Mcnabb creek

For us Tennesseans, there’s nothing quite like a gathering in the heart of our beautiful Appalachian Mountains. If you’re planning a group trip – be it a family reunion, a scout adventure, or a friends’ getaway – where privacy, nature, and the simplicity of the outdoors are top priorities, then McNabb Creek Group Campground in Tellico Plains is a name you absolutely need to know. Situated deep within the expansive Cherokee National Forest, this campground offers a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the Tellico River area as a collective, providing a dedicated space for your group to connect with each other and with nature.

McNabb Creek Group Campground is a beloved spot for those who appreciate a rustic, unspoiled camping experience. It’s set along the North River, a major tributary to the famed Tellico River, making it a hub for anglers, hikers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the serene sounds and sights of the forest. This isn't a bustling public campground where individual sites are tightly packed; instead, it's designed to give your group the privacy and space needed to truly relax and enjoy the "uninterrupted glory" of the Tennessee outdoors. For locals seeking a memorable group adventure without the distractions of a more commercialized setting, McNabb Creek offers that perfect blend of seclusion and natural recreation.

McNabb Creek Group Campground is located at McNabb Rd, Tellico Plains, TN 37385, USA. This address places it squarely within the breathtaking expanse of the Cherokee National Forest, a vast wilderness area in Eastern Tennessee. More specifically, the campground is situated on the North River, a significant tributary in the popular Tellico River area.

Accessing McNabb Creek involves a scenic drive through the national forest. From I-75 in Sweetwater, Tennessee, you would take State Route 68 to Tellico Plains. From Tellico Plains, turn left onto Highway 165 (which is part of the Cherohala Skyway) for approximately 6 miles. Then, turn right onto Forest Development Road 210 (also known as Tellico River Road) for about 10 miles. Finally, turn left onto Forest Road 217 (North River Road), and the campground will be approximately 2 miles down this road on your left. While it's a journey into the heart of the forest, the directions are clear for those familiar with navigating our state's beautiful backroads.

For us Tennesseans, the drive times are manageable for a weekend trip or longer: approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes from Cleveland, 1 hour and 28 minutes from Knoxville, and around 1 hour and 43 minutes from Chattanooga. This makes McNabb Creek Group Campground an accessible escape for groups across a wide area of the state, inviting them to enjoy the pristine wilderness without an excessively long journey. The remote setting ensures a true sense of seclusion, allowing groups to truly unplug and connect with their natural surroundings.

McNabb Creek Group Campground provides a primitive, yet accommodating, experience specifically tailored for groups. The services focus on facilitating a comfortable and functional outdoor gathering in a natural setting.

• Dedicated Group Campsite: The campground offers one large group site that is capable of accommodating between 10 to 60 people. This exclusive use of the site ensures privacy and ample space for your gathering.
• Picnic Tables: The site is equipped with multiple picnic tables, providing ample seating for group meals and activities.
• Grills/Fire Rings: Grills and fire rings are available at the site for cooking and campfires. However, it is crucial to note a significant restriction: public information from some sources indicates "No campfire allowed." It is imperative to verify current fire restrictions with the Cherokee National Forest or the campground management before your visit.
• Portable Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are provided in the form of portable toilets (also referred to as "portajons" in reviews). It's important to note that a recent alert indicated the campground was closed "until further notice due to a lack of a toilet pumping contract," so checking current status is vital.
• No Potable Water: Campers must bring their own water supply, as potable (drinking) water is not available on-site.
• No Electric Hookups: As a primitive group camp, there are no electric hookups provided. Campers should be prepared for off-grid camping.
• No Pets Allowed: It is important to note that pets are generally not allowed at McNabb Creek Group Campground.
• Bear-Proof Food Storage: Strict food storage restrictions apply. All food and beverages must be stored in approved bear-proof containers, your locked vehicle, or a hard-sided camper at all times unless being actively eaten, prepared, or transported. This is a crucial safety measure in the Cherokee National Forest.
• Check-in/Check-out Times: Standard operational hours include a check-in time of 2:00 p.m. and a check-out time of 12:00 p.m. Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Reservation System: Reservations for this group site can be made from 1 to 360 days in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The fee for the site is $30 per night. Discount passes do not apply.

McNabb Creek Group Campground offers a unique set of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for groups seeking a true wilderness experience in Western Tennessee.

