Jake Best Campground
The campground is currently closed. Jake Best typically operates from early March through mid-November, with the 2025 season running March 6 to November 17. The 2026 operating schedule has not been officially 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
Jake Best Campground sits along scenic Citico Creek in the Tellico Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest. This primitive campground is one of two developed camping areas on Citico Creek and has long served as a base camp for trout fishermen working the creek and hunters accessing the surrounding backcountry. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Each site includes a picnic table, grill/fire ring, and lantern post. Vault toilets are available, but campers must bring their own drinking water as no potable water is provided on site. All food and beverages must be stored in approved bear-proof containers. The campground enforces a maximum of 5 people and 2 vehicles per site. Access is via Citico Road from Highway 360 in Vonore, or from the Cherohala Skyway by following signs toward Indian Boundary Campground and turning onto the gravel road that descends to Citico Creek. A campground host is present during peak season.
Directions
From Highway 411, turn onto Highway 360 in Vonore, TN. When the road splits, stay straight onto Citico Road and continue until reaching Jake Best Campground. The road turns to gravel along the creek. Alternatively, from the Cherohala Skyway (Highway 165) in Tellico Plains, follow signs toward Indian Boundary Campground. Instead of turning into Indian Boundary, turn right onto the gravel road which descends to Citico Creek. Follow the creek downstream; Jake Best Campground is on the left.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| 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
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