Rough Ridge Campground

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

<h2>Your Gateway to Spontaneous Adventure</h2> <p>Embrace the spirit of adventure at this first-come, first-served campground, where the early bird truly gets the best spot. Simply arrive at the campground ready to explore, and claim your perfect slice of nature. We've made securing your campsite easier than ever with our innovative QR code payment system through the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature.</p> <p><strong>Pro tip for savvy campers:</strong> Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app at https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app before you hit the road. Cell service can be spotty in these pristine wilderness areas, so having the app ready ensures a smooth check-in process when you arrive at your home away from home.</p>

Cherokee National Forest

Embrace the spirit of spontaneous adventure at this first-come, first-served campground, where the thrill of discovery meets the convenience of modern technology. Your journey begins the moment you arrive, as you explore available sites and claim your perfect spot among nature. Setting up camp is seamless with our QR code payment system – simply scan with the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature to secure your wilderness retreat. This flexible approach rewards early arrivals and adventurous spirits, offering the freedom to choose your ideal campsite based on what speaks to you in the moment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Nestled in a serene mountain valley, Cades Cove Group Campground invites you to experience the authentic wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains. This primitive camping haven combines the raw beauty of nature with essential amenities including flush toilets and fresh drinking water. Wake up to misty mountain mornings, explore nearby historic structures, and embark on scenic hiking adventures—all from your basecamp in one of the park's most beloved destinations.

c/o Cades Cove Ranger Station, 10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

Nestled alongside the gentle murmur of Anthony Creek, this secluded equestrian paradise offers riders and their horses an authentic backcountry experience. Anthony Creek Horse Camp serves as your gateway to miles of scenic trails winding through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. This primitive campground provides a rare opportunity to explore untouched wilderness from horseback, far from the crowds that frequent more accessible areas. With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning mountain vistas, the camp attracts those seeking a genuine connection with nature—and their equine companions.

10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN, 37882

Nestled in one of the most beloved valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove Campground offers the perfect blend of backcountry charm and essential amenities. Here, you'll wake to misty mountain mornings and fall asleep to the sounds of nature, all while enjoying the comfort of flush toilets and fresh drinking water. The campground serves as your gateway to the famous 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, where early risers are rewarded with magical wildlife encounters and glimpses into Appalachian history frozen in time.

250 Ranger Station Road

Step back in time at Donley Cabin, a rare pre-Civil War gem nestled deep in the Cherokee National Forest. This authentic one-room cabin offers adventurous souls a true off-grid experience—no electricity illuminates its weathered walls, no running water flows from modern fixtures, and the original door swings open without locks, just as it has for over 160 years. Your journey begins with a scenic quarter-mile trek from the parking area, where you'll carry your gear along a forest path that gradually reveals this hidden historical treasure.

465 JACKRABBIT ROAD

Perched on a scenic peninsula where forest meets water, Jackrabbit Mountain campground invites adventurers to experience the best of the Nantahala National Forest. Here, morning mist rises from Lake Chatuge as campers wake to the calls of woodland birds, ready for days filled with hiking mountain trails, casting fishing lines into pristine waters, or exploring the shoreline by kayak. The campground's three distinct loops offer flexibility for your stay - Loop A welcomes visitors from May through September, while Loops B and C extend the season into October's spectacular autumn colors.

500 SWAN CABIN ROAD, ROBBINSVILLE, NC, 28771, USA

Step back in time at Swan Cabin, where rustic charm meets wilderness adventure in the heart of Nantahala National Forest. This authentic 1930s log cabin invites up to ten guests to disconnect from the modern world and embrace the simplicity of mountain living. Nestled near the pristine Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, this primitive retreat requires you to bring your own provisions—water, food, and supplies—creating an authentic backcountry experience where self-reliance and nature's rhythms guide your stay.

HWY 1134, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA

Escape to Rattler Ford Group Campground, where the pristine waters of Santeetlah Creek wind through the heart of Nantahala National Forest. This hidden gem beckons groups seeking adventure and camaraderie, offering a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and modern comforts. Spend your days casting lines into crystal-clear waters, exploring winding forest trails, or engaging in friendly volleyball matches on sun-dappled courts. When evening falls, gather around oversized grills and sprawling picnic tables designed for memorable group meals. After a day of exploration, you'll appreciate the convenience of flush toilets and rejuvenating hot showers that make roughing it feel remarkably civilized.

