Picnic pavilion at day use area
Open

Open for the 2026 season. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out is 1:00 p.m. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Motorized boats are currently restricted on Forest Service lakes.

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…

Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions

Fire Restrictions Continue Along the Appalachian Trail

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

Indian Boundary Recreation Area serves as the crown jewel of the Cherokee National Forest's Tellico Ranger District. Located just two miles off the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway, the campground provides easy access to spectacular mountain scenery and the 43-mile drive connecting Tellico Plains, Tennessee to Robbinsville, North Carolina. The 96-acre Indian Boundary Lake sits amid Southern Appalachian hardwoods and pines, with beaver inhabiting an adjacent pond and various waterfowl species frequenting the area. All 87 campsites are spread across four loops (A, B, C, and D) and equipped with electric hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts. Modern amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, potable water from faucets throughout, and an RV dump station. The Indian Boundary General Store stocks camping essentials from bread and milk to firewood and souvenirs. Recreation opportunities include swimming at the designated beach, fishing from the accessible pier, launching small non-motorized boats, and hiking or biking the 3.6-mile trail circling the lake. Nearby attractions include Bald River Falls on Tellico River Road and the Pheasant Fields Fish Hatchery operated by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Bear-wise food storage is required throughout the campground. Sites are limited to a maximum of 5 people and 2 vehicles.

Directions

From I-75 Exit 60, take TN-68 south approximately 30 miles to Tellico Plains. Turn left onto TN-165 (Cherohala Skyway) and continue approximately 17 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 345 and follow signs to Indian Boundary Recreation Area.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi
Pets Allowed
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store Yes
Price $20

Vehicle

Max RV Length 26ft
Max Trailer Length 26ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (423) 476-9700

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Picnic pavilion at day use area
Indian Boundary Lake and swimming beach
Boat ramp at Indian Boundary Lake
Indian Boundary General Store, located in campground
Accessible Fishing Pier
Indian Boundary Beach
Indian Boundary Lake

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