Painter Creek Marina

Painter Creek Marina is a full-service boat launch facility located in Bristol, Sullivan County, on South Holston Lake. This access point offers a dedicated boat ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes, and motorized vessels. The marina is known as one of the most accessible and family-friendly facilities on the lake, making it a convenient starting point for paddlers exploring the South Fork Holston River and South Holston Lake system.

The marina provides amenities beyond basic launch access, including a fuel dock, overnight docking when available, and lockers. A restaurant with live entertainment is also on-site. From Bristol, the marina is easily accessible via US 421 South. Note that nearby Jacobs Creek Campground, located 12 miles south of Bristol via US 421 and Denton Valley Road, is currently closed; however, other campgrounds in the area like Little Oak Campground offer overnight options for paddlers planning multi-day trips.

This is an ideal launch point for exploring South Holston Lake's calm waters and the scenic South Fork Holston River corridor. For more information or to confirm current amenities and conditions, contact the facility directly before your visit.

Overview
PLEASE NOTE: AS THE HURRICANE BANNER DESCRIBES, JACOBS CREEK CAMPGROUND AND DAY-USE AREA IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. READ THE NEED TO KNOW SECTION (LOCATED UNDER FACILITY INFORMATION TAB) FOR FURTHER DETAILS. PLEASE READ IT BEFORE MAKING ANY RESERVATIONS. Jacobs Creek Campground is situated along the shores of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee, at an...

Overview
PLEASE NOTE: AS THE HURRICANE BANNER DESCRIBES, JACOBS CREEK CAMPGROUND AND DAY-USE AREA IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. READ THE NEED TO KNOW SECTION (LOCATED UNDER FACILITY INFORMATION TAB) FOR FURTHER DETAILS. PLEASE READ IT BEFORE MAKING ANY RESERVATIONS. Jacobs Creek Campground is situated along the shores of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee, at an elevation of 1,730 ft. With a view of miles of undeveloped shoreline and the water, the campsites at Jacobs Creek Campground are a relaxing way to spend your vacation. There are 27 available campsites, 23 of which are reservable, including warm showers in the campground. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions. There is a Day-Use area adjacent to the Campground with a designated beach area.  Recreation
Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Jacobs Creek. There is a boat launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421. A few campsites have easy access to the lake shore. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a day-use area adjacent to the campground for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, as well as resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group. Jacobs Creek Shooting Range is about 1 mile outside the campground.  
Facilities
There are a total of 29 campsites, 27 of which are available, within three loops. Some sites are right along the water, and some sites are away from the water. The campground has flush toilets and showers. Each site is non-electric, and contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder. Some sites can accommodate a travel trailer, while some sites are tent only. There is a boat launch a few miles down the road along Hwy 421.   
Natural Features
South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.

Nearby Attractions
Jacobs Creek Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shady Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Little Oak Campground is 25 minutes away for another campground option along South Holston Lake.  

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