Jacobs Creek Campground in Bristol, TN
Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Bristol, TN GPS: 36.565701, -82.009204 Elevation: 1837′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – USDA Forest Service The price is 12.00 |
Previous Reviews:
Jacobs Creek Campground: Jacobs Creek Recreation Area is located on a peninsula on the eastern shore of South Holston Lake in Sullivan County. The campground includes 27 single-unit campsites, a trailer dump station, and a lakeside trail. The day-use area features a large grassy area with picnicking facilities and a designated swim site. Want to bring your boat? You can use TWRA’s boatramp just a few miles west on US 421.
About This Location
Jacobs Creek Campground in Bristol, TN, sits quietly along the shores of South Holston Lake. Managed by the Tellico Ranger District, this spot gives you easy access to lakeside trails, picnic areas, and 27 well-maintained campsites. Both tents and RVs are welcome. The hydroelectric reservoir nearby, developed with help from the Tennessee Valley Authority, adds a calm, waterside vibe.
You’ll find plenty to do here—fishing, hiking, or just lounging by the lake. The campground sits on land the Civilian Conservation Corps helped shape, and its elevation brings cool breezes and some really nice views. It’s a simple place, but you get essentials like a trailer dump station and plenty of space for single-unit setups.
Getting to Jacobs Creek Campground is a breeze. You’ll need a permit or to pay a fee, but that keeps things tidy and well-kept. It’s easy to drive in, yet you still feel tucked away in the woods—a solid choice for anyone wanting a low-key escape near Bristol.
Key Takeaways
- 27 campsites, suitable for trailers and tents
- Sits by South Holston Lake, close to a TVA hydroelectric reservoir
- Tellico Ranger District manages it; you’ll find basic but useful amenities
Jacobs Creek Campground in Bristol, TN
Jacobs Creek Campground lies near Bristol, TN, mostly in Sullivan County, right by South Holston Lake—a favorite for fishing and boating. You’ll find it inside the Cherokee National Forest, so expect a peaceful, natural setting.
There are 27 campsites for single units. You’ll spot a trailer dump station and a lakeside trail, making it easy to get to the water. The day-use area has a big grassy spot for picnics or just stretching out.
At about 1,730 feet elevation, the campground usually stays cool, and the views of the lake and forest don’t disappoint. If you’re into hiking, fishing, or just camping somewhere quiet near Bristol, this is a solid pick.
Weather can be unpredictable, though—Hurricane Helene once caused closures—so it’s smart to check for updates before heading out. The campground borders Greene County, so you can get there from a few directions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sullivan County, near Bristol |
| Number of Campsites | 27 single-unit campsites |
| Elevation | 1,730 feet |
| Amenities | Trailer dump station, lakeside trail, day-use grassy area |
| Nearby Natural Site | South Holston Lake, Cherokee National Forest |
Things To Do
At Jacobs Creek Campground, you’ve got a bunch of outdoor activities at your fingertips. South Holston Lake is right there for fishing, swimming, and boating. If you’ve got a kayak or a small boat, bring it along.
Hiking trails wind around the campground and into Cherokee National Forest. You might spot wildflowers, turkeys, and, if you’re lucky (or unlucky?), even black bears from a safe distance.
The grassy picnic area is a nice place to chill or grab lunch. Not far off, you’ll find Little Oak Campground and other spots like Beaverdam Creek and Laurel Fork Creek. If you want a change of scenery, these add more trails and water to explore.
Biking? The mountain trails are there for you too. You’ll get those forest and lake views as you ride. Horse Creek, Rock Creek, and Dennis Cove are other nearby recreation areas, each with its own vibe.
If you’re up for a day trip, places like Watauga Lake, Backbone Rock Campground, and the Ocoee Whitewater Center aren’t far. Whitewater rafting, laid-back hiking—it’s all on the table.
Fishing is a big draw here and at nearby lakes like McKamy Lake. You’ll appreciate the warm showers and trailer dump station after a long day out, especially if you’re planning to stick around for a while.
Directions
To get to Jacobs Creek Campground from Bristol, TN, hop on US 421 south and stay on it for about 12 miles.
After that, hang a left onto Denton Valley Road (it’s paved), and keep going for two miles.
Then, take another left onto Jacobs Creek Road, also paved. The campground pops up along this road—not hard to spot once you turn.
If you’re coming from Bluff City, head toward Bristol and pick up US 421 south. It’s a pretty easy drive from anywhere nearby.
The ZIP code is 37620—handy for GPS or mailing stuff.
Bristol Motor Speedway is only about 15 minutes north on US 421, so if you’re a race fan, camping here makes sense.
Plug 300 Jacob’s Creek Road, Bristol, TN into your GPS or map app to keep things simple. Honestly, it helps avoid those tiny backroads.
Vehicle Access
Getting in and out of Jacobs Creek Campground with your vehicle is simple. Each campsite lets you park up to two vehicles overnight, which keeps things organized.
There aren’t any strict driveway size limits or odd vehicle rules. The roads are just fine for regular cars and small trailers.
Bringing a boat? No problem. There’s a boat launch ramp close by, so you can get your boat into South Holston Lake without much hassle.
The ramp handles small to medium boats. If you want to use it during busy times, try to show up early.
Parking near the ramp is a bit tight, so stick to the marked spots and leave room for others.
Lots of folks tow their boats with trucks or SUVs, and the roads can handle that. If you’ve got a bigger RV, it’s probably best to double-check locally about access—just to be sure.
All in all, getting your vehicle in and out is pretty painless, whether you’ve got a boat or not. If everyone follows the parking rules, it keeps the place running smoothly.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
Jacobs Creek Campground has 27 single-unit campsites, mostly set up for tent camping and smaller RVs or trailers. The sites are gravel, so they drain well and don’t get too messy.
You won’t find electrical hookups here, so RVers need to be ready for off-grid camping. If you rely on power, pack a generator or make sure your batteries are topped up.
Each campsite comes with a fire ring and lantern holder, so you can have a campfire without worries. Tables are at every site, which makes organizing meals and gear a bit easier.
You’ll find a bathhouse with flush toilets and warm showers—definitely a plus after a full day outside.
If you need full hookups and more RV-friendly features, Parksville Lake RV Campground is nearby. Jacobs Creek Campground sticks to the basics—no electrical service, just a laid-back, natural camping experience.
There’s a trailer dump station on-site for waste disposal, and the lakeside trail plus the grassy day-use areas help set a relaxing tone.
Paid Or Permit Sites
Jacobs Creek Campground offers 29 campsites spread out over three loops—27 of them usually open for use. Some sites sit right on the water, while others tuck back for a little more seclusion.
Each campsite costs $12 per night. That fee goes toward maintaining the campground and its facilities. If you’re just stopping by for the day, there’s a $2 per vehicle per day charge unless you’re camping overnight.
If you plan to visit more than once, you might consider picking up a Cherokee National Forest Pass for $30 a year. It covers day-use fees throughout the forest, so it’s probably worth it if you’re coming back a few times.
Campground hosts usually hang around. They’ll help keep things tidy and answer questions about campground rules. Honestly, they’re good folks to ask if you run into any issues.
You’ll find a trailer dump station here and easy access to a lakeside trail. Whether you’re in a tent or rolling in with an RV, Jacobs Creek Campground works well for just about any type of camper.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| BBQ Grill Drinking Water Dump Station Fire Ring Near Water Picnic Tables Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping Fishing Boating Hiking Biking Wildlife Viewing |
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