Little Oak Recreation Area Boat Landing

Little Oak Campground

Open

Open for the 2026 season from April 6 through November 2. All loops are operational with flush toilets, hot showers, potable water, and dump station available. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect due to extreme fire danger. Gates close at 10pm and open at 7am. 14-day stay limit.

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…

Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions

Fire Restrictions Continue Along the Appalachian Trail

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

Little Oak Campground sits on a wooded peninsula along the eastern shore of South Holston Lake, a 7,580-acre TVA reservoir surrounded by Cherokee National Forest. The campground underwent major accessibility improvements in 2012, resulting in 68 universally-accessible sites spread across multiple loops. Many sites offer lake views, and several provide direct shoreline access for tying off boats. The campground serves as a base for fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife watching. A concrete boat ramp within the campground is available exclusively to registered campers and their guests. Two interpretive trails wind through the area, which is designated as a Watchable Wildlife site. Deer, turkey, and black bear inhabit the surrounding Holston and Iron Mountain ridges. Bristol Motor Speedway is about 30 minutes away, and Backbone Rock Recreation Area and Damascus, Virginia are within easy driving distance. Jacobs Creek Campground offers an alternative view of South Holston Lake about 25 minutes away.

Directions

From Bristol, take US 421 south for 12 miles and turn right onto Camp Tom Howard Road. After 0.5 miles, this road becomes Forest Road 87. Continue on Forest Road 87 for 6 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 87G for 1.5 miles to Little Oak.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $10

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (423) 735-1500

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Little Oak Recreation Area Boat Landing
Little Oak Recreation Area
Little Oak Recreation Area
Little Oak Recreation Area Bathhouse
Little Oak Recreation Area Beach
Little Oak Recreation Area Beach
Little Oak Recreation Area Boat Landing
Little Oak Recreation Area

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