CITICO CREEK DISPERSED CAMPSITES
Open year-round for first-come, first-served dispersed camping. No reservations. Free access with no permit required. 14-day stay limit applies, after which campers must leave for at least 7 days before returning to the same area. Equestrian animals are prohibited in the Citico Creek critical habitat area.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Camping not permitted within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway
Camping restricted along Skyway to beyond 300 yards.
motorboats restricted on Forest Service Lakes
Possession or operating a vessel powered by an internal combustion engine of any size or propelled by any other machinery rated greater than 5 horsepower is prohibited on McKamy Lake, Indian Boundary Lake, and Allen Branch Pond.
Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221
The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County. This Emergency Repair is in response to flood damage that…
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.
Closure order prohibiting protected areas pertaining to Paint Rock
Going into or being upon or in the area of closure (this includes all forms ofpresence, including as a pedestrian or by any and all other means)
Wilderness Closure Orders
This Forest Order is associated with Wilderness Areas limitations concerning stay duration, group size limits, mechanized equipment, camping and camping equipment.
Donley Cabin Camping Limitations
Limits to Donley Cabin exist to preserve small group opportunities in a remote setting. No overnight occupancy by more than 6 persons. No stays in the area except for 6 person limit authorized between sundown and sunrise. No discharge of firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within 500 feet of Donley…
Equestrian animals prohibited around Citico Creek
Equestrian animals are prohibited from going into or being upon the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek for the protection of threatened and endanger species.
About
Citico Creek Dispersed Campsites offer designated primitive camping areas along Forest Road 35 (Citico Creek Road) in the southern section of Cherokee National Forest. Located between Indian Boundary Campground upstream and Jake Best Campground downstream, these sites provide a backcountry experience without the development of established campgrounds. The creek corridor is a primary destination for trout anglers, with rainbow trout stocked by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency from March through August. As dispersed sites, there are no facilities or services provided. Campers must bring all water, pack out all trash, and be completely self-sufficient. Bear-proof food storage is required at all times unless food is being actively prepared or consumed. The adjacent Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wildernesses encompass nearly 22,000 acres, offering extensive opportunities for solitude and backcountry exploration. Access is via Cherohala Skyway (TN 165) to Forest Road 35. The dispersed sites are free with no reservations required. Standard national forest regulations apply: 14-day stay limit, camping must be at least 100 feet from water and trails, and equestrian animals are prohibited in the Citico Creek critical habitat area to protect threatened and endangered species.
Directions
From Tellico Plains, take TN 165 (Cherohala Skyway) and turn onto Forest Road 35 (Citico Creek Road). Dispersed campsites are located along the road between Indian Boundary Campground and Jake Best Campground, heading downstream along Citico Creek.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 476-9700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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