Indian Boundary Recreation Area


Area Status: Closed

View of Indian Boundary Recreation Area in Cherokee National Forest

If you are looking for a base camp to explore the vicinity or a destination campground with modern facilities and a family atmosphere, try Indian Boundary Recreation Area (IBRA), accessed off Cherohala Skyway.

Over 87 campsites are equipped with firerings, picnic tables, lantern posts and electrical hookups, with easy access to drinking water, showers, flush toilet facilities and an on-site dump station.

Day use facilities include a 96-acre lake, swim beach, small boat launch, accessible fishing pier and 3.6 mile hike/bike trail around the lake. Did you forget something? Don't sweat it! The Indian Boundary Outpost can meet your camping supply needs ranging from bread to firewood, as well as a souvenir for you to remember your trip to IBRA.

Indian Boundary Recreation Area Map

Indian Boundary Recreation Area Guide

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Go to recreation.gov for reservations & availability
Reservations: Rec.gov Logo
Area Amenities: Accessible, Boat ramp, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking
Fees: $20 with Electric (87 sites). Day use fees for beach, picnic area, and picnicking in the Overflow Campground are $3 per vehicle. If camping at IBRA, there is no additional day use fee. Senior Pass and Access Pass (formally Golden Age and Golden Access passes) receive half off camping fee - this does not include electric and water hook ups. Thus, total fee for Indian Boundary Campsites are $15 with these passes per night.
Open Season: 4/18/2024 - 11/5/2024
Usage: Heavy
Busiest Season: June - October
Restrictions:
  • 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 site.
Closest Towns: Tellico Plains, TN.  Visit the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce HERE.
Water: Drinking Water
Restroom: Flush and Vault Toilets, showers, and Dump Station
Passes: Digital Pass Icon
Operated By: Forest Service Volunteer Campground Hosts help manage the area and can provide visitor information.
Information Center: Campground hosts greet visitors as they arrive, inform them of the campground regulations and assist them with their campsite.

General Information

Directions: From Interstate 75 - take Exit 60, turn south on TN 68 for approximately 30 miles. In Tellico Plains, turn left on TN 165 (Cherohala Skyway) for approximately 17 miles. Turn left onto FR 345. Follow signs in to Indian Boundary Recreation Area.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:

Campground Camping

Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping: IBRA offers camping opportunities for tents and RVs.
No. of Sites 87
Reservation Info All sites are reservable and can be reserved 5-180 days in advance. For reservations, call Reserve America at 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov
Fire Information There is a grill/fire ring at each campsite.
No. of Accessible sites 85

RV Camping

Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:
No. of Sites 87
Pavement Type for Parking Main road is asphalt, Campsites are graveled.
Reservation Info All sites are reservable and can be reserved 5-180 days in advance. For reservations, call Reserve America at 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov
Hookup - Water No
Hookup - Sewer No
Size Restrictions Maximum camper size <26 feet.
Dump Stations Yes
Fire Information There are accessible fire rings at each campsite.
Hookups - Electric Yes. Sites 1-71 are 20/30 amp breakers; Sites 73-91 are 50 amp breakers.
No. of Accessible sites 85 (Sites #69 and 75 are not accessible)

Group Camping

Recreation areas with activity Group Camping:

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Check out the enjoyable 6-mile TRACK Trail around Indian Boundary Lake!

The Cherokee National Forest has the only TRACK Trails in the state of Tennessee, provided by the Kids in Parks program - a free, national program that connects families to the outdoors through hands-on exploration.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking: Picnickers can use the grill and picnic tables at the IBRA Picnic Area, or stay cool under the Picnic Pavilion at the Swim Beach..

Group Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Group Picnicking:

Boating - Non-Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:

Swimming

Recreation areas with activity Swimming: Want to take a break from the heat? You can wade or swim into 8 feet of water at IBRA's swim beach! Please note that there is no life guard at the beach.

Amenities

Camping trailer:
Picnic tables:
Tent camping:
Parking:
Toilets:
Fee charged for some activities:
Accessible:
Boat ramp:
Drinking water:

Quick Links

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
35.396379

  Longitude : 
-84.106834