Little Oak Campground
Closed — Closed for the 2025 season with showerhouse and hydrants winterized. Typically operates from late April through early November with peak season from late April through mid-October.
Access disruption south of Parksville Lake for Culvert Replacement
The Forest Service plans to begin work Dec. 31, 2025 that will disrupt access to Indian Creek Road (NFSR 302) on the Cherokee National Forest south of Parksville Lake in Polk County. Access will be disrupted while 100 culverts are replaced.
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.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
Temporary closure for Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is planned to start in the fall of 2025 for visitor health and safety during logging operations. A specific start date for the closure is to be determined.
About
Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee, offering stunning views of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands. The campground features 69 universally accessible campsites across four loops (Hemlock, Lone Pine, Big Oak, and Poplar), improved in 2012 with modern amenities including hot showers and paved access roads. The 7,580-acre South Holston Lake is a hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by Cherokee National Forest. Fishing is popular here, with a concrete boat ramp within the campground for registered campers. Many campsites provide easy access to the lakeshore for tying off boats. The campground includes a lakeside grassy area for swimming and picnicking, and the area is designated as a Watchable Wildlife Area with two interpretive trails. Little Oak is located in bear country with healthy populations of black bear, deer, and turkey. Nearby recreation includes hiking and horseback riding trails, with Backbone Rock Recreation Area 30 minutes away and Damascus, Virginia just beyond. The campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol Motor Speedway. Campground hosts are available on-site during the operating season.
Directions
From Bristol, take US 421 south for 12 miles and turn right onto paved Camp Tom Howard Road. After 0.5 miles, this road becomes Forest Road 87. Continue on Road 87 for six miles, then turn right on Road 87G for 1.5 miles to Little Oak.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 735-1500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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