offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with 14 tent-only campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The gentle murmur of Horse Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while modern comforts await in the well-maintained bathhouse featuring hot showers and flush toilets. This hidden gem attracts those seeking a peaceful retreat where the forest canopy filters golden sunlight and the air carries the fresh scent of mountain streams.

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

4900 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN, 37743, USA

2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641

Cherokee National Forest

1965 Lower Paint Creek Rd

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN, 37692, USA

4400 Unicoi Drive

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

4400 Unicoi Drive

Perched on a scenic peninsula that juts into the pristine waters of Watauga Lake, Cardens Bluff Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Cherokee National Forest. This thoughtfully designed campground features 43 intimate sites crafted specifically for tent camping enthusiasts who crave a genuine connection with nature. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, including clean flush toilets, a well-maintained bathhouse with hot showers, and fresh potable water throughout the grounds. True to its back-to-nature ethos, the campground intentionally forgoes electrical hookups, encouraging visitors to unplug and immerse themselves in the tranquil mountain setting.

Cherokee National Forest