Little Oak Campground
4.5054 reviewsCamp Tom Howard Rd, Sullivan County, Tennessee, USA
Little Oak Campground
$10.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Camping is $12 per site starting late April through mid-October, including water and hot showers. $10 per site during shoulder seasons (early-late April and mid-October through end-of-season) with limited facilities, including no running water for showers.
About this campground
Nestled on a picturesque peninsula where the Cherokee National Forest meets the sparkling waters of South Holston Lake, Little Oak Campground invites you to experience nature's perfect balance of forest and water. This treasured retreat features 70 thoughtfully designed, universally accessible sites spread across five distinctive loops—Lone Pine, Big Oak, Hemlock, and the twin Poplar loops—each offering its own character and charm. Whether you wake to sunrise reflections dancing across the lake from your waterfront site or enjoy the dappled sunlight filtering through ancient hardwoods, you'll discover why generations of families return to this lakeside sanctuary year after year.
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 SeasonsEach season paints Little Oak with its own palette of experiences. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while autumn transforms the hardwood canopy into a brilliant tapestry of gold and crimson. Summer brings long, warm days perfect for lake adventures and starlit evenings around the campfire. The shoulder seasons offer mild, dry conditions ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Winter visitors should come prepared for the mountain's moods—crisp mornings that may dip below freezing and occasional dustings of snow that transform the landscape into a serene wonderland. Throughout the year, be ready for the region's characteristic afternoon showers that keep the forest lush and the lake full.
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 SceneryLittle Oak Campground is a living gallery where nature performs daily. Towering hardwoods create a verdant canopy overhead, their branches home to chattering squirrels and melodious songbirds. The campground's designation as a Watchable Wildlife Area means encounters with deer grazing at dawn, wild turkeys strutting through campsites, and great blue herons fishing along the shoreline are delightfully common. Two interpretive trails wind through this natural theater, revealing hidden wildflower meadows, teaching moments about the forest ecosystem, and breathtaking vantage points over South Holston Lake. The ever-changing lake itself serves as the campground's centerpiece, its moods shifting from mirror-calm mornings perfect for paddling to afternoon breezes that beckon sailors and create gentle waves lapping at the shore.
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.
Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as ample and spacious by user reviews.
Sites PrivacySites offer semi-privacy; users report that neighboring campsites are sufficiently spaced to ensure tranquility.
Total Campsites70 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose lakefront sites for direct water access and serene views.
Best CampsitesCampsites adjacent to South Holston Lake are highly praised for their convenience and views.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is divided into five loops: Lone Pine, Big Oak, Hemlock, and two Poplar loops. Most sites are near or adjacent to the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April 7, 2025, to November 3, 2025.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
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
Two trails are available: Little Oak Mountain Trail (1.4 miles) and Little Oak Trail (foot and bike, 1.4 miles). User reviews praise the scenic and peaceful walking areas.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include small and largemouth bass, lake trout, crappie, and bluegill. A fish-cleaning hut is located near the boat ramp.Biking
The Little Oak Trail supports biking activities, although reviews do not offer detailed insights into the terrain or difficulty levels.Boating
Boating is a popular activity, with both motorized and non-motorized options available. A concrete boat ramp serves registered campers and their guests. Users report convenient lake access directly from some campsites.Wildlife viewing
The campground is a designated Watchable Wildlife Area, offering opportunities for observing local fauna. User reviews highlight sightings of eagles and other wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed; the campground is closed during colder months.Water Sports
Power boating, sailing, and water skiing are mentioned as available activities on South Holston Lake, which encompasses 7,580 acres.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but restricted to burning local wood only; plastic and non-wood products are prohibited.
- Quiet hours enforced after 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity requires adherence to strict food storage rules. Narrow and twisty roads can be challenging for large RVs or trailers.
Active alertsNo current warnings or advisories reported.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital: Bristol Regional Medical Center, approximately 20 miles away. Ranger station: Cherokee National Forest ranger station, contact: 423-735-1547.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate April through mid-October.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, but recycling options are not detailed in the provided sources.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on South Holston Lake, the campground offers direct lake access, a concrete boat ramp, and opportunities for fishing, sailing, and motorized boating.
Common complaintsMixed reviews regarding campground hosts, facilities maintenance (e.g., water system inoperable), and enforcement of quiet hours.
HostMixed reviews from visitors regarding host behavior, professionalism, and helpfulness.
Campground Map
Camp Tom Howard Rd, Sullivan County, Tennessee, USA
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.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.
Camper Reviews
4.5
54 reviews
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 54 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 54 reviewsCommon 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 54 reviewsPro 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 54 reviewsSeasonal 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 54 reviewsCamper 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 54 reviewsShow more
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 54 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are noted for universally accessible campsites, but reviews do not detail experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 54 reviewsPet-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 54 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025