A recent poll in RVtravel.com asked the question “Do you enjoy visiting caves?” I, along with a large percentage of other readers, answered, “Yes, very much” with another large percentage answering “Yes, somewhat.” Given the common interest among RVers, I will begin to feature a cave in the Lower 48 states that can easily be incorporated into your RV travels.
This month’s featured cave is Craighead Caverns aka The Lost Sea
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains near Sweetwater, Tennessee, Craighead Caverns offers an unforgettable experience for RV travelers with a taste for adventure and a love for unique geological wonders.
Famous for being home to the awe-inspiring Lost Sea, America’s largest underground lake, Craighead Caverns provides a fascinating blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this incredible destination.
The history of Craighead Caverns
The Craighead Caverns have a rich and mysterious history that dates back thousands of years. Long before European settlers discovered it, Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, knew about the cave and used it for various purposes. Archaeologists have found artifacts and remains, suggesting the cave was once used for storage and shelter by early inhabitants.
The first recorded discovery of Craighead Caverns by non-Native explorers occurred in the 1820s. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the caverns were mined for saltpeter, a key ingredient in gunpowder, especially during the Civil War. However, it wasn’t until 1905, when a local boy stumbled upon the underground lake by accident, that Craighead Caverns’ most famous feature—the Lost Sea—was uncovered.
The site was largely undeveloped for tourism until the mid-1960s, when it was finally opened to the public for guided tours, transforming it into one of the premier underground attractions in the United States.
Unique features of Craighead Caverns
Craighead Caverns is home to an array of unique geological and ecological features that set it apart from other cave systems. Here are some highlights:
The Lost Sea
The Lost Sea is the largest underground lake in the United States and the second largest in the world. This 4.5-acre lake is the highlight of the caverns, captivating visitors with its crystal-clear waters and mysterious depths. Measuring more than 800 feet in length, the lake is still being mapped, and the full extent of the underwater passageways remains unknown. The boat ride across the Lost Sea was the tour’s highlight for my wife and me.
Rare geological formations
Throughout the cavern system, you’ll encounter striking stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and rare “anthodite” crystals, which look like tiny, star-shaped bursts of minerals. These formations are a testament to the patience of nature, taking thousands of years to form.
Trout population
The lake’s rainbow trout were introduced by researchers who hoped to tag them and follow them out of the cave to see where it flows. The fish never made it out and are fed as part of the tour. They seem reluctant to leave the clear water with a constant temperature of 56 degrees F.
Ancient animal fossils and artifacts
Archaeologists have discovered relics of prehistoric animals, including bones from Pleistocene-era jaguars and peccaries. These fossils add a layer of intrigue to the cave, hinting at the ancient inhabitants of the region and the climatic changes over millennia.
Why adventurous RV owners should visit
Craighead Caverns is a paradise for RV enthusiasts seeking a unique blend of history, geology, and adventure. Here’s why it should be on every adventurous RVer’s list:
- Spectacular natural beauty – The caverns offer an immersive experience into an otherworldly landscape. Exploring the Lost Sea and its surrounding formations feels like stepping back in time or entering a completely different realm.
- Educational and family-friendly – This destination provides a thrilling and educational experience, making it ideal for RVers traveling with children. The guided tours offer insights into geology, history, and biology, making it a meaningful and enriching stop.
- Perfect stop on a scenic route – Located near Sweetwater, TN, Craighead Caverns is ideally situated as part of a Smoky Mountain or Blue Ridge Parkway road trip. RV owners can easily access the caverns and enjoy nearby camping sites and RV parks, adding convenience to the adventure.
- Year-round attraction – Unlike many outdoor destinations, Craighead Caverns is unaffected by weather changes, making it a perfect adventure no matter the season.
Best time of year to visit Craighead Caverns
Since the caverns maintain a steady temperature of around 58° F year-round, Craighead Caverns is accessible and enjoyable in any season. However, if you’re looking to combine your visit with other outdoor attractions in the Smoky Mountain region, spring and fall are ideal. During these times, the temperatures are comfortable, and the region’s vibrant flora and autumn foliage provide a scenic backdrop. Visiting in the off-peak seasons (late fall or early spring) also means you may experience smaller crowds.
Tour information
Craighead Caverns offers guided tours that provide in-depth insights into the cavern’s geology, history, and the famous Lost Sea.
Tour Options
- The Lost Sea Adventure: This is the primary tour, taking visitors through the Craighead Caverns system to the underground lake. The tour includes a boat ride across the Lost Sea, offering a close-up view of the lake’s depths and the trout swimming beneath the surface.
Tour length and hours of operation
- Duration: The standard tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the boat ride portion taking around 20 minutes. Be prepared for some walking and stairs as you descend into the cave.
- Hours of operation: Tours are available year-round. Hours vary slightly by season, but generally, tours operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During peak summer months, tours may be extended to accommodate additional visitors. It’s best to check the official Lost Sea website for the most current hours before planning your visit.
Additional tips for the tour
- Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear, as parts of the cave floor may be damp or uneven.
- A light jacket or sweater is recommended, as the cave remains cool throughout the year.
- Advanced reservations are suggested during peak seasons, especially in summer.
Driving directions
Craighead Caverns is located in Sweetwater, TN, conveniently accessible for RV travelers.
- From Knoxville, TN:
- Take I-75 South from Knoxville and drive for approximately 50 miles.
- Take exit 60 for Sweetwater and head west on Highway 68.
- After about 7 miles, you’ll reach Lost Sea Road; turn right, and Craighead Caverns will be clearly marked.
- From Chattanooga, TN:
- Take I-75 North from Chattanooga for around 65 miles.
- Take exit 60 for Sweetwater and follow the same route as above.
Craighead Caverns has ample parking for RVs and large vehicles. RV-friendly campsites and accommodations are available nearby, including Sweetwater KOA and other regional campgrounds.
Conclusion
Craighead Caverns and the Lost Sea offer adventurous RV owners a truly unique and enriching experience. Between the natural beauty of the caverns, the fascinating history, and the mysterious allure of the underground lake, this destination is a hidden gem in Tennessee.
Whether you’re passing through on a longer road trip or making it the highlight of your journey, Craighead Caverns is a must-visit spot that offers something for everyone—adventure, education, and a touch of the extraordinary.
All photos by Dave Helgeson.
Dave and his wife, Cheri, will be presenting seminars at the 2025 Knoxville RV Show February 7–9 and Birmingham RV Show February 14–16. They would love to meet RVtravel.com readers who will be attending. Feel free to introduce yourself at one of their seminars.
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We visited Lost Sea on Valentine’s Day 2024 and surprisingly had the tour all to ourselves. This allowed us to have a bit longer tour than normal for the guide discussed and showed things that he typically couldn’t. Our ‘private’ tour was just a fluke as the tour after us was full.
Anyway, Dave is spot on about this being a must-visit cavern. The history and formations are interesting and unique… and the boat ride on the lake is relaxing. The trout were happy to see us too since we brought them snacks.
My husband & I visited the Lost Sea 10 years ago. Over the years I had seen billboards and ads about it, and was intrigued. I’m glad we went, and we were not disappointed. The boat ride is very pleasant.
We’ve visited it twice. Well worth the visit. The rainbow trout lack their color due to the lack of sunlight, and are for the most part blind with white glowing eyes.
Another nice feature in the same area is the Cherohala Skyway. A nice leisurely scenic drive.