Paint Creek Campground
Open for the 2026 season from May 5 through October 24. Sites are first-come, first-served at $10 per night. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM. Maximum 5 people and 2 vehicles per site.
Heat Advisory issued July 1 at 2:01PM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM 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 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ Friday. * 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
Paint Creek Campground occupies a scenic mountain cove along Paint Creek in the Cherokee National Forest at 1,760 feet elevation. Most of the 20 campsites provide streamside views while being naturally screened by rhododendron, hemlock, and mountain laurel. The campground offers a mix of standard nonelectric sites and three tent-only sites (13, 14, and 16), all with gravel driveways and back-in access. The Paint Creek corridor provides excellent recreation opportunities. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks Paint Creek with rainbow trout throughout summer, and warm water fishing is available at nearby Paint Creek Pond. Two hiking trails begin within walking distance: Paint Mountain Trail and Paint Creek Trail. The scenic drive along Forest Road 41 passes Kelly, Dudley, and Ricker Falls. Strict bear-aware food storage is enforced. All food and trash must be stored in hard-sided containers or vehicles when not in use. The access road from Rollins Chapel Road is narrow and steep with sharp curves.
Directions
From Greeneville, take TN 70 south for 11.2 miles. Turn right on Rollins Chapel Road and follow signs to Paint Creek. Access road is narrow with sharp curves.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $10 |
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 | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Cherokee NF Paint Creek Campground |
Availability
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