Lost Creek Campground
02 reviewsLost Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Lost Creek Campground is a fee-free campground with no charges for camping.
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About this campground
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.
Lost Creek Campground offers a mix of primitive and tent camping sites, making it suitable for campers seeking a remote and wilderness-like experience. The campground does not accommodate RV camping or glamping options.
Weather and SeasonsLost Creek's temperate climate welcomes campers throughout the year, each season painting the forest in its own distinctive palette. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing waters, while summer's warmth is perfectly balanced by the creek's natural air conditioning and shaded canopy. Fall transforms the hardwoods into a blazing tapestry of color, and winter offers solitude and crisp mountain air, though amenities may be limited during the coldest months.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 660 feet above sea level, Lost Creek Campground enjoys the best of both worlds—low enough to avoid harsh mountain weather, yet elevated enough to catch cooling breezes and maintain pleasant temperatures even during summer's peak. This gentle elevation creates an ideal microclimate where mountain and valley ecosystems merge.
Natural Features and SceneryBig Lost Creek serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its crystal-clear waters carving a winding path through one of the Southeast's most magnificent forest galleries. Massive hemlocks stand sentinel alongside centuries-old hardwoods, their intertwining branches filtering sunlight into a soft, green glow. The forest floor tells its own story through moss-covered boulders, delicate ferns, and fallen logs that serve as nature's bridges across trickling tributaries.
Geological RegionLost Creek Campground rests within the ancient embrace of Cherokee National Forest, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling ridges and hidden hollows. The surrounding terrain showcases the Southern Appalachian ecosystem at its finest—where resilient hemlocks grip rocky outcrops and diverse hardwood communities thrive in the rich, well-drained soils carved by Big Lost Creek's patient persistence through the ages.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo wheelchair-friendly toilets are available. There was no mention of additional accessibility features provided for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground has gravel parking aprons, but no specific information on site sizes was provided.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest most campsites are located along the creek, offering picturesque views but no explicit mention of privacy levels.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider sites closer to the creek for better views and access to water features. Arrive early for the best selection, as all sites are first-come, first-served.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest that campsites close to Big Lost Creek are particularly desirable for their views and access to the water.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days maximum stay per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 5 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 15 sites, many of which are situated along the creek for easy access and views.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, though some facilities may be limited in winter.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are available; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 15 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable, as reservations are not allowed.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lost Creek Campground provides limited activities that align with its primitive and remote setting. Fishing is the primary recreational opportunity, specifically for stocked rainbow trout in Big Lost Creek. User reviews highlight the creek's clear, shallow, and consistently cold water temperature, making it a scenic spot for fishing. There are no hiking trails or other structured activities reported.
Fishing
Fishing is available in Big Lost Creek, which is stocked with rainbow trout. Special regulations apply for fishing in this area.Winter Activities
No winter activities such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing were mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not available at Lost Creek Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies were mentioned in the source material. Adherence to general outdoor fire safety is assumed.
Hazards
General hazardsAccess requires navigating a washed-out dirt road that may be difficult for some vehicles. The campground is in bear country, necessitating strict food storage practices.
Active alertsNone currently noted.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities were not mentioned in the sources, suggesting campers may need to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Big Lost Creek, which is a key feature of the campground.
Common complaintsLimited facilities, such as no potable water or restrooms, were mentioned as drawbacks.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Highway 64 - Turn on to Highway 30, go 6 miles and turn right on FR 103, it's 7 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via a washed-out dirt road approximately 5 miles from the pavement. The road conditions may pose challenges for certain vehicles.Nearby places
Reliance: approximately 8.8 miles away (based on directions provided).
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Lost Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's remote and unplugged nature, making it an appealing destination for campers seeking solitude and a wilderness-like experience. The creek's clear and consistently cold water is frequently mentioned as a highlight.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the picturesque setting along Big Lost Creek, the tranquil atmosphere, and the opportunity to unplug from technology ("The water is very clear, shallow and always cold.").
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of modern facilities, including restrooms and cell phone service, is mentioned as a drawback in user reviews. The road leading to the campground is described as washed out and challenging to...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to be prepared for the primitive setting, bring their own potable water, and plan for no cell phone service.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User reviews suggest the campground is particularly beautiful during the fall season, with the surrounding forest enhancing the picturesque atmosphere ("Beautiful in the fall." Seasonal limitations...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This is a remote campground on the creek. The water is very clear, shallow and always cold." "Definitely not lost anymore. But a great spot for family camping fun."
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Most campsites are located along the creek, offering scenic views, but specific site numbers or distinctions between sites were not detailed in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information or reviews regarding pet policies or pet-friendly features were provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025