Open

Open year-round for dispersed camping on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or permits required.

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…

Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions

Fire Restrictions Continue Along the Appalachian Trail

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.

Frost Advisory issued May 2 at 12:42PM EDT until May 3 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN

12:42 PM — May 3rd, 1:00 AM

* WHAT...Temperatures around or slightly below 36 will result in frost formation. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina and east Tennessee. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

About

Low Gap is an off-the-beaten-path dispersed camping area located high on a ridge road in Cherokee National Forest. This primitive camping area offers a handful of cleared campsites tucked within the thick forest, providing a sense of solitude that is increasingly rare. The rough access road requires a vehicle with decent ground clearance, which helps keep visitor numbers low and maintains the area's peaceful character. This is true primitive camping with no facilities or services provided. A few of the campsites have picnic tables, but campers should come fully self-sufficient and prepared to practice Leave No Trace principles. The main draw for visitors is the extensive network of hiking and biking trails that traverse the surrounding Cherokee National Forest, offering excellent opportunities for exploration and backcountry adventure. The camping area operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is free of charge, as is standard for dispersed camping in national forests. The remote location and challenging access make this an ideal destination for experienced campers seeking solitude and a genuine wilderness experience in the Southern Appalachians.

Directions

From Helen, GA, head north on GA-17 N/GA-75 N/N Main St/Unicoi for 1.3 miles. Turn left onto GA-75 Alt N and go 0.1 miles. Take the first right onto Chattahoochee River Rd. and go 4.4 miles to the Low Gap Campground on the left.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets No
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

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

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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