CONASAUGA RIVER CAMPGROUND
Open year-round for dispersed camping. No reservations required; first-come, first-served. No potable water available; campers must bring their own water supply and pack out all trash.
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
The Conasauga River dispersed camping area sits along Forest Service Road 221 in a remote section of Cherokee National Forest in Polk County, Tennessee. This primitive camping option provides access to the Conasauga River, which harbors more fish species than the entire Columbia River system and offers some of the finest snorkeling in the Southeast. Camping occurs at informal dispersed sites along the forest road near the river. Facilities are minimal; campers must be prepared to rough it with no potable water, no developed campsites, and a pack-it-out trash policy. A vault toilet is available at the nearby Conasauga River Blue Hole trailhead. Cell service is unavailable once you leave Highway 411. The area provides access to the Conasauga Trail #61, which parallels the river, and is close to both the Big Frog Wilderness in Tennessee and the Cohutta Wilderness across the Georgia state line. Peak snorkeling season runs late April through June when spawning fish display their brightest colors and water temperatures reach the comfortable 60s°F.
Directions
From Cleveland, TN: Travel east on US Highway 64 to US Highway 411. Turn south onto 411 and drive approximately 7 miles. Turn left onto TN Road 313 (Ball Play/Willis Springs Road) at the brown wildlife viewing sign. Travel 4 miles, then bear right onto gravel Forest Service Road 221 (Peavine/Sheeds Creek Road). Continue 4.7 miles to reach the Conasauga River trailhead and dispersed camping areas.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| 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 | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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