Cherokee National Forest Boondocking in Delano, TN
Guide for Adventurers
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Delano, TN GPS: 35.22946, -84.496014 Elevation: 794′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Cherokee National Forest Boondocking: The road in is Gravel. Cherokee national forest campsite is open year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 at Cherokee national forest campsite. Just about 30 minutes from the Ocoee River in Ducktown, Tennessee the Chilhowee Recreation Area and Campground in Benton offers electric hookups, RV sites, tent-only sites, and multiple bathhouses at more than 70 camping sites. You can swim at McKamy Lake on a sandy beach and fish from the shoreline. Bring your non-motorized boat and enjoy time on the water. There are 25 miles of hiking and biking trails for your enjoyment as well.
About This Location
Boondocking near Cherokee National Forest in Delano, TN, gives you a real shot at getting away from crowded campgrounds and soaking up some unfiltered nature. There are plenty of free dispersed camping spots where you can pitch a tent or park your rig right in the woods, though you won’t find much in the way of amenities. Perfect if you’re after a true backcountry adventure.
You’ll have easy access to hiking, fishing, and all sorts of scenic trails. Some sites are fine for regular cars, but a few do call for higher clearance. Whether you’re rolling in to the Cherokee National Forest boondocking area with an RV or just a tent, you’ll find something that works—no permits, no fees, no hassle.
Key Takeaways
- Camp for free at lots of dispersed sites near Delano.
- Most vehicles and camping styles can access the area without much trouble.
- Hiking and fishing are right at your doorstep.
Cherokee National Forest Boondocking In Delano, TN
If you’re looking to skip campground fees, the Cherokee National Forest boondocking area
near Delano is a solid pick. The forest is dotted with dispersed camping spots—often called boondocking spots—where you can just pull in and stay.
Boondocking’s all about camping without hookups or fancy facilities. You’ll need to haul in your own water, food, and everything else. No bathrooms, no trash cans—so you’ve gotta stick to Leave No Trace principles.
The forest sprawls across several recreation areas. You can hunt down quiet spots tucked along trails, rivers, or in open clearings. Popular areas near Delano include Watauga Lake and Cardens Bluff Campground. Cardens Bluff has some basic sites, but you’ll also find free boondocking like the Cherokee National Forest boondocking area close by.
Key tips for boondocking in Cherokee National Forest:
- Double-check local rules before you set up camp.
- Pitch your tent or park at least 200 feet from any water.
- Pack out every bit of your trash.
- Use existing fire rings if fires are allowed.
- Don’t count on cell service—plan ahead.
You’ll get peace, wildlife, and some truly dark, starry skies at the Cherokee National Forest boondocking area. With zero facilities, you really do have to plan ahead and camp smart.
Things To Do
Camping in Cherokee National Forest near Delano opens up a bunch of outdoor options. Hiking’s huge here—there are trails winding through forests, tracing rivers, and leading into the Gee Creek Wilderness if you want something a little more remote.
Fishing’s solid, especially around Watauga Lake. Find a quiet spot, toss in a line, and you might just get lucky. And if you’re into low-key afternoons, areas like Gee Creek Campground have picnic tables and bathhouses for a little comfort.
If you’re drawn to camping that’s a bit more rugged, boondocking puts you off-grid in the thick of nature. Just remember to follow the rules and leave things better than you found them.
Feeling adventurous? There’s rock climbing on the local cliffs and formations—just make sure you’ve got your own gear and a bit of experience under your belt.
The forest splits into 15 Recreation Regions, each with its own vibe and activities. Honestly, it’s tough to get bored out here.
Popular activities:
- Hiking and exploring trails
- Fishing in lakes and rivers
- Picnicking at campgrounds
- Boondocking off-grid camping
- Rock climbing in nearby areas
Directions
To get to Cherokee National Forest boondocking near Delano, TN, start by heading toward Forest Road 210, also known as Tellico River Road. That’ll take you right to the Bald River Falls parking area, which most folks use as a jumping-off point.
From Delano, hop on Highway 72 north and watch for signs pointing to Tellico River Road. Take Forest Road 210 east into the woods. Some stretches are gravel or dirt, so keep an eye on the weather and road conditions.
