Jacobs Creek Recreation Area

Area Status: Closed

View of Jacobs Creek Recreation Area in Cherokee National Forest

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area is located on a peninsula on the eastern shore of South Holston Lake in Sullivan County.

The campground includes 27 single-unit campsites, a trailer dump station, and a lakeside trail. The day-use area features a large grassy area with picnicking facilities and a designated swim site. Want to bring your boat? You can use TWRA's boatramp just a few miles west on US 421.

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area Map

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Jacobs Creek Recreation Area plans to re-open for the 2024 season on 4/29/2024. You are in Bear Country. Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements.
Operational Hours:	Gate opens at 7 AM and closes at 10 PM. All guests are asked to leave before gates close for the evening.
Reservations:	Visit Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777 to make a campsite reservation.
Area Amenities:	Tent camping, Camping trailer, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking
Fees:	Camping is $12 per site. Day use fees are $2 per vehicle per day or a Cherokee National Forest Pass for $30 per year. Contact the Watauga Ranger District for more information at 423-735-1500. The day-use permit can also be purchased online. See info below in Passes.
Open Season:	4/29/2024 - 10/15/2024
Restrictions:	Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the area. No burning plastic or other non-wood products except local wood in campfires and charcoal in grills. 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. Maximum of 5 people and 2 vehicles at each camp site. Pets must be on a maximum 6 ft. leash at all times, and pick up after them. For safety and sanitary reasons, pets are not allowed on the beach and not allowed within the designated swimming area. It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all specific rules and regulations which are also posted at the campground and day-use area.
Closest Towns:	Bristol, TN
Water:	Drinking Water
Restroom:	Flush toilets, warm showers, dump station.
Passes:	To purchase your day use pass for the Jacob's Creek Swim Day-Use Area, click below.
Operated By:	Forest Service Volunteer Campground Hosts help manage the area and can provide visitor information.

General Information

Directions:

From Bristol, take US 421 south for 12 miles, turn left on paved Denton Valley Road. Travel two miles, turn left on paved Jacobs Creek Road. This road becomes gravel in 0.5 miles at entrance to area.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area offers camping opportunities for tents and RVs. Length of trailer/RV depends on the camp site. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post.

No. of Sites	27 sites
Reservation Info	Most sites are reservable. Visit Recreation.gov for more info on which sites are reservable and to make a reservation.
Fire Information	There is a grill/fire ring at each campsite.
Fees:	$12 per site