Pigeon River Area

Facility · Tennessee ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

1,777 ft
Elevation

Favorite activities in this remote area include whitewater rafting, hiking and camping.

Located between the French Broad and Pigeon Rivers, this area offers pockets of backcountry nestled among the rural communities of Cocke County, TN.   This area is home to Catherine Marshalls’s novel Christy and the historic Wasp Community. Hike a section of the Appalachian Trail and other forest trails.  Camp at Round Mountain, rated as the number one tent campground in Tennessee.  Explore Martha Sundquist State Forest and contact local outfitters to help guide your whitewater adventure. 

Getting there

35.84857, -83.09222 · 35°50'54.9"N 83°5'32.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 49°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F495361717783868580706051
Low °F293238465462656459483732
Precip in4.23.94.74.54.66.46.54.64.02.73.44.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Pigeon River Area

Can you reserve a site at Pigeon River Area?
No. Pigeon River Area is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Pigeon River Area

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.