Best Campgrounds near Athens, TN

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Athens, TN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Athens is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Athens, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Athens, Tennessee (401)

    1. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 263-0050

    $35 - $85 / night

    "Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."

    "This sweet state park campground is tucked into a spot along Gee Creek, which is great for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summertime heat of Tennessee. "

    2. Sweetwater KOA

    14 Reviews
    Madisonville, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 213-3900

    "For amenities there is a bouncy blob (dry), small pond with fountain and memorial bench, large playground for the kids, volleyball, basketball, I’m not sure what the game is next to the blob."

    "Very nice area, close to a historic area and site seeing underground lake."

    3. Overnite RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Athens, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 507-0069

    "This park is very conveniently located North of Chattanooga and South of Knoxville. They have easy proximity to the interstate and a park that is easy to get into and back out of."

    "There are small grass spots in between the sites for pets, but also a larger grassy area "pet walk" at the end. Nice and clean bathhouse. Will stay here again if passing through."

    4. Chilhowee Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $30 / night

    "My partner and I headed to nearby Chilhowie Campground in the Cherokee National Forest last year to try out our new teardrop camper.  We chose site 1 in the A Loop as it had shore power."

    "It has clean bathrooms with showers, fire rings with grill grates, lots of hiking, hike to a beautiful waterfall, huge lake to swim or float on a raft, and the lightning bugs were breath taking!!"

    5. Blue Moon RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Athens, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 568-5777

    6. Tennessee Country Campground & RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Athens, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 568-2939

    $45 / night

    7. Rhea Springs Recreation Area County Park and Campground

    15 Reviews
    Spring City, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 775-7801

    $10 - $22 / night

    "Plenty of camp spots as well as the ability to park/camp right next to the water. (There’s no Water or Electric hookups) Also, not a lot of places selling firewood nearby."

    "It's cash only $10 TN residents $22 outside TN"

    8. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    145 Reviews
    Spencer, TN
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 881-5298

    $8 - $32 / night

    "Fall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base."

    "Tons to do at one of Tennessee’s top state parks."

    9. Fooshee Pass Campground

    7 Reviews
    Spring City, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 361-1233

    "My husband and I really enjoyed this CG on the lake and was fortunate to stay in the front, quiet and uncrowded section of the park where sites are long, widely spaced, grassy and shaded."

    "Good swimming, boating or fishing right from your lake side site. Will definitely be back"

    10. Hornsby Hollow Campground

    7 Reviews
    Spring City, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 334-1709

    "Great Lakeside campground. I grew up camping here. It’s close to home and our favorite place to go locally. A lot of the sites are shaded. Sites are spaced out nicely and not on top of each other."

    "Some of the lakefront spots had their own access to the lake and plenty of trees. The camp host was amazing!"

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Recent Reviews near Athens, TN

1392 Reviews of 401 Athens Campgrounds



Guide to Athens

Camping near Athens, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Good hikes nearby," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Cades Cove Campground, visitors often spot wildlife. One camper shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing and Boating: Chester Frost Park is perfect for water activities. A reviewer noted, "There is plenty of lake access for boating, kayaking, and swimming."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Elkmont Campground. One visitor said, "The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground is noted for being safe and family-friendly. A camper mentioned, "Very safe, quiet/peaceful, family-friendly."
  • Scenic Views: Many campers love the picturesque settings at Vogel State Park Campground. One review stated, "Vogel State Park was beautiful!"

What you should know:

  • Site Spacing: Campgrounds like Cades Cove Campground can be crowded. A visitor noted, "Most sites are close to each other; plan ahead to get a good site."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Harrison Bay State Park Campground, have limited amenities. One camper mentioned, "Campgrounds A, B, and C are tight, limited space."
  • Bear Awareness: If you're camping at Fort Mountain State Park Campground, be cautious of bears. A review warned, "Bears were active in the area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Elkmont Campground, which offers activities for kids. One parent said, "Beautiful park with lots of activities for kids."
  • Plan for Clean Facilities: Make sure to pick campgrounds known for cleanliness, like Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground. A camper praised, "Bathrooms and showers were amazing for a campsite."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds like Harrison Bay State Park Campground have open spaces perfect for games. One visitor mentioned, "Great place to go primitive glamping."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should check site sizes at places like Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground. A reviewer noted, "The sites are tight. You're right on top of each other."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground offer electric hookups, which RVers appreciate. One camper said, "The park is a top visited park in TN."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to choose campgrounds with dump stations, like Cades Cove Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Dump Station: Yes."

Camping around Athens, TN, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Athens, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Athens, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 401 campgrounds and RV parks near Athens, TN and 33 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Athens, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Athens, TN is Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Athens, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 free dispersed camping spots near Athens, TN.

What parks are near Athens, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Athens, TN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.