Jake Best Campground

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.