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Jacobs Creek Campground (TN)

FSU.S. Forest Service — Bristol · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest

AgencyFSU.S. Forest Service
AreaCherokee National Forest
LocationBristol · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest · 36.56138, -82.00019 · Map
Sites27 public sites counted from the federal listing — 18 standard nonelectric; 9 tent only nonelectric
Getting a siteReservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below.
HookupsElectric at 0 of 27 sites
Water hookups at 0 of 27 sites
Sewer hookups at 0 of 27 sites
Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 27 sites
Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way.
Max RV lengthNot reported in the federal data
Months openNot in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov.
FeesNot reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground.
Check-in / outIn 02:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing)
Phone423-735-1500

Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →

This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.

From the official listing

Overview PLEASE NOTE: AS THE HURRICANE BANNER DESCRIBES, JACOBS CREEK CAMPGROUND AND DAY-USE AREA IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. READ THE NEED TO KNOW SECTION (LOCATED UNDER FACILITY INFORMATION TAB) FOR FURTHER DETAILS. PLEASE READ IT BEFORE MAKING ANY RESERVATIONS. Jacobs Creek Campground is situated along the shores of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee, at an elevation of 1,730 ft. With a view of miles of undeveloped shoreline and the water, the campsites at Jacobs Creek Campground are a relaxing way to spend your vacation. There are 27 available campsites, 23 of which are reservable, including warm showers in the campground. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions. There is a Day-Use area adjacent to the Campground with a designated beach area.  

Recreation Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Jacobs Creek. There is a boat launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421. A few campsites have easy access to the lake shore. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a day-use area adjacent to the campground for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, as well as resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group. Jacobs Creek Shooting Range is about 1 mile outside the campground.  

Facilities There are a total of 29 campsites, 27 of which are available, within three loops. Some sites are right along the water, and some sites are away from the water. The campground has flush toilets and showers. Each site is non-electric, and contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder. Some sites can accommodate a travel trailer, while some sites are tent only. There is a boat launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421.   

Natural Features South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.

Nearby Attractions Jacobs Creek Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shady Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Little Oak Campground is 25 minutes away for another campground option along South Holston Lake.

Directions, from the listing

From Bristol, take US 421 South for 12 miles, and turn left onto paved Denton Valley Rd. After 1.5 miles, turn left onto Jacobs Creek Rd. Continue 0.5 miles and you will be at Jacobs Creek Campground.

Nearest federal campgrounds

FSU.S. Forest ServiceLittle Oak Campground
4 mi straight-line · Bristol Tennessee
FSU.S. Forest ServiceBackbone Rock Campground
11 mi straight-line · Shady Valley Tennessee
FSU.S. Forest ServiceDennis Cove Campground
22 mi straight-line · Unicoi Tennessee
FSU.S. Forest ServiceThe Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions
26 mi straight-line · Johnson City Tennessee
FSU.S. Forest ServiceRock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)
35 mi straight-line · Greeneville Tennessee

Trip Card — Jacobs Creek Campground (TN)

Bristol · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest

AgencyFS · U.S. Forest Service
LocationBristol · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest
FeesNot reported in the federal data
Getting a siteReservable
HookupsNone reported
Max RVNot reported
Months openNot in federal data
Sites27 sites

Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10128487 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.