The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service officials have announced the 2023 operating dates for recreation sites in the Cherokee National Forest.
The forest, which spans 650,000 acres, offers various outdoor recreation opportunities and seasonal experiences for over 2 million visitors yearly.
While most day-use recreation sites remain open throughout the year, highly developed campgrounds and swim areas are typically closed and winterized from late fall through mid-spring.
This is due to low visitation, reduced seasonal workforce, and freezing temperatures that damage water and wastewater systems.
Some campsites in developed campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others can be reserved in advance.
The Forest Service is shifting to a more sustainable recreation program and will meet the reality of increasing deferred maintenance and operational costs.
Visitors can expect to see various projects across the National Forest aimed at reducing deferred maintenance and investments in improving well-loved sites. As such, site operating schedules may change as projects move forward.
To verify opening dates, visitors can contact the ranger district offices. Shooting ranges and most boat launches are open year-round.
Following are the 2023 scheduled opening dates for Cherokee National Forest recreation sites. However, the planned site openings and closings may change due to unforeseen circumstances and conditions.
WATAUGA RANGER DISTRICT: 423-735-1500
HOLSTON MOUNTAIN AREA
- Hemlock & Poplar Loops – April 24 – October 10
- Big Oak & Lone Pine Loops & Boat Ramp – April 24 – October 10
- Primitive Camping Only (no flush toilets) – April 4 – April 23; October 10 – November 6
- Jacobs Creek Campground & Day Use Area – April 24 – October 10
IRON MOUNTAINS
- Backbone Rock Recreation Area:
- Day Use Area (Pavilions) – March 20 – November 20
- Campground – April 24 – October 10
WATAUGA LAKE AREA
- Cardens Bluff Campground – April 24 – October 10
- Dennis Cove Campground – April 24 – October 10
- Shook Branch Swim Area – May 8 – September 11
- Watauga Point Recreation Area – April 3 – October 10
ROAN HIGHLANDS
- Carvers Gap Trailhead (Vault Toilet) – March 20 – November 20
UNAKA MOUNTAINS
- Laurels Picnic Area (Pavilions) – March 20 – October 10
UNAKA RANGER DISTRICT: 423-638-4109
UNAKA MOUNTAINS
- Buffalo Mtn. ATV Trail – March 15 – December 15
- Limestone Cove Day Use Area – Open Year Round
- Rock Creek Campground – May 10 – October 20
- Lower Day Use Area – Open Year Round
- Chestoa Day Use Area – Open Year Round
BALD MOUNTAINS
- Horse Creek Campground & Pavilion – May 10 – October 20
- Sampson Trailhead Day Use Area – Open Year Round
- Katy Branch Group Site – May 10 – October 20
- Old Forge Campground – March 15 – December 15
- Round Knob Pavilion – Open Year Round
TELLICO RANGER DISTRICT: 423-397-8455
CITICO CREEK AREA
- Jake Best Campground – March 2 – November 27
- Young Branch Campground – Open Year Round
TELLICO RIVER AREA
- Big Oak Cove Campground – May 4 – September 28
- Donley Cabin – Closed until the bridge is replaced
- Holly Flats Campground – May 4 – November 27
- Indian Boundary Campground – April 19 – November 1
- Indian Boundary Swimming & Picnic Area – April 19 – November 1
- Indian Boundary Overflow Campground – Open Year Round
- North River Campground – Open Year Round
- Spivey Cove Campground – May 4 – September 28
- Davis Branch – Open Year Round
- Dam Creek Campground – Open Year Round
- Holder Cove – Open Year Round
- Rough Ridge – Open Year Round
- Stateline Campground – Open Year Round
- Young Branch Horse Camp – Open Year Round
- Birch Branch & McNabb Group Campgrounds – Open Year Round
OCOEE RANGER DISTRICT: 423-338-3300
STARR MOUNTAIN AREA
- Lost Corral Campground – Open Year Round
HIWASSEE RIVER AREA
- Lost Creek Campground – Open Year Round
OCOEE RIVER AREA
- Chilhowee Recreation Area:
- Campground – April 14 – November 6
- Group Camp – April 14 – November 6
- Mac Point Beach Day Use – April 21 – November 6
- Parksville Beach Day Use – Open Year Round
- Parksville RV Campground – February 24 – January 16, 2024
- Parksville Group Campground – April 21 – November 6
- Thunder Rock Campground – February 24 – January 16, 2024
- Tumbling Creek Campground – Open Year Round
BIG FROG AREA
- Sylco Campground (No vehicle access) – Open Year Round
This schedule will help visitors plan their trips, make reservations, and ensure that they can enjoy the outdoor activities they are interested in.
Moreover, The announcement is important for the smooth operations of the campgrounds and recreation parks staff to plan for staffing needs, maintenance, and other operational requirements.