Paint Creek Campground
Greeneville, Tennessee · on Paint Creek · Cherokee National Forest
Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- creek
- FALLS
- Waterfall on site
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $10/night
- SEASON
- May
About Paint Creek Campground
Paint Creek Campground is a small, primitive U.S. Forest Service campground in Cherokee National Forest along Paint Creek in Greene County, Tennessee, near Greeneville. Recreation.gov's official listing states Paint Creek is 'a popular stream for swimming, wading and fly fishing,' and nearby swimming holes at Kelly and Dudley Falls (within the Paint Creek Corridor, a couple miles up Forest Road 41) are described first-hand as scenic swim spots with rope swings.
The campground sits at about 1,760 feet elevation along the banks of Paint Creek in the Cherokee National Forest, with campsites screened by native plants and streamside views. A few miles up Forest Road 41, the Paint Creek Corridor passes forested slopes and white rock bluffs, with overlooks for Kelly and Dudley Falls, each roughly 15-foot cascades.
Swimming at Paint Creek Campground
Recreation.gov describes Paint Creek itself as popular for swimming and wading near the campground. Further up the corridor, Dudley Falls has what a first-hand visitor called 'a large and very pretty' swimming hole below a low cascade, deep enough for a rope swing; Kelly Falls is scenic but reached via a steep, slick embankment scramble and reviews do not describe it as a swimming spot.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Greeneville, take TN-70 south for 11.2 miles, turn right on Rollins Chapel Road, then follow signs to Paint Creek Campground; for the Paint Creek Corridor waterfalls (Kelly and Dudley Falls), continue onto Forest Road #41. The corridor can also be reached from Newport via TN-107 for about 10.1 miles to Rollins Chapel Road.
Parking: A first-hand trip report describes 'pretty good parking' at Dudley Falls; no specific parking details found for swimming directly at the campground itself.
The hike in
Difficulty: Dudley Falls: easy road access, minimal walk from parking. Kelly Falls: harder due to steep, slick embankment scramble with no formal trail (per a first-hand visitor account).
No dedicated named trail to the swimming holes was confirmed. Access to Kelly and Dudley Falls is via Forest Road 41 off Rollins Chapel Road, roughly 2.5-2.7 miles from Paint Creek Campground per RIDB facility distances, ending at roadside overlooks/parking. From there, Dudley Falls has 'pretty good parking' with what sources imply is a short approach to the pool (exact footage not stated in any source found); Kelly Falls requires descending a steep, slick embankment scramble rather than a maintained trail.
The Forest Service lists Paint Mountain Trail (#7) and Paint Creek Trail (#10) as starting within walking distance of the campground (per Recreation.gov), but no source confirms these trails lead to the swimming holes themselves or gives their length/difficulty to the water.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
The Dudley Falls swimming hole is described first-hand as large and pretty with a rope swing, but wet rocks nearby are called extremely slippery; Kelly Falls requires a steep, slick embankment scramble that is not suitable for young kids. No lifeguards at any of these USFS sites.
Parking
Free
A first-hand visitor describes 'pretty good parking' at Dudley Falls. The Paint Creek Corridor (which includes Kelly and Dudley Falls) has no fee for day use or dispersed camping per the Forest Service page. No parking-lot details specifically at the campground's creek frontage were found.
Restrooms
Yes
Two vault toilets at Paint Creek Campground (one per camp loop); a first-hand trip report also notes restrooms near the Dudley Falls day-use area.
Water clarity
Mostly clear
A first-hand visitor described the Dudley Falls pool's water as 'pretty green,' suggesting a clear mountain-stream tint rather than murky/turbid water; Paint Creek is also stocked with trout in summer, consistent with cold, clear conditions. No further visitor reports on clarity could be found this pass.
Hours
Paint Creek Corridor day-use area is open year-round per the Forest Service page; Paint Creek Campground itself operates seasonally May 5-Oct 24 (per prior research).
On the water
No source mentions kayaking, canoeing, or any watercraft on Paint Creek. It is a small, rocky trout stream punctuated by low waterfalls (Kelly, Dudley, Ricker Falls), which is not consistent with boat access. No rental or outfitter business was found serving Paint Creek itself; the campground's own page only mentions unrelated commercial whitewater rafting on the nearby French Broad River.
Paint Creek Campground: FAQ
Does Paint Creek Campground charge a fee?
Campground fee is $10/night per site (single-occupancy sites); the Paint Creek Corridor has no fee for dispersed camping or day use.
Is Paint Creek Campground kid friendly?
The Dudley Falls swimming hole is described first-hand as large and pretty with a rope swing, but wet rocks nearby are called extremely slippery; Kelly Falls requires a steep, slick embankment scramble that is not suitable for young kids. No lifeguards at any of these USFS sites.
Do I need to hike to reach Paint Creek Campground?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Paint Creek Campground?
A first-hand visitor describes 'pretty good parking' at Dudley Falls. The Paint Creek Corridor (which includes Kelly and Dudley Falls) has no fee for day use or dispersed camping per the Forest Service page. No parking-lot details specifically at the campground's creek frontage were found.
When is the best time to visit Paint Creek Campground?
Campground season runs May 5 through October 24; a camper review also noted the area is 'beautiful in the fall.'
What are the rules at Paint Creek Campground?
Campground rules: maximum 2 vehicles and 5 people per site, pets leashed to 6 feet, no firearms/fireworks/alcohol, fires only in designated rings, 2:00 PM check-in/12:00 PM checkout, and strict bear-proof food storage requirements enforced with potential fines.
What water body is Paint Creek Campground on?
Paint Creek Campground is on Paint Creek, a natural creek verified in USGS hydrography data.
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