1373 Thunderbird Mountain Road, Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA

Perched on a stunning peninsula that reaches into the pristine waters of Lake Santeetlah, Cheoah Point Campground offers an unforgettable escape into western North Carolina's wilderness. This gem within the Nantahala National Forest seamlessly blends modern comforts with natural beauty, where campers can choose between intimate wooded sites tucked beneath towering trees or open spots with panoramic lake views. After a day of adventure, you'll appreciate the campground's thoughtful amenities, including hot showers, flush toilets, and fresh drinking water—all the essentials for a comfortable stay without sacrificing that authentic outdoor experience.

null

Escape to Big Oak Cove Campground, where the whisper of wind through ancient trees and the gentle murmur of the Tellico River create nature's perfect symphony. This hidden gem offers 11 primitive campsites thoughtfully tucked into a secluded forest setting, each furnished with the essentials for authentic outdoor living—a sturdy picnic table for riverside meals, a fire ring for evening gatherings, and a lantern post to guide your way under starlit skies. Beloved by anglers who know these waters hold some of Tennessee's finest trout, Big Oak Cove promises the kind of profound quiet that modern life rarely affords.

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.

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove Campground seamlessly blends the tranquility of primitive camping with essential modern comforts. While you'll find flush toilets and fresh drinking water at your disposal, the real treasures lie just beyond your tent flap – winding trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, meticulously preserved historic structures that whisper tales of the past, and meadows where black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys roam freely in their natural habitat.

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Nestled deep in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Abrams Creek Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. Here, where the melodic rush of Abrams Creek provides nature's soundtrack, you'll discover a haven far from the crowds. While modern amenities like flush toilets and potable water ensure comfort, the absence of showers and electrical hookups preserves the campground's intentionally rustic character. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies, as the sounds of the forest settle into nighttime serenades.

National Forests in North Carolina

Escape to Rattler Ford Campground, where four spacious group sites welcome gatherings of up to 25 adventurers each. This haven in the wilderness comes equipped with modern comforts including pristine bathhouses with hot showers, while recreational amenities like volleyball courts and horseshoe pits invite friendly competition. Gather around oversized grills for memorable meals at sturdy picnic tables, all while the melodic babble of a nearby trout stream provides nature's soundtrack to your outdoor experience.

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.

null

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."

Cherokee National Forest

Nestled in the heart of pristine wilderness, this campground offers an unforgettable escape where modern life fades away and nature takes center stage. Whether you're seeking solitude beneath towering trees, adventure on scenic trails, or simply a peaceful spot to watch the stars emerge in an unpolluted sky, you'll find your perfect basecamp here. Each campsite has been thoughtfully positioned to maximize privacy while providing easy access to the area's most spectacular natural attractions.

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.

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.

123 Woodland Drive Murphy, NC 28906

Tucked away in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, Fires Creek Hunters Camp beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This rustic dispersed camping haven welcomes tent campers, van lifers, and small trailer enthusiasts to set up camp alongside the melodious waters of Fires Creek—all without the burden of camping fees. Here, the rhythmic babbling of the creek becomes your evening soundtrack, while towering hardwoods provide a natural canopy overhead.

Cheoah Ranger District, 1070 Massey Branch Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771

Nestled in the shadow of the legendary Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Horse Cove Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude among ancient trees. While the upper loop currently rests in peaceful closure due to infrastructure updates, the lower loop welcomes adventurers year-round with eight pristine primitive sites. Here, the modern world fades away as you settle into your riverside sanctuary, where the gentle babble of the creek provides nature's soundtrack and vault toilets offer the only nod to civilization you'll need.

90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian wilderness, Appletree Group Campground offers an exceptional retreat designed specifically for groups seeking to reconnect in nature. Four thoughtfully planned sites accommodate gatherings of all sizes - from intimate reunions of 25 at Sites A and D to larger celebrations of up to 50 people at Sites B and C. Each site comes complete with covered picnic shelters perfect for group meals, traditional fire rings for evening storytelling, vintage-style lantern posts that cast a warm glow, and spacious grassy meadows ideal for tent villages. Modern conveniences haven't been forgotten - clean restrooms with flush toilets and a well-maintained shower house ensure comfort without compromising the outdoor experience.

Cherokee National Forest

null

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

250 Ranger Station Road

null

205 Ranger Station Rd

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cheoah Ranger District, 1070 Massey Branch Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771

123 Woodland Drive Murphy, NC 28906

Cherokee National Forest

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

500 SWAN CABIN ROAD, ROBBINSVILLE, NC, 28771, USA

HWY 1134, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA

1373 Thunderbird Mountain Road, Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA

90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734

465 JACKRABBIT ROAD