Jacobs Creek Campground
Closed until further notice due to Hurricane Helene damage. The bathroom near site 4 was demolished and the showerhouse near site 19 sustained roof damage. No repair timeline has been announced.
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
Jacobs Creek Campground occupies a scenic peninsula on the eastern shore of South Holston Lake within Cherokee National Forest. The 7,580-acre TVA reservoir is surrounded by the forested slopes of Holston Mountain and Iron Mountain, providing habitat for black bear, deer, and turkey. The campground features 27 single-unit sites spread across three loops, with 23 sites available for advance reservation and the remainder first-come, first-served. Fishing is the primary draw, with lake access from several shoreline sites. A boat launch is located a few miles west on US 421. The adjacent day-use area offers a grassy picnic ground and designated swimming beach. Children and adults enjoy biking the paved loop roads, and Jacobs Creek Shooting Range sits about one mile outside the campground. Bristol Motor Speedway is a 30-minute drive, and Backbone Rock Recreation Area and Damascus, Virginia are within easy reach. The campground sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene in late 2024. The bathroom near site 4 was demolished and the showerhouse near site 19 suffered roof damage. The facility remained closed through the 2025 season with no announced repair timeline. As of May 2026, the campground and day-use area remain closed until further notice.
Directions
From Bristol, take US 421 South for 12 miles. Turn left onto paved Denton Valley Road. After 2 miles, turn left onto Jacobs Creek Road. The road becomes gravel at 0.5 miles at the recreation area entrance.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 735-1500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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