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.
Wind Advisory issued May 22 at 1:46PM EDT until May 23 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Southeast winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE...Blount Smoky Mountains, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Sevier Smoky Mountains, Southeast Greene, and Unicoi Counties. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 8 AM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
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
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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