Cherokee National Forest is located spanning Tennessee and North Carolina, encompassing 656,394 acres. Established in 1920, the nearest city is Elizabethton, Johnson City, Newport. The forest offers 37 campgrounds and 63 other recreation facilities for visitors. Notable campgrounds include The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions, Cardens Bluff Campground, Old Forge Campground, Backbone Rock Campground, Houston Valley, and many more.