Camping

Camping Club membership is open to Eastman employees and dependents who are ERC members, and annual club dues are $6 for employees. Members may use the club’s 52 campsites at the Bays Mountain Recreation Area.

Events

 

 

The Eastman Camping Club and its officers coordinate group events throughout the year.


 


  
Fall JamboreeOctober 23-25, 2026
Christmas DinnerDecember 5, 2026
A man grilling hot dogs as others laugh around the grill.
A woman tying her boot laces by a tent.

Reservations

Online reservations for picnic shelters and camping sites can be made at any time, and you’ll automatically receive an email confirmation. Follow the reservation instructions. Refer to the picnic shelter guidelines and Camping Club guidelines for details.  Be aware campsites 36-51 were renumbered to enhance flow and findability. View updated campground map.

To make a reservation, you must be an employee or contractor and a registered ERC member. Call the recreation office at 423-229-3771 during normal business hours to become a member. 

The picnic area and campground at Eastman’s Bays Mountain Recreation Area will re-open on Monday, August 24. The facilities were closed for several weeks in an effort to deter bear activity.  The bears appear to have moved out of the area, and we believe we can safely re-open. We are in the process of installing bear-proof trash cans; however, when visiting the picnic area and campground, please follow these guidelines for your safety:

Recreation staff will provide a trash bag at your shelter.
Properly dispose of any food scraps and trash.  Staff will be patrolling regularly and will collect bagged trash.  If you prefer, you may also take your trash with you when you leave.
After eating, immediately clean up and store any unused food out of sight in your vehicle with windows completely closed and doors locked.
If you were to see a bear, do not feed or approach it.
Never run or climb a tree.
Visit www.bearwise.org for bear safety information and resources.

Important updates

Guidelines

Please review changes made to our club guidelines.


New members!

Don’t forget to stop by the recreation office to get your campground gate key. They are $8 each (limit of two per member), and camping club members do not need to renew keys. 

Also, you may view the reservation book on our website to see what is available. We accept check, cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. We accept card payments over the phone for your convenience.


Electrical outlets have been updated

This style of adapter is compact, but the design is such that it extends the plug, making it impossible to close the electrical enclosure properly. Campers should only use these cords, plugs and adapters, which allow the covers to fully close.

Officers

Kristy Crigger
President
Richard Smith
Vice president
Matt Smith
Secretary
Diana Barger
Treasurer

For more information, contact ERC representative Richie Elliott or call Eastman Recreation at 423-229-3771. 

A travel trailer set up at a campsite in the forest.

Constitution and bylaws

Our constitution and bylaws promote enjoyment and camaraderie among members. The documents ensure fairness, equality and inclusivity in club activities, and the officers are available to address any questions or concerns.