Old Forge Recreation Area

in Cherokee National Forest

The numbers that decide it

Longest rig
Not published
Sites
4
Electric hookups
Not published
Pull-through sites
Not published
Paved access
Not published
Accessible sites
Not published
Driveway grade
Not published
Bear boxes
Not published
Campfires
Not published
Shade
Not published
Group sites
Not published

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov

Old Forge Recreation Area

Are you looking for a primitive tent camping experience? Come stay at this small campground located along the banks of Jennings Creek. Large walk-in tent sites are screened by native vegetation. In the early 1900’s, this area was the site of an iron forge. Iron ore was smelted and made into materials for the railroad operation that harvested timber in the area.

Before you go

Season

5/1/2024 – 10/24/2024

Reservations

First-come, first-served

Fees

Camping fee is $7 per site per night.

Hours

CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Restrictions

Group size is 5 people, 2 vehicles per site. • No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the area. • Horses are not allowed in the campground. • Food storage restrictions apply at all areas on the Cherokee National Forest. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container, your locked vehicle or hard-sided camper at all times unless being eaten, prepared, or transported.

Scenic drives that pass close

Make it a night on a better road

Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.