KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Spring is upon us in East Tennessee and for those looking to enjoy some of the great outdoors the Cherokee National Forest has announced when its recreation sites are opening.

The forest, which covers 650,000 acres, provides a range of outdoor activities for the more than 2 million annual visitors it welcomes to the Southern Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee. Many campgrounds and swim areas within the forest close from late fall through mid spring. USDA Forest Service officials say the closing is “in response to low visitation, reduced seasonal workforce, and freezing temperatures that damage water and wastewater systems.”

Most campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis, however, some can be reserved in advance online by going to recreation.gov or calling the reservation service at 1-877-444-6777.

As the Forest Service works to make its recreation program more sustainable, visitors should expect to see projects across the forest to reduce the maintenance backlog and improve “well-loved” sites. This effort could also lead to site operating schedules changing.

Below are the scheduled 2023 opening dates for Cherokee National Forest recreation sites. The Forest Service adds that shooting ranges and most boat launches are open year-round.

WATAUGA RANGER DISTRICT: 423-735-1500

HOLSTON MOUNTAIN AREA

  • Little Oak Campground
  • 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:

WATAUGA LAKE AREA

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 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:
  • 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