Jake Best Campground
Closed for the season. Opens March 3 and closes November 17 annually. Sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations.
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.
Cherokee National Forest enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
USDA Forest Service officials initiate Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Cherokee National Forest beginning Friday in response to extreme fire danger due to prolonged drought. The restrictions will prohibit fires outside of developed recreation sites. Drought conditions persist across the…
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…
Access disrupted to Chilhowee Recreation Area and Forest Service Road #77
UPDATE: Construction crews closed access to Chilhowee Recreation Area for road construction and paving. This is a phased project with adjustments to Chilhowee access throughout the phases. The long-term improvement project includes installation of dumpster pads for bear-proof dumpsters and…
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 is one of two developed campgrounds located along Citico Creek in the Cherokee National Forest. The campground is particularly popular with trout fishermen and hunters who use it as a base camp for exploring the surrounding Citico Creek Recreation Region. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, grill/fire ring, and lantern post. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis only, with no advance reservations available. Sites can be paid for on-site using cash, check, or by scanning a QR code with the Recreation.gov mobile app. A campground host is present during peak season. The campground is accessible via gravel roads along Citico Creek, either from Highway 360 in Vonore or from the Cherohala Skyway near Tellico Plains. Campers should be prepared to bring their own water, as no potable water is available at the campground. Vault toilets are provided. Food storage restrictions apply throughout the Cherokee National Forest, requiring all food and beverages to be stored in bear-proof containers, locked vehicles, or hard-sided campers when not in use. Sites accommodate a maximum of 5 people and 2 vehicles.
Directions
From Highway 411 turn on Highway 360 in Vonore. When the road splits stay straight which becomes Citico Road. Stay on this road until you reach Jake Best. The road will turn to gravel along the creek. You may also access it from the Cherohala Skyway (Highway 165) in Tellico Plains by following directions to Indian Boundary Campground. Instead of turning into Indian Boundary, turn right onto the gravel road which will drop you down to Citico Creek. Follow the creek downstream and Jake Best Campground will be on your left. You will pass several dispersed campsites along the way.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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