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.
High Wind Warning issued October 10 at 9:38AM EDT until October 11 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected, especially in the higher elevations. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This set up is likely to produce high winds along the eastern TN mountains and foothills. Lower terrain will likely see lesser impacts.
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…
Spring Creek Road (NFSR 27) access interruption
An access interruption is now scheduled to begin on Spring Creek Rd (NFSR 27) with Phase 1 construction work beginning September 22, 2026. This will be a two-phase closure. During Phase 1, the Spring Creek Shooting Range will be accessible from Route 315 Tellico-Reliance Rd. During Phase 2, start…
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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