443 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Athens, Tennessee provides access to a variety of camping experiences within the surrounding region. Gee Creek Campground in the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park offers tent and RV sites with amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Nearby, Sweetwater KOA provides year-round camping options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The area features a mix of state park facilities, private campgrounds, and recreation areas along waterways such as the Tennessee River and Chickamauga Lake, creating diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Road conditions and campground accessibility vary throughout the region, with most established sites offering good access for standard vehicles. Weather patterns in eastern Tennessee include humid summers and mild winters, though higher elevations can experience cooler temperatures and occasional snow. "This is a beautiful secluded site just off of Highway 64/74 not too far from the Tennessee border. The campground is very well kept and has wonderful amenities for both RV and tent campers," noted one visitor about a nearby campground. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during peak summer months and fall color season. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, especially in the valleys between ridges.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. Several campgrounds provide access to lakes and rivers, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. The Tennessee River system, including Chickamauga Lake, offers numerous camping options with water access. As one camper described a nearby TVA campground: "Rhea Springs is a wonderful free campsite in central Tennessee which permits stay up to 14 days. As a part of the TVA the property as a whole is well maintained despite some obvious wear and tear on the restroom facilities." Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species. Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are common throughout the region, with varying levels of amenities from primitive sites to full-service facilities with electric hookups, water, and sewer connections.
"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. "
"Very nice area, close to a historic area and site seeing underground lake."
"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."
"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."
"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!!"
from $12 - $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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"
from $10 - $22 / night
Check Availability"Great base camp for close to adventures in the national forest. Go do the hike by bald river falls 30 min away."
"Great location and great food! This is my go to spot when out riding."
"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."
RangerFirst thing--be sure you check your route here. Do not end up on Happy Valley Rd with a big rig. My RV life app took me that way with a 30ft TT and the park explicitly says to avoid it. The campground itself is somewhat unremarkable. It was nearly empty during my stay. My site was not remotely level, but no big deal to me. The views around the area made it all worthwhile to me.
GuideHopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
ScoutShakedown trip. Offered lots of help, friendly staff, clean campground, plenty of amenities, safe good views. Traveled with a pet and it worked well.
GuideBeautiful views from the trails. I went during the summer in July so it was on the busier side. There is a lake with a beach with boat and paddle board rentals. Seemed like a great spot to fish. Prepare for possibilities of bears as they were around. One night I must have not fully secured my bear box and a bear found my cooler. I tent camped on a pad where I can find some service (T-Mobile) but most spots are spotty. Next time I come, I want to try the back country locations. Trails are awesome with a cool story about the place around the tower and fortification. Attendants at the camp store were really nice. If groceries are needed there is grocery stores in the nearest town of Chatsworth down the mountain
ScoutSpent a nice 5 days relaxing. Camp host was very friendly. Shower house and toilets well maintained and clean.
GuideIt is difficult to find a spot. It appears a lot of unhoused people live here full time. There is a lot of trash littering the trees and down by the lake. There is good cell service and overall it is a nice area.
TravelerCampsites are close together. We were only there 1 night. It was peaceful and quiet. All sites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. They have some sites FHU, some water & electric, and primitive sites. A nice pool is on site. Looked like a nice playground and dog areas.
TravelerI was a visitor to this park. Doris has zero interest in being friendly or welcoming. The only signage that reads, you must visit their dirty little office and register, is what you see in the photos posted, partially hidden by tree branches as you approach. It was my third visit before I actually saw it and that’s only because it was pointed out by the person I was visiting. And they don’t care if you give them your info, doesn’t even ask, just demands your $5. After the owner Doris read a Google review left by another person that was treated poorly by her, she assumed it was left by me for spite and kicked my friend that stayed there out. Had she bothered to actually take my info instead of my money she would have realized I wasn’t the one that left her a bad review, but another visitor leaving an unsatisfactory review perpetuated by her rudeness.. if you value your peace and want your visitors to feel welcome, please choose another place to give your hard earned money to.
ScoutIf you’re looking for chill sights with minimal needs and no electric this place has been lovely. Creek access with some sites. Not all for direct creek. Lake access to entire campground tho! Will be back for us !!!
