Little Oak Campground in Bristol, TN
Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Bristol, TN GPS: 36.519538, -82.060816 Elevation: 1781′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service This is a PAY campground. ($12 or less) |
Previous Reviews:
Little Oak Campground: Want to set up camp next to a big lake? Take a look at Little Oak Recreation Area in Sullivan County, which is situated on a peninsula on the eastern coast of South Holston Lake. There is a campground here that doesn’t have many amenities for day-use. There are 68 sites that are accessible to everyone, and a lot of them have direct access or views of lakes.
From May through September, camping sites are $12 per site, which covers water and hot showers. During the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October), when facilities are limited and water is unavailable, each site costs $10. There are two interpretive pathways in Little Oak, which is a Watchable Wildlife Area. Many people use the concrete boat ramp as a jumping off point for trips into South Holston Lake.
About This Location
Little Oak Campground in Bristol, TN, sits quietly on the shores of South Holston Lake. You’ll find a mix of primitive and accessible campsites here—great for tents, RVs, or just anyone who loves waking up to mountain views. If you’re into fishing, boating, or hiking, this place is a pretty solid pick.
The facilities? They’re surprisingly well-kept, with flush bathrooms and easy water access, so you don’t have to rough it too much. Nestled in the Cherokee National Forest, Little Oak lets you kick back by the lake or hit the nearby trails, and you’re never too far from town if you need something.
Key Takeaways
- Campsites fit both tents and RVs, and you get the basics you actually need.
- Lake access and mountain views are a given.
- Facilities stay clean, which honestly makes a big difference.
Little Oak Campground in Bristol, TN
Little Oak Campground sits right in Bristol, TN, inside the Cherokee National Forest. You’ll find it along the eastern edge of South Holston Lake, with the Holston Mountain ridgeline standing guard in the distance. It’s a favorite for folks who want forest vibes and lake time all in one.
You’ve got your pick of campsites for tents or RVs. Some are universally accessible, so everyone can get in on the fun. It’s nice to see a place actually think about access for all.
There are flush toilets, a showerhouse, water hydrants, and a dump station. That covers the basics for a comfortable stay out here. The campground loops open up again for the 2025 season, so you can plan ahead.
You can go hiking, fishing, or boating without much hassle. Being right next to South Holston Lake makes water activities super convenient. Between the scenery and the amenities, Little Oak Campground is a strong option for camping in Tennessee.
Things to Do
There’s plenty to keep you busy at Little Oak Campground. South Holston Lake is right there, so fishing and swimming are easy to get to. You can launch a boat at the public ramp nearby and spend the day exploring the lake.
If hiking’s your thing, you’ve got options. The Appalachian Trail isn’t too far—close enough for a solid day hike or even a longer trek if you’re feeling ambitious. Shorter trails loop around the campground, too, showing off the woods and lake.
Biking’s popular here. The paved roads and forest trails work for both newbies and seasoned riders. It’s not unusual to spot wildlife while you’re pedaling or walking around.
If you’re just looking to chill, grab a picnic table by the water or hang out at your site. Kayaking and canoeing on the calm waters is a peaceful way to spend the afternoon.
Fishing here draws a lot of attention, especially for trout in the stocked rivers nearby. Bring your rod, and you might just catch dinner.
Directions
To get to Little Oak Campground from Bristol, TN, just hop on US 421 south for about 12 miles.
After that, hang a right onto Camp Tom Howard Road (it’s paved). About half a mile in, the road turns into Forest Road #87. Keep following that, and you’ll roll right into the campground.
Coming from Bristol Motor Speedway? It’s a short drive west to US 421 south, so it’s a breeze for race fans or anyone staying close by.
You’ll find the campground in the Cherokee National Forest, managed with some help from the Tennessee Valley Authority. They keep it in good shape, and the whole area feels tucked away but still reachable.
Plug 1051 Little Oak Rd, Bristol, TN 37620 into your GPS, and you’ll end up at the right spot. Just brace yourself—a few of the roads get narrow and twisty after you leave the highway.
Checking road conditions before you head out, especially if the weather’s looking sketchy, isn’t a bad idea. It’ll help you avoid surprises on the way in.
Vehicle Access
Getting your vehicle into Little Oak Campground is pretty straightforward. Each campsite allows up to two vehicles overnight, which keeps things from getting too crowded and helps everyone enjoy some peace.
The roads are wide, so cars, trucks, and trailers all fit without drama. You won’t have to sweat about tight corners or squeezing by someone else.
Bringing a boat or trailer? There’s space to park and turn around. While you won’t find a boat ramp right at the campground, the Backbone Rock Recreation Area nearby does have a public ramp for launching.
Signs point you in the right direction, and you’ll want to drive slowly—there are always folks walking and plenty of wildlife around.
All in all, vehicle access here is flexible and makes camping with gear or a trailer way less stressful.
RV and Camping Trailer Information
RV campers and folks with trailers will feel right at home at Little Oak. The campground has sites sized for different rigs, but it’s smart to reserve ahead—spots can get snapped up as much as six months out.
RV sites come with electric hook-ups and a dump station, so you’re set for an extended stay. If you’re after more comfort, you’ll appreciate the warm showers available to all campers.
Tent campers aren’t left out—there are tent-only areas, and every spot has access to vault toilets that get cleaned regularly.
You’ll camp near the eastern shore of South Holston Lake, so the lake views and water access are right there. It’s a quiet area, whether you’re in an RV or a tent.
Here’s what RV and trailer campers can expect:
| Amenity | Availability |
|---|---|
| Electric Hook-ups | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Warm Showers | Yes |
| Vault Toilets | Yes |
| Tent Camping Area | Yes |
That lineup makes Little Oak Campground a flexible spot for all kinds of campers.
Paid or Permit Sites
At Little Oak Campground, you’ll find that most campsites need a reservation and a fee. You can actually book your spot up to six months ahead through official sites like Recreation.gov. Prices typically start at $12 a night, so it’s honestly a pretty affordable option.
Some sites work on a first-come, first-served basis. If you show up without a reservation, you can only stay for two nights at those unreserved spots. That policy keeps things fair and gives everyone a shot at camping.
They set limits on site occupancy—no more than five people and two vehicles per campsite overnight. It’s probably best to plan around those numbers so you don’t run into any issues.
Little Oak has a few rules to keep things safe and tidy. Alcohol isn’t allowed at all, so that’s something to keep in mind. Following these guidelines just makes it better for everyone.
Depending on the site, you might get access to showers or dump stations, which honestly makes the whole camping experience a bit more comfortable.
Before you book, it’s easy to check which sites are available online. For instance, Site 041 in the Big Oak Loop has its own listing, so you can pick out the spot that fits your needs.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Electric Hook-ups Dump Station Warm Showers Vault Toilets Tent Camping Area |
RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Nature Walks Wildlife Viewing |
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