Hot Springs, North Carolina · Greene County · 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 i…
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 20 total campsites All single occupancy 3 sites (13, 14, and 16) are tent-only 2 vault toilets, one in each loop Drinking water available at the center of the campground Paint Creek Campground Map 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 Corrid
Photos
Dudley Falls — US Forest ServiceDudley Falls — US Forest ServiceCampground Trail — US Forest ServicePaint Creek — US Forest ServiceBathroom 2 — US Forest ServiceBathroom 1 — US Forest ServiceFishing on Paint Creek — US Forest ServiceCampground Loop Road — US Forest ServiceKelly Falls — US Forest Service
How to Get 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.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Paint Creek Campground
Heading to Paint Creek Campground? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Paint Creek Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Paint Creek Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10056245) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Paint Creek Campground?
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.
