Rough Ridge Campground
The campground is currently closed for the winter season. It is typically listed as open year-round but may be closed during winter months due to weather conditions and road access.
Frost Advisory issued May 2 at 12:42PM EDT until May 3 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Temperatures around or slightly below 36 will result in frost formation. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina and east Tennessee. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
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.
Cherokee National Forest enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
USDA Forest Service officials initiate Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Cherokee National Forest beginning Friday in response to extreme fire danger due to prolonged drought. The restrictions will prohibit fires outside of developed recreation sites. Drought conditions persist across the…
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…
Access disrupted to Chilhowee Recreation Area and Forest Service Road #77
UPDATE: Construction crews closed access to Chilhowee Recreation Area for road construction and paving. This is a phased project with adjustments to Chilhowee access throughout the phases. The long-term improvement project includes installation of dumpster pads for bear-proof dumpsters and…
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
Rough Ridge Campground sits along the scenic Tellico River corridor in Cherokee National Forest, approximately 22 miles from Tellico Plains. As one of two group campgrounds in the area, it caters to parties seeking a riverside camping experience. Each site is equipped with two picnic tables, two lantern posts, and a grill/fire ring, providing ample space for groups. The sites can accommodate two 26-foot camping trailers and four cars. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis only, with no advance reservations available. Payment can be made on-site using cash or check, with rates of $10 per night for 1-5 people and $20 per night for groups of 5 or more. Interagency Senior/Access passes provide a 50% discount. On-site payment via QR code scanning through the Recreation.gov mobile app may also be available. Located in the Tellico River corridor, the campground offers excellent access to fishing, hiking, and scenic driving. Vault toilets are available on-site, though drinking water is not provided and must be obtained from nearby campgrounds or brought in. The campground is reached via TN 165 and Forest Road 210, passing the Ranger Station and continuing approximately 17 miles upstream along the Tellico River.
Directions
From Tellico Plains, turn onto TN 165 for approximately 5 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 210 going past the Ranger Station. The campground is approximately 17 miles upstream.
Location
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 | $10 - $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 26ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 26ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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