Old Forge Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens March 21, 2026 and operates through October 24, 2026. Check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out is 12:00 p.m. Group size limited to 5 people and 2 vehicles per site.
Scioto Shooting Range Safety Closure December 30
Forest Service staff plan to conduct hazard tree mitigation at the Scioto Shooting Range on December 30. The range will be closed on December 30 while crews address hazardous trees at the site. Shooting will not be allowed at Scioto Shooting Range on December 30.
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.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
Temporary closure for Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is planned to start in the fall of 2025 for visitor health and safety during logging operations. A specific start date for the closure is to be determined.
About
Old Forge Campground is a primitive tent camping experience located along the banks of Jennings Creek in the Bald Mountains region of Cherokee National Forest. Large walk-in tent sites are screened by native vegetation, providing privacy and a secluded mountain atmosphere. The campground sits at the site of an early 1900s iron forge, where iron ore was smelted and made into materials for the railroad operation that harvested timber in the area. This small, rustic campground offers vault toilets and picnic tables but no potable water, so campers must bring their own. The area provides access to fishing in the creek, day hiking trails, and horseback riding opportunities. Food storage restrictions apply, and all food and beverages must be stored in bear-proof containers, locked vehicles, or hard-sided campers at all times. The campground is accessible via Forest Road 331, which dead-ends at the site.
Directions
From Greeneville, take TN 107 east (off US 11E) for six miles and then follow signs to Horse Creek Recreation Area (approximately two miles). From Horse Creek, turn right onto Forest Road 331 for three miles. The road dead-ends at campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $7 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 638-4109 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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