• Exclusive Group Privacy: This is arguably the most significant highlight. Being a single, reservable group site for 10 to 60 people means your group has the entire area to yourselves. This ensures privacy and an "uninterrupted glory" for your activities, a rarity in many campgrounds.
• Prime Location on North River: The campground is situated directly on the banks of the North River, a major tributary to the Tellico River. This provides excellent opportunities for "fishing, swimming, playing, and hiking" right from your campsite. The sounds of the river contribute to the tranquil atmosphere.
• Abundant Outdoor Activities: The surrounding Cherokee National Forest offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Beyond river activities, popular pursuits include:
  • Hiking: Access to numerous local trails, though some may involve river crossings.
  • Seasonal Hunting: The area is known for seasonal hunting opportunities.
  • Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystem of the Cherokee National Forest is home to over 20,000 species of plants and animals, providing ample opportunities for wildlife observation.
  • Sightseeing: Proximity to the Cherohala Skyway (a 43-mile National Scenic Byway) and Bald River Falls offers breathtaking scenic drives and natural wonders.
• Rustic and Natural Setting: The campground is described as a "forested haven" with "creeks and rolling hills." This provides an authentic primitive camping experience for groups looking to truly disconnect from urban life and immerse themselves in nature.
• Spacious Campsite Layout: Reviews mention "a large spacious campsite" with "numerous fire pits, charcoal park grills and picnic tables," indicating ample room for group activities and comfortable spacing for multiple tents.
• Affordable Group Rate: At $30 per night for a group site accommodating up to 60 people, it represents a very "reasonably priced" option for large gatherings, making it an economical choice for organizations and families.

As a public campground operated by the U.S. Forest Service within the Cherokee National Forest, McNabb Creek Group Campground does not typically offer commercial promotions or discounts in the way a private entity might. Its pricing is standardized and set by the Forest Service for group use.

The fee for reserving the single group site at McNabb Creek is $30 per night. This flat rate, regardless of whether you have 10 or 60 people in your group, can be considered the primary "value offer" for this campground. For larger groups, this translates to an extremely cost-effective way to secure a private, dedicated camping space in a prime natural setting within the Cherokee National Forest.

It's important to note that "Discount passes do not apply at McNabb Group Camp," meaning federal passes like the America the Beautiful Annual Pass will not reduce the reservation fee for this specific group site. The "promotion" here is the consistent availability of an affordable, exclusive group camping experience in a highly desirable natural environment, rather than fluctuating discounts. Given its popularity for group outings, booking well in advance (up to 360 days) is the best way to secure this highly valued opportunity.

If McNabb Creek Group Campground sounds like the ideal location for your next group adventure in the Cherokee National Forest, here's how you can find more information and make reservations:

Address: McNabb Rd, Tellico Plains, TN 37385, USA (Note: Official Forest Service contact often refers to the Ranger Station)

Official Forest Service Address/Contact for Cherokee National Forest: 250 RANGER STATION RD, TELLICO PLAINS, TN 37385

General Cherokee National Forest Phone: (423) 476-9700 (Cherokee National Forest Supervisor's Office)

Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov

For the most up-to-date information on the campground's status, especially regarding the recent alert about toilet facilities or any fire restrictions, it is highly recommended to check Recreation.gov or call the Cherokee National Forest directly before planning your trip. Their website (fs.usda.gov/cherokee) is also an excellent resource for conditions and alerts.

For us Tennesseans, McNabb Creek Group Campground represents a quintessential mountain escape, perfectly suited for our love of community and the great outdoors. We cherish opportunities to gather with family and friends, and this dedicated group site offers the privacy and space we need to create lasting memories without the distractions of a crowded public campground. Its setting deep within the Cherokee National Forest, right on the North River, provides direct access to the very activities that define our outdoor heritage: fishing, swimming, hiking, and simply enjoying the raw, unspoiled beauty of our Appalachian landscape.

The rustic, primitive nature of McNabb Creek aligns perfectly with the spirit of true Tennessee camping. It encourages us to unplug, rely on basic amenities, and truly connect with nature – and each other. The low daily rate for a group site makes it an incredibly affordable option for large gatherings, allowing more resources to be put towards enjoying the experience rather than expensive accommodations. Furthermore, the mandatory bear-proof food storage protocols underscore the genuine wilderness experience, reminding us of the rich biodiversity our state protects.

From its convenient (yet secluded) access to the Cherohala Skyway and Bald River Falls, to the abundant fishing opportunities in the North River, McNabb Creek Group Campground is more than just a place to pitch tents; it's a gateway to experiencing the best of what our Eastern Tennessee mountains have to offer. It's a place where laughter echoes through the trees, stories are shared around a fire (where permitted), and the bond with nature, and each other, is truly strengthened. For any Tennessee group seeking an authentic, memorable, and private outdoor adventure, McNabb Creek is an unparalleled choice.