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.
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…
Spring Creek Road (NFSR 27) access interruption
An access interruption is now scheduled to begin on Spring Creek Rd (NFSR 27) with Phase 1 construction work beginning September 22, 2026. This will be a two-phase closure. During Phase 1, the Spring Creek Shooting Range will be accessible from Route 315 Tellico-Reliance Rd. During Phase 2, start…
Little Gassaway Road (NFSR 45) access interruption
An access interrupted is now scheduled on the Little Gassaway Road (NFSR 45) during road construction and culvert replacement beginning Sept 28. Access to Thunder Rock Campground remains open. A temporary gate will be installed just after Thunder Rock Campground.
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 |
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