Camping near Athens, Tennessee offers diverse terrain options ranging from lakeside settings to mountain views. Elevation varies from 780 feet in the valleys to over 2,000 feet in nearby mountain areas. Nighttime temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees lower than daytime highs even in summer months, with frequent morning fog in valley campgrounds.
Kayaking on Watts Bar Lake: At Fooshee Pass Campground, water recreation is easily accessible. "The lake is shallow with a slow grade which was perfect for our young children. Everyone was friendly and respectful," reports Valerie M. The campground offers boat access and fishing opportunities directly from waterfront sites.
Hiking to waterfalls: Fall Creek Falls State Park provides multiple waterfall trails within an hour's drive of Athens. "Make sure you do three things while you're there: hike to the bottom of the big waterfall (Fall Creek Falls), swim in the cascades next to the nature center, and stand on the edge of the bluff at Buzzard's Roost," suggests Myke C. The park features trails for various skill levels, with the cable trail being especially popular.
Nature trails at Gee Creek: Trails connect directly to campsites at Gee Creek Campground. "The park has a nice nature trail that loops around the park. The park also offers a boat launch for river access," notes Gregg G. The trail system provides moderate hiking options through woodland areas along the Hiwassee River.
Well-spaced waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise the lakefront spots at Hornsby Hollow Campground. "Great Lakeside campground. Sites are spaced out nicely and not on top of each other. They have a small playground, two swimming areas and a boat ramp. Sites are gravel and have a fire ring and concrete picnic tables," Tyler explains. Many waterfront sites include private lake access.
Winter camping options: Off-season camping near Athens provides quieter experiences. "During winter campground is very quiet, no power at sites, it does have hot showers," reports Byron R. about Gee Creek. Keith R. confirms this assessment: "Very quiet in winter." Fewer crowds make wildlife viewing more likely during cooler months.
Free or budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer economical camping. "Rhea Springs is a wonderful free campsite in central Tennessee which permits stay up to 14 days. As a part of the TVA the property as a whole is well maintained despite some obvious wear and tear on the restroom facilities," Crystal C. mentions. These sites typically provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables but may have limited facilities.
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road," Carissa D. warns about Chilhowee Recreation Area. Similarly, Laura H. notes about Overnite RV Park: "They have easy proximity to the interstate and a park that is easy to get into and back out of," highlighting that access considerations vary by location.
Seasonal closures: Operating seasons vary significantly. "Showed up on Easter weekend and this place was closed. So after 11/2 hr drive, we ended up camping up on the hill above the boat ramp," reports Ky N. about one area campground. Always verify current operating status before traveling, especially for county or TVA facilities.
Bathroom facilities vary: Facility conditions differ widely between campgrounds. "The bathrooms could use some TLC," notes Carissa D. about one location, while another camper mentions: "Bathroom stalls are only about 4' high, so while your taking a dump, anyone can walk in and look you right in the eye." Bringing shower shoes and expecting varied conditions is advisable.
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Sweetwater KOA offers multiple activities for children. "This is a very lively, well traveled RV Park and Campground. The park offers full hook up RV Sites, Cabins, Tent sites. For amenities there is a bouncy blob (dry), small pond with fountain and memorial bench, large playground for the kids, volleyball, basketball," Laura H. describes. The campground regularly schedules organized children's activities.
Playgrounds and recreational facilities: Family-oriented campgrounds typically include play areas. "Nice bathhouse that is cleaned multiple times a day. The Rangers check in daily and are very friendly. A trail runs the perimeter of the camp and the Hiwasee River runs next to the campground. The campground also has a playground to keep kids entertained," Anna M. notes about one location.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening wildlife sightings enhance family camping experiences. "Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool," Mickey L. reports. Early morning wildlife viewing is best, with deer frequently spotted at dawn in wooded campground areas.
Hookup locations: Several campgrounds have unusual utility placement. "The biggest reason [we wouldn't stay again], the very poor design of the water spigot and electrical receptacle. The water spigot is in the ground right next to the mud, very hard to get to," Scott G. explains about one location. "Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work," recommends Kc K. about Fooshee Pass hookups.
Site leveling requirements: Many sites require leveling equipment. "Spaces too close together