Shad Road (FR 422) in TN -- Camping Rules & Access in Tennessee
Shad Road (FR 422) in TN
Road corridorCherokee NF, Unaka Ranger District
15 mi from Greeneville
Maps 2,884 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.
Motor-vehicle season 3/20–12/15Stay limit: 14 consecutive days · then move 10 mi · Then stay away at least 7 days
VerizonNONE
AT&TNONE
T-MobileNONE
StarlinkPOOR
Road Access
Difficult
- All 8.1 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, mostly gravel with 1.7 miles of dirt.
- Near Bellcow Mountain.
- Estimated climb: 1,500 ft over 8.1 miles through 16 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 18% and pitches to 37%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side.
- Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.
- A gate 6.3 miles along the road.
1 known camp spot along this road, at mile 6.3: reported by travellers.
Setting
Fairly secluded
- Well separated here, with the nearest through road 0.7 miles off.
Rules
- the following acts are prohibited on all lands administrated by the Cherokee National Forest (shown on the attached map).…Camping in any location is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper and party must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning for another stay.
- Camping rules
Climate averages
September normals 53–77°F, 3.6″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.