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.
Heat Advisory issued July 1 at 2:01PM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Afternoon heat index values will approach or exceed 100 at times over all but the higher elevations, and some valley locations may see heat index values exceed 105. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
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…
Warden Field (Citico Campsite #14) Limited to day use
Warden Field on the Tellico Ranger District is now limited to day use only. It is unlawful to enter or remain at Citico Campsite #14 (Warden Field) during the night period from 10p.m. to 6a.m. of every day during the time period of the 12th of May, 2026 through the 8th of September, 2026.
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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