Little Oak Campground
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.
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
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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