Paint Creek Campground campground
Greeneville, Tennessee

Paint Creek Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
21 campsites
Open in maps

21

Total Campsites

Campground

20

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

15

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Paint Creek Campground

Overview Paint Creek Recreation Area (elevation 1760 feet) is located in Greene County in a mountain cove along Paint Creek. A majority of the widely-spaced campsites have streamside views and are screened by a variety of native plants, including rhododendron, hemlock and laurel. Be Bear Wise: Food storage compliance is strictly enforced. Store all food and trash in hard-sided containers and vehicles while not in use. Never have attractants in your tent. Violations of the food storage order are ticketable offenses and subject to fines. Food and trash left unattended will be impounded by campground staff. Recreation Recreation opportunities abound along the Paint Creek corridor. Paint Creek is a popular stream for swimming, wading and fly fishing. TWRA stocks Paint Creek with Rainbow trout throughout the summer. Warm water fishing is a short drive away at Paint Creek Pond. Two hiking trails begin within walking distance of the campground: Paint Mountain Trail (#7) and Paint Creek Trail (#10). Bike riding along the Paint Creek corridor to Hot Springs, NC is becoming a favorite pastime. Several scenic auto loops can begin at Paint Creek campground. Facilities Recreation opportunities abound along the Paint Creek corridor. Paint Creek is a popular stream for swimming, wading and fly fishing. TWRA stocks Paint Creek with Rainbow trout throughout the summer. Warm water fishing is a short drive away at Paint Creek Pond. Two hiking trails begin within walking distance of the campground: Paint Mountain Trail (#7) and Paint Creek Trail (#10). Bike riding along the Paint Creek corridor to Hot Springs, NC is becoming a favorite pastime. Several scenic auto loops can begin at Paint Creek campground. Natural Features Waterfalls: Kelly, Dudley and Ricker Falls can be seen from Forest Road 41 along Paint Creek. Cascades: 15 feet each. Paint Creek Pond: Among the cattails and other aquatic plants, watch for beavers and listen for frog calls. In the early morning, watch mist rise from the placid surface of the pond. The pond is an easy drive or bicycle ride from Paint Creek Campground. contact_info Nearby Attractions French Broad River: Class I-III rapids. A popular commercial section runs 13 miles from Hot Springs, North Carolina, to Del Rio, Tennessee, with local rafting services. Scenic drives along Paint Creek Corridor with Hot Springs Loops - Meander along 5-mile Paint Creek Corridor to historic Paint Rock. Stop for a picnic, check out scenic waterfalls or splash in the ripples along the way. Extend your trip by travelling along French Broad River via River Road to the community of Hot Springs, North Carolina. Two overmountain routes will bring you back to Paint Creek: From Hot Springs, take US 25/70 west to TN 107 to Forest Road 54. Catch scenic mountain vistas along this winding gravel road that intersects Forest Road 41 near Paint Rock. From Hot Springs, take US 25/70 east to Forest Road 467 and wind through Pisgah National Forest to Hurricane Gap. Forest Road 31 brings you back to Paint Creek at Moses Turn trailhead. Take a side trip at Hurricane Gap to Pisgah National Forest’s Rich Mountain Firetower or catch the Appalachian National Scenic Trail #1.

  • 21 total campsites listed.
  • 20 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 15 accessible campsites listed.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (17).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Paint Creek Campground photo 2
Paint Creek Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Paint Creek Campground special

Paint Creek Campground is a streamside gem tucked into the southern Appalachian foothills near Greeneville, Tennessee, at an elevation of 1,760 feet where the air runs noticeably cooler than the valley below. What makes this place special is the immediate creek access framed by dense thickets of rhododendron, mountain laurel, and towering eastern hemlocks that create a lush green canopy even in midsummer. The 21 sites include options for both tent campers and small RVs, with 30-amp electric available at select spots. Trout fishing in Paint Creek is the headliner activity, but the surrounding Cherokee National Forest trails offer excellent hiking through wildflower-rich hollows. Late spring through early fall is prime, with June's rhododendron bloom being particularly stunning. Sites are relatively small, so larger RVs should check length limits before booking. Paint Creek is made for trout anglers, nature photographers, wildflower enthusiasts, and couples or small families who crave a cool mountain creekside escape in Greene County.

Campsite Inventory

21 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

17total sites

17

Reservable

14

Accessible

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

3total sites

3

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

1total sites

0

Reservable

1

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

CAMPFIRE RINGS

Campfire Rings

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Double Driveway

Yes

Driveway entry

Back-in, Parallel

Driveway Grade

Slight

Driveway surface

Gravel

Electricity Hookup

30 amp

LANTERN POSTS

Lantern Posts

Max guests

5

PICNIC TABLES

Picnic Tables

Pets allowed

Yes

Proximity to Water

Riverfront

Shade

Yes

Site Access

Drive-In, Hike-In

Site length (ft)

12, 18, 27, 28

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

423-638-4109

Getting There

From Greeneville, take TN 70 south for 11.2 miles, turn right on Rollins Chapel Road and then follow the signs to Paint Creek. Access road is narrow with some sharp curves.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Paint Creek Campground.

How do reservations work for Paint Creek Campground?

Reservation availability for Paint Creek Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Paint Creek Campground?

Paint Creek Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (17), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (3), MANAGEMENT (1).

Where is Paint Creek Campground located?

Paint Creek Campground is in Tennessee near Greeneville. Coordinates: 35.9784, -82.8445.

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