Old Forge Campground
Open for the 2026 season from March 15 through December 15, weather permitting. First-come, first-served only. No potable water available on site.
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
Old Forge Campground is a small, primitive tent campground nestled along Jennings Creek in the Cherokee National Forest. The site features large walk-in tent sites screened by native vegetation, offering a secluded camping experience. In the early 1900s, this location was an active iron forge where ore was smelted and processed into materials for the railroad operations that harvested timber throughout the region. This is a true primitive camping destination with vault toilets but no potable water. Campers must bring their own drinking water and store food in bear-proof containers. Alcohol is prohibited, and horses are not permitted in the campground. Group size is limited to 5 people and 2 vehicles per site. The campground is accessed via Forest Road 331, which dead-ends at the site. From Greeneville, take TN 107 east for 6 miles to Horse Creek Recreation Area, then turn right onto FR 331 for 3 miles.
Directions
From Greeneville, take TN 107 east (off US 11E) for 6 miles, then follow signs to Horse Creek Recreation Area (approximately 2 miles). Turn right onto Forest Road 331 for 3 miles. The road dead-ends at the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 | |
| USFS Old Forge Recreation Area |
Availability
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