Katy Branch
Open for the 2026 season. Operates May through October. Reservations required via Recreation.gov with a 2-day minimum on weekends and 3-day minimum on holiday weekends. Key pickup from Unaka Ranger District office required at least 48 hours in advance.
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
Katy Branch is a former Youth Conservation Corps camp converted into a group rental facility in the Cherokee National Forest of Washington County, Tennessee. The private site sits behind a locked Forest Service gate about half a mile from the Nolichucky River, located roughly halfway between Greeneville and Erwin. The facility features an outdoor pavilion with a fireplace and three large picnic tables, plus a large charcoal grill for cooking. An attached building contains a kitchen area with stainless steel sink, microwave, and refrigerator (no oven), along with two accessible restrooms. Five folding tables and 80 folding chairs are available on-site. Two large fields adjacent to the buildings provide open space for activities, while surrounding forested land offers opportunities for hiking and exploration. The site accommodates groups up to 125 people with parking for up to 45 vehicles. Potable water is available. Key pickup from the Unaka Ranger District office is required at least 48 hours in advance during weekday business hours (8 AM to 4:30 PM). Horses and pack animals are not permitted.
Directions
From Greeneville travel east on 11E to TN State Road 107. Travel approximately 14.5 miles to the gate at Katy Branch located on the right. Landmarks include Clark Creek Road on the right and Jackson Bridge Road on the left. Unlock the gate and travel about 0.5 miles to the pavilion.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 638-4109 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Cherokee NF Katy Branch |
Availability
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