Spivey Cove Campground in Tellico Plains, TN
Guide to Outdoor Adventure and Relaxation
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Tellico Plains, TN GPS: 35.303901, -84.113143 Elevation: 2014′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service The price is $6 |
Previous Reviews:
Spivey Cove Campground: 16 campsites. Close to the scenic Tellico River, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Room for tents, trailers, and RVs. Cost per night $6
About This Location
Spivey Cove Campground sits quietly near Tellico Plains, TN, tucked in the Cherokee National Forest. Here you’ll find basic camping—just tent spots and trailer sites close to rivers and shaded by peaceful woods. It’s a solid pick for anyone who wants to get outside and slow down a bit. There are sixteen sites (some with a small fee), and the amenities are pretty simple: toilets and parking.
You’re close to the scenic Tellico River, so hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching are all right there—without the crowds. The forest feels calm, but you’re not totally cut off from civilization; Robbinsville and other towns aren’t far, and you’ve got easy access to places like the Chattahoochee National Forest.
You don’t have to reserve ahead—just roll in and grab a spot. Trailers and RVs can get in without much trouble, so it’s a convenient, affordable base for anyone wanting to explore the area.
Key Takeaways
- Spivey Cove keeps things quiet and simple, nestled by rivers and forest.
- It’s easy to reach, with room for tents, trailers, and RVs.
- You’re surrounded by outdoor adventures, but still close to towns and other forests.
Spivey Cove Campground In Tellico Plains, TN
You’ll find Spivey Cove Campground near Tellico Plains in Monroe County, Tennessee, right inside the Cherokee National Forest and close to the Tellico River. The setting is full of forested hills and river views—honestly, it’s a peaceful place to just hang out in nature.
There are 16 sites, first-come, first-served, and each one costs $6 per night. You can pitch a tent or park a trailer, and there are picnic tables, parking spots, and toilets.
If you want to check out other spots, you’ve got options: Holly Flats, North River Campground, Doublecamp Campground, Jake Best Campground, and Young Branch Horse Camp. Each campground has its own vibe, but all give you access to the forest’s trails and waterways.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Tellico Plains, Monroe County |
| Number of Sites | 16 |
| Cost per Night | $6 |
| Amenities | Toilets, picnic tables, parking, tent & trailer camping |
| Access | First-come, first-served |
Spivey Cove keeps camping simple and peaceful, connecting you to the mountains and rivers that make this part of Tennessee special.
Things To Do
There’s plenty to do around Spivey Cove Campground if you’re up for some outdoor time in the Cherokee National Forest. Hiking is probably the main draw—trails like Indian Boundary Lake Trail and South Fork Citico Trail are nearby, offering quiet walks and good chances to spot wildlife.
You’ve got rivers to explore, too. The Tellico and Bald Rivers are great for fishing, especially if you’re after trout. There’s even a trout hatchery near Bald River Falls if you’re curious about the local fish scene. If you’re into boating or paddling, lakes like Santeetlah, Hiwassee, and Persimmon are all within reach.
If you’re the adventurous type, the Ocoee River’s whitewater rafting is close by. Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park has more rafting and kayaking, and if you’re a history buff, Fort Loudoun State Park is worth a visit. There’s even golf nearby, if that’s your thing.
Prefer calmer water? Marinas on Apalachia Lake rent boats, and you can birdwatch or look for wildlife along Turkey Creek and Birch Branch. The weather’s usually good for camping and hiking year-round, but it’s smart to check the forecast before you go.
Directions
To get to Spivey Cove Campground, start in Tellico Plains, TN. Head north on TN-165 for about 5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 210 and keep going past the Ranger Station—you’ll spot the campground soon after.
If you’re coming from Vonore or Dandridge, just make your way to Tellico Plains first. From Dandridge, it’s about 40 miles on local highways. From Vonore, head west toward Tellico Plains on US-411 or TN-360. Once you’re in town, follow TN-165 north like everyone else.
Coming from Murphy, North Carolina? You can take the scenic Cherohala Skyway, which drops you right near Tellico Plains. From there, just hop onto TN-165 and then Forest Road 210.
The GPS coordinates are 35.304 latitude and -84.113 longitude, which should get you there without much trouble. The physical address is 2887 River Road, Tellico Plains, TN 37385.
Heads up: Forest Road 210 is gravel. Most vehicles are fine, but if it’s raining or icy, take it slow. There’s signage around Tellico Plains pointing you to the campground once you turn onto FR 210.
Vehicle Access
Bringing the right vehicle matters here. If you want one of the mountaintop campsites, you’ll need a 4×4 or all-wheel drive (AWD). Two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles aren’t allowed up there—if you try it, you could get hit with a $100 property damage fee.
With a 2WD, you’re limited to creekside campsites. Those are easier to reach and don’t require special vehicles. It’s worth planning ahead so you don’t get stuck or end up paying extra.
If you’d rather stay in town before heading out, nearby hotels like Hampton Inn Murphy, Best Western of Murphy, and Days Inn Murphy are decent spots to crash and get your gear sorted.
Here’s a quick look at the vehicle rules:
| Vehicle Type | Allowed Camping Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4×4 or AWD | Mountaintop campsites | Required for upper sites |
| 2WD | Creekside campsites only | $100 fee if found on mountaintop |
Sticking to these rules helps keep the forest healthy and the campground safe for everyone.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
Spivey Cove Campground works for RVs, camping trailers, and tents. Most sites are roomy enough for small to medium RVs, and you’ll get a picnic table and fire pit at your spot.
There are 16 campsites, and you’ll need to pay $6 per night. The campground is pretty primitive, though—don’t expect electric, water, or sewer hookups. It’s best if your RV or trailer is self-contained, or if you’re tent camping.
If you want more amenities, check out Hanging Dog RV Park or Tellico Plains KOA nearby; they’ve got full hookups and showers. Spivey Cove does offer restrooms, so it’s not totally roughing it. Horse Cove Campground is another close option with tent sites and basic facilities.
For tent or hammock campers, Spivey Cove keeps things simple but well maintained. The setting—close to rivers and forests—makes primitive camping feel a bit more special.
| Feature | Availability at Spivey Cove |
|---|---|
| RV hookups | Limited/None |
| Tent sites | Yes |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Fire pits | Yes, at each site |
| Picnic tables | Yes, at each site |
| Nearby full-service parks | Hanging Dog RV Park, Tellico Plains KOA |
Paid Or Permit Sites
Spivey Cove Campground has 16 paid sites, each running $6 a night. You’ve got to show up in person to snag a spot and pay. There’s a QR code on-site, so you can handle payment through the Recreation.gov app if you’d rather skip the cash.
The sites come in different sizes. Sites 10 and 13 can handle up to six people, which works if you’re rolling in with a bigger crew. For larger groups, it’s smart to grab neighboring sites so everyone can stick together and still follow the rules.
Not far off, public lands like Holder Cove and the State Line Group areas have more camping options. A lot of them are free, but you might need a permit for certain activities. If you’re thinking about checking out these dispersed sites, planning ahead makes life easier.
If you’re after something a little more rugged, Citico Creek Dispersed Camping and Bear Creek Hunt Camp are worth a look. These areas usually don’t offer amenities and might ask for special hunting or camping permits. Honestly, you’ve got to be okay with roughing it.
Food storage rules cover the whole Cherokee National Forest, Spivey Cove included. It’s all about keeping wildlife safe and the campground in good shape.
Before you go, double-check the current fee dates and permit details. The paid season usually stretches from late May through mid-November, but sometimes things change.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Toilets Picnic Tables Fire pits |
RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Nature Walks Wildlife Viewing |
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