Best Equestrian Camping near Carters Lake

If you’re looking for amazing scenery, this is not the place. It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers. Meant we could spend most of the climbing, rather than making a long approach. My group went for several days over thanksgiving 2018, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Nights turned a bit chilly, so make sure to pack layers if camping in the fall or winter season. I think you’re technically supposed to have a Georgia outdoors permit to stay here (which we did), but we did not encounter a single ranger during our six-day stay. Check the Rocktown forum on Mountain Project for up-to-date info on permit requirements.

The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times.

You can pretty much set up camp anywhere there’s open ground. Plenty of trees around for hammock camping as well. My group of 10 people had no problem finding open areas to set up camp together. There are several man-made fire pits, and plenty of wood and brush lying around to scavenge for fire-making. There are no water hookups, so make sure to pack plenty of water with you. There is also an area at the campground for equestrian camping, though we didn’t check that out, as, alas, none of us had horses.

This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it

Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground. We heard some people on dirt bikes on the trails too.

We love this campsite! The first time we camped here, we were the only ones at the whole site. The most recent time, there were just two other couples so it was still very low key. There’s a hiking trail that connects to the Benton McKaye just across from campsite and if you are a bringing horses there are two paddocks for them as well.

Well kept and clean. I was there on Wednesday and no one was there. Please be kind and do not leave trash behind.

We were the only campers around and we had an amazing time! Picked a spot right beside a stream. Pretty cold in the mornings but serenity is bliss!

Very nice CG with picnic tables, pit toilet and trash can. I saw 3 copper heads at the creek.

One of the best campgrounds, hands down. As an Eagle Scout from around this area, this was our go-to place for summer camp and occasional other camping trips as well. With a large lake, open field, and well maintained roads and accommodations - Woodruff is one of my favorite camps!

It's mostly for Boy Scout Troops but well worth the trip. Beautiful views rolling hills and mountains. Plenty of activities for the Scouts to do during camp.. Great staff and accommodations...

What’s the point in advertising a resort that doesn’t even allow a stay?

Nice pull in paved spots for every tent site. Playgrounds and bath houses were kept nice and clean. The loops where the tent sites are can’t be quite busy so keep an eye on the kiddos

So the campsite is very open, flat and the spaces are pretty small. You can pretty much hear conversations from other campsites at yours. Honestly this is not my kind of camping, Walmart parking lot offers similar ambiance.

Overall it was nice, but not my favorite place I’ve been to. I thought I chose a campsite right on the water, but we couldn’t actually see the water. However, we did walk around the site to where we could get in the water and it was really pretty there. There was a playground, the bathrooms were in pretty good shape, they had a dump site, and water. So yeah, my husband and I both liked it, but we would just visit some other campsites before coming right back to this one.

Great spot close to some of our favorite kayaking rivers.

The Gee Creek Campground is apart of the Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park. The state park/campground adjoins the Cherokee National Forest and sits on the north bank of the Hiwassee River outside of Benton, TN. The park has a nice size bath house that is heated during the winter. The showers are push valve with no temperature control, so you will periodically have to push the valve for water. There is an A and B loop. The sites on the North side of loop A are fairly uneven and would require a significant amount of leveling blocks if using a camper. There is a nice nature trail that loops around the park. The park also offers a boat launch for river access. At the visitor center, fire wood can be purchased. There is also a bike maintenance stand at the visitors center. Just past the park, lies the Cherokee National Forest where there are many options for outdoor recreation. Potable water is available from spickets placed around each loop. Each campsite has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Verizon service was moderate.

Had a two night stay reserved, Hurricane Zeta had other plans. We arrived after visitor center had closed, but were able to locate and set up camp before sun went down. We were staying in A-16 just next to the natural trail that takes you off the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park grounds and into Cherokee National Forest. Our site had views of the southern edge of the Appalachian mountains and they were “smokey” all day. It would be beautiful to camp here anytime of year. The less leaves the better the views.

We set our rain shelter porch and tent on the flattest part of the large campsite. All the sites I saw were pull through style. This seemed to be to make allowance for vehicles with trailers towing River recreational gear like canoes/kayaks and the like. It is park of the extensive Tanasi river recreation area. Other reviewers likely have more to say on this. We were there off season during late October.

The next day we went to the visitors center to check on the weather and found out were in the cone of what was becoming a hurricane zeta. At the time it didn’t look like it would be anything more than rain by the time it got there, I asked the staff member to let us know if the forecast changed to a situation where we should breakdown camp. She said of course. Very friendly and very on top it of it. Maps were readily available.

We went for a drive through the National Forest and enjoy the many views of the river. I would recommend downloading a map of the area on google maps before spending time out there as the connection is spotty. We made our way back to and we’re planning to hike a trail as the rain had stopped, when a park ranger cane by to tell us they were predicting a quicker arrival of the storm meaning it would be a lot stronger when it got to our area. He said he didn’t want to leave for the day before letting us know the conditions were not safe. We packed up and left. I very much appreciated this care for their campers. This experience speaks so highly of the Rangers. Every exchange was thoughtful and respectful. Would return anytime. As we are boaters, I think I would probably stick to off season.

Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park Campground is a quiet campground situated right on the Ocoee. The river has world class whitewater rafting in this area, so don’t think you’re going to be able to wade in the water. You most likely will be able to hear the water flowing from Your campsite, which is awesome. The sites are all spacious and there’s plenty of downed wood around for campfires. We came in on a Sunday, and the nearly had the whole place to ourselves. However, the restrooms could use a good cleaning. There’s so much to do in this area, there are several white water rafting outfitters, kayaking, biking, hiking, plus you’re just a short drive to Chattanooga. The area is such a scenic drive too. This is a great option in this area for family camping.