North River Campground
The campground is currently showing as closed in the Recreation.gov reservation system. First-come, first-served when open at $8 per night. Maximum 5 people and 2 vehicles per site. Bear-proof food storage 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.
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…
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
Tucked away in the North River drainage of Cherokee National Forest, North River Campground provides a rustic camping experience for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. The 11 campsites are spread along the river, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Sites 5 and 6 sit adjacent to each other, making them perfect for families or friends who want neighboring campsites. The campground is first-come, first-served only, with no advance reservations available. Campers pay $8 per night on-site, either through the Recreation.gov Scan and Pay mobile app or by cash/check. Download the app before arrival, as cellular service is limited in this remote area. Check-in is at 2:00 PM and checkout at noon, with quiet hours enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The North River provides excellent trout fishing and swimming holes within walking distance of camp. Bear-proof food storage is required; all food and beverages must be kept in approved containers, locked vehicles, or hard-sided campers when not in use. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water on-site. Nearby campgrounds offer drinking water for those who need to refill.
Directions
From Tellico Plains, take TN 165 (Cherohala Skyway) east for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 210, passing the Ranger Station, and continue for about 10 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 217 (North River Road) and proceed approximately 3 miles upstream to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 476-9700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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