If you want to check out the Tellico Ranger District, Citico Road (FR 35-1) is your friend. It runs alongside Citico Creek and has loads of free camping spots. GPS coordinates like (35.42882, -84.10620) can help you zero in on the right place.
Here’s a quick table for the main routes:
| Starting Point | Road Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delano, TN | Highway 72 | Main highway to Cherokee Forest |
| Forest Road 210 | Tellico River Road | Leads to Bald River Falls |
| FR 35-1 | Citico Road | Free camping spots nearby |
Most roads inside the Cherokee National Forest boondocking area work for cars and trucks, but big RVs might struggle with the rougher or narrower stretches.
Check forest road conditions before you go, especially after heavy rain. Some routes get muddy or even close for repairs.
Maps or GPS are your best bet for navigation—cell service drops off fast once you’re in the trees.
Vehicle Access
You can get to most boondocking spots near Delano, TN, with a regular vehicle. Main access roads are usually gravel or dirt, but they’re maintained pretty well. Some side roads, though, can get rough—high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles handle those best.
Definitely check the weather before you head in. Rain turns dirt roads into slippery messes that’ll test your traction. If you’re hauling an RV or a big trailer, double-check the size and weight limits on forest roads before you commit.
Parking at dispersed sites is usually just pulling off wherever there’s space—nothing fancy or marked. Just make sure you’re not blocking the road or anyone else trying to get by.
A few tips for vehicle access:
- Bring a good GPS or a forest service map
- Don’t rely on your phone—cell service is spotty
- Stash extra water and basic tools, just in case
- Skip narrow or steep side roads if you’re driving something big
Keep tabs on forest service updates about road closures or maintenance before you roll out. Saves a lot of headaches.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
Camping in the Cherokee National Forest boondocking area near Delano, TN, works for all sorts of setups—RVs, trailers, tents, you name it. Plenty of campgrounds have electric hookups, which makes life easier if you want a few comforts. If you’re keeping it simple, tent-only sites are around too.
Some campgrounds, like Chilhowee Campground, offer more than 70 campsites, so you’ll find something whether you’ve got a big rig, a small trailer, or just a tent.
If you’d rather skip the crowds, you can go for dispersed camping in certain parts of the forest. No hookups, no developed facilities—so you’ve gotta be totally self-sufficient.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Electric hookups are common, but not everywhere
- RV length limits change from campground to campground—look it up before you arrive
- Some campgrounds have dump stations, others don’t
- Always follow the rules for waste and fire safety
Make sure your RV or trailer can handle rough or unpaved roads. Some dispersed spots mean carrying all your own water and supplies. A little planning goes a long way for a safer, more comfortable stay.
Paid Or Permit Sites
If you’re camping in the Cherokee National Forest boondocking area near Delano, TN, you’ll come across both paid and permit-required sites. These spots usually offer more comforts than free boondocking—think showers or electric hookups—so your stay feels a bit easier.
Chilhowee Campground stands out as a popular paid choice. With over 70 campsites, electric hookups, RV spots, and tent-only areas, it’s got options. You can even reserve a site ahead of time, which is honestly a relief if you hate rolling up to a full campground.
Some areas ask you to grab a special permit before camping. Permits keep crowds in check and help protect the land. It’s smart to check with the local forest ranger district before you pick a spot.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Site Name | Fee Type | Amenities | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilhowee Campground | Paid | Electric hookups, RV & tent sites | Chilhowee Recreation Area |
| Lost Creek Campground | Free permit?* | Primitive sites, about 10 spots | Ocoee Ranger District |
*Lost Creek is usually free but sometimes you’ll need a permit, depending on what’s going on with the rules.
Try to plan ahead so you know if you’ll need a reservation or a permit. The most popular paid sites can fill up fast, especially during weekends or holidays. When in doubt, call the local forest office—they’ll have the latest scoop on what’s required and what it’ll cost.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| BBQ Grill Fire Ring Picnic Tables Shooting Range |
Tent Camping Biking Fishing Hiking Horse Trails Swimming Wildlife Viewing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links:
Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
National Park Service
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State Specific Information Links
Michigan Park Service
Michigan Fish and Game
Department of Natural Resources