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…
Spring Creek Road (NFSR 27) access interruption
An access interruption is now scheduled to begin on Spring Creek Rd (NFSR 27) with Phase 1 construction work beginning September 22, 2026. This will be a two-phase closure. During Phase 1, the Spring Creek Shooting Range will be accessible from Route 315 Tellico-Reliance Rd. During Phase 2, start…
Little Gassaway Road (NFSR 45) access interruption
An access interrupted is now scheduled on the Little Gassaway Road (NFSR 45) during road construction and culvert replacement beginning Sept 28. Access to Thunder Rock Campground remains open. A temporary gate will be installed just after Thunder Rock Campground.
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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