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.
Heat Advisory issued July 2 at 12:07PM EDT until July 4 at 8:00PM 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 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ Saturday. * 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
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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