Cherokee Nat'l Forrest Campsites, Now with Electricity

Richard Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:17 pm

USSDDAA FFoorreesstt SSeerrvviiccee CChheerrookkeeee NNaattiioonnaall FFoorreesstt NNEEWWSS P.O. Box 2010 CClleevveellaanndd,, TTNN 3377332200 ((442233)) 447766--99770000 22880000 NNoorrtthh OOccooeeee SSttrreeeett CClleevveellaanndd,, TTNN 3377331122
ews Contact: Doug Byerly
423-476-9700
2005 Campground Changes in Cherokee National Forest
CLEVELAND, TN --- April 22, 2005… Visitors camping in Cherokee National Forest can enjoy facility improvements at four campgrounds this summer. Several campground loops have been reconstructed and electric hookup services provided at
• Indian Boundary Recreation Area located off Cherohala Skyway near Tellico Plains, TN;
• Chilhowee Recreation Area located off Ocoee Scenic Byway (US Highway 64) near Benton, TN; and
• Rock Creek Recreation Area located off Interstate 26 near Erwin, TN.
Several campsites at Cardens Bluff Campground located on Watauga Lake near Hampton, TN have also been renovated.
The improved campground loops will be closed early this spring, but the majority of construction is scheduled for completion prior to Memorial Day weekend.
USDA Forest Service officials also report that there have been national changes in the Federal Recreation Pass Program that will affect the cost of camping. Golden Age or Golden Access Passports are no longer valid for discounts related to electric hookup services. Passport holders that rent a campsite with electric hookups will be required to pay more than half price, but less than full price in Cherokee National Forest and other federal campgrounds. For more information on Federal Recreation Passes visit www.recreation.gov.
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1st add – Campground Changes
Following is a summary of campground improvements and changes:
Indian Boundary Recreation Area
Tellico Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest
Monroe County, TN
Improvements have been made to the water system and Loops A and D. A total of 41 campsites have been reconstructed and now offer electric hookup service. Twenty-five sites in Loop A have 30-amp service and 16 sites in Loop D have 50-amp service. The cost of a campsite with electric hookups will be $20.00 per night or discounted to $15.00 per night with a Golden Age
or Golden Access Passport.
Camping Loops B and C open April 27, 2005 with Loops A and D scheduled to open by Memorial Day.
Chilhowee Recreation Area –
Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest
Polk County, TN
Improvements are being made to Loops C, D, E and F. A new bathhouse is under construction for Loops C and D. A total of 35 campsites are being reconstructed and 11 now include 50-amp electric hookup service. In addition, other improvements have been made throughout the recreation area including new picnic tables, bulletin boards, and access steps.
The cost of a campsite with electric hookups will be $20.00 per night or discounted to $15.00 per night with a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport. Cost of campsites without electric hookups will be $12.00 per night or $6.00 with Golden Age or Golden Access Passport.
Chilhowee Recreation Area is open for the season, but campground loops C, D, E and F are not scheduled to open until late May.
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2nd add --- Campground Changes
Cardens Bluff Campground
Watauga Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest
Carter County, TN
A total of 23 campsites have been reconstructed. Improvements to the water system have also been made.
The campground opens April 29. Campsites being reconstructed will be open before Memorial Day.
Rock Creek Recreation Area
Nolichucky/Unaka Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest
Unicoi County, TN
A total of 12 campsites have been reconstructed in Loop C. Twelve of those include 50-amp electric hookup service. In addition, 5 walk-in tent sites were constructed east of Loop C to accommodate campers that enjoy a more primitive experience. The cost of a campsite with electric hookups will be $15.00 per night or discounted to $10.00 per night with a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport.
Cost of campsites without hookups will be $10.00 per night or $5.00 with Golden Age or Golden Access Passport.
Camping Loops A & B will open May 1. Loop C is scheduled to open before Memorial Day.
Lost Corral Horse Camp
Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest
Polk County, TN
A new horse camp near the Hiwassee River at the base of Starr Mountain is currently under construction. The campground road, camping spurs and toilet buildings were constructed in 2004. The water system, campsite amenities, horse high-lines and signs are scheduled for completion in 2005. The campground is expected to open in 2006. The adjoining day-use trailhead is now open.