Sourwood Campground
Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations accepted. No potable water available; campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash.
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
Sourwood Campground is a primitive dispersed camping area situated along the Tellico River corridor in Cherokee National Forest. The riverside location provides a peaceful setting with the sound of flowing water, making it popular among anglers targeting trout and paddlers exploring the river. The campground sits about a half mile upriver from Green Cove, a small fishing community along Tellico River Road. As a free primitive camping area, facilities are minimal. A single vault toilet is provided, but there is no potable water, trash service, or hookups. Campers must bring their own water supply and pack out all trash. The area is first-come, first-served with no reservations. The surrounding Cherokee National Forest offers extensive recreation opportunities including the Cherohala Skyway scenic drive, Bald River Falls, and hiking on the Benton MacKaye Trail. Access requires a vehicle with medium to high ground clearance due to narrow and rough road conditions.
Directions
From Tellico Plains, take TN 165 east toward the Cherohala Skyway. Turn onto Forest Road 210 (Tellico River Road) and continue along the river. The campground is located about a half mile upriver from Green Cove. A medium to high ground clearance vehicle is recommended due to narrow and rough road conditions.
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 | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 253-8400 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
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