Lost Creek Campground
Open year-round, first-come, first-served. Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect forest-wide due to extreme fire danger; campfires are permitted only within developed recreation site fire rings.
Heat Advisory issued July 1 at 2:01PM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Afternoon heat index values will approach or exceed 100 at times over all but the higher elevations, and some valley locations may see heat index values exceed 105. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
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…
Warden Field (Citico Campsite #14) Limited to day use
Warden Field on the Tellico Ranger District is now limited to day use only. It is unlawful to enter or remain at Citico Campsite #14 (Warden Field) during the night period from 10p.m. to 6a.m. of every day during the time period of the 12th of May, 2026 through the 8th of September, 2026.
About
Lost Creek Campground offers a remote, rustic camping experience in the southern section of Cherokee National Forest near Reliance, Tennessee. Situated along the banks of Big Lost Creek in Polk County, this free campground provides a quiet retreat surrounded by dense forest. The campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations available. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though campers must bring their own drinking water as none is available on site. The campground enforces a maximum of 5 people and 2 vehicles per site. Bear-aware camping practices are required, with food storage in bear-proof containers, locked vehicles, or hard-sided campers. The area is popular for fishing in Big Lost Creek and features an excellent wildflower viewing trail that is relatively flat and accessible to hikers of all abilities. Spring visitors will find exceptional wildflower diversity along the trail. Access requires a 7-mile drive on Forest Road 103, a gravel road.
Directions
From Highway 64, take Highway 30 east for 6 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 103 and continue for 7 miles on gravel road to reach the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 476-9700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Lost Creek Campground - USFS | |
| Cherokee NF Alerts |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!