Citico Creek Boondocking in Tellico Plains, TN
Guide to Remote Camping Essentials
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Citico Road Tellico Plains, TN GPS: 35.428823, -84.106202 Elevation: 1280′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service 423-253-8400 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Citico Creek Boondocking: Dispersed camping is allowed at several designated sites along the Citico Creek Corridor. There are no services or facilities provided at dispersed camping sites. You must pack it in and pack it out. Citico Creek Dispersed is open all year. This area provides opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. You will find ample opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking.
With more than 20,000 acres of Wilderness in Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock, this area provides ample opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. Catch both native and stocked trout in Citico Creek and its rugged tributaries, and fish for small-mouth bass and catfish in the creek’s lower reaches.
About This Location
Citico Creek Boondocking in Tellico Plains, TN, gives you a quiet, free camping experience tucked away in nature. Folks love this spot because you can just show up—no reservations, no fees, just you and the outdoors. If you’re after a no-frills getaway, this place is about as simple as it gets.
There’s plenty of room for tents and smaller rigs along Citico Road. You’ll camp close to forest trails, streams, and fishing holes. It feels pretty remote, so you’ll probably have a peaceful stay with hiking and horseback riding right nearby.
You won’t find amenities like water or power out here, but you can drive your vehicle into most dispersed camping areas. Trailers and RVs fit, though the roads get rough in places—worth planning for, honestly.
Key Takeaways
- Camp for free—no reservations needed at Citico Creek boondocking area.
- The area has quiet spots close to outdoor activities.
- You can drive in, but road conditions vary for RVs and trailers.
Citico Creek Boondocking In Tellico Plains, TN
If you’d rather avoid the reservation hassle, Citico Creek boondocking area in Tellico Plains is a solid pick. The area offers dispersed camping, so you’re not limited to developed campgrounds. Just pick a spot for your tent or RV—there’s usually plenty of space.
Camping is free and works on a first-come, first-served basis. No marked sites, no hookups, no facilities—bring what you need and then some.
The road winds from Tellico Plains toward Vonore, cutting through a long stretch of wilderness. That’s a big draw for dry camping and overlanding fans.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Pack out all trash.
- Bring your own water and supplies.
- Obey forest rules.
You’ll be camping inside the Cherokee National Forest. Trails crisscross the area if you want to hike or wander. Wildlife is around, so don’t get too close—just watch from a distance.
Citico Creek boondocking area is perfect if you want a low-key, quiet break from busy campgrounds. Plan ahead, though—cell service is spotty, and you’ll want to be prepared.
Things To Do
Camping at Citico Creek boondocking area opens up a bunch of outdoor options. The fishing is solid—trout and other fish hang out in the streams and rivers nearby.
You’ve also got trails for hiking or horseback riding. They’re not all easy, but you’ll get some great views and maybe spot wildlife. Good boots (or decent riding gear) make a difference.
Into overlanding or off-road driving? The roads around Citico Creek boondocking area offer a little adventure, especially if you like exploring remote forest areas.
Of course, camping itself is the main event. Since you’re not stuck in a developed campground, you can find a quiet corner and enjoy the forest your own way.
Quick list of what you can do:
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Off-road driving
- Boondocking and camping
You don’t need to use developed campsites, so you can skip the crowds. Bring enough supplies—seriously, there’s nothing out there. Respect the place and stay safe.
Directions
To get to Citico Creek Boondocking in Tellico Plains, TN, head for Tellico Plains on Highway 68. That road gets you close.
If you’re coming from Vonore, take Highway 411, then Highway 360, and then keep going straight onto Citico Road—that’s the route to the dispersed camping spots.
Traveling on I-75? Take exit 60 for Sweetwater, then follow signs to Tellico Plains via Highway 68. That’ll put you within a short drive of Citico Creek boondocking area.
Plug in GPS coordinates 35.456261, -84.117094 for the main area near the creek. Elevation’s around 1249 feet, if you’re curious.
The roads out here are mostly gravel and not always in great shape. Drive slow, especially if you’re towing or driving something with low clearance.
Key points:
- From Tellico Plains: Highway 68
- From Vonore: Highway 411 to 360, then Citico Road
- From I-75: Exit at Sweetwater (60), then Highway 68 to Tellico Plains
- GPS: 35.456261, -84.117094
That should get you to the boondocking site without too much trouble.
Vehicle Access
You’ll get to Citico Creek Boondocking via Forest Road 35-1, which runs along the creek and leads to several dispersed campsites numbered 1 through 13. The road’s mostly gravel, sometimes narrow, and can get a bit rough.
A high-clearance vehicle makes life easier, especially after rain. If you’re bringing an RV or something big, be ready for tight squeezes and uneven ground.
No paved roads in the camping area—just pull off next to the campsite, but don’t block the road for others.
You don’t need reservations or permits for vehicle access. It’s all first-come, first-served. Get there early if you want a spot right by the creek.
Cell service is iffy, so plan ahead. Stock up on supplies, because once you’re out there, you’re pretty much on your own.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
If you’re rolling into Citico Creek boondocking area with an RV or trailer, just know you won’t find hookups or services. That means no water, electricity, or sewer connections—it’s all dry camping.
Park your RV or trailer at the dispersed sites along the creek. It’s first-come, first-served, so arriving early helps, especially when it’s busy.
Citico Creek boondocking area really suits boondockers who are self-contained. Bring all the water, fuel, and supplies you’ll need—there’s nothing nearby to restock.
If you want full RV hookups, you’ll have to look for private campgrounds near Tellico Plains. Those spots usually have water, electric, sewer, and sometimes Wi-Fi.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Citico Creek Dispersed Camping | Nearby Hookup Campgrounds |
|---|---|---|
| Water | No | Yes |
| Electricity | No | Yes |
| Sewer | No | Yes |
| Reservations | No (first-come, first-served) | Often required |
| Cell/Wi-Fi Service | Limited to none | Often available |
Make sure your RV or trailer can handle rougher, uneven ground. The roads are unpaved and can get narrow.
You’ll need proper gear for waste, since there are no dumping stations. Whatever you bring in, take out—let’s keep the place nice for the next folks.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Citico Creek boondocking area, you’ll find that most camping is free and first-come, first-served. Still, a few areas and campgrounds ask for a small fee or a permit.
Jake Best Campground stands out as one of the developed sites. Trout fishermen and hunters seem to flock here. You’ll need to pay a fee if you want to stay. The site offers basic amenities—nothing fancy, but a step up from the more rugged dispersed spots.
There are also paid day-use areas along Citico Creek Road, offering trail access and a handful of designated spots. If you want to check out these areas, it’s smart to look up local regulations about fees and permits before you go.
For those who want a bit more structure and some facilities, these paid or permit-required locations might be more your speed. Dispersed camping usually doesn’t require a permit, but I’d double-check with the forest office just in case they’ve changed the rules.
| Site/Area | Type | Fees/Permit Required | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Best Campground | Developed | Yes | Basic campsites, fishing access |
| Citico Creek Road | Day-use areas | Sometimes | Trail access, parking |
| Dispersed Camping | Backcountry | Usually no | No facilities |
Before you head out, give the local ranger station a call to confirm the latest rules. Saves you from hassle and keeps your trip running smoothly.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Fishing Horseback Riding Wildlife Viewing Stargazing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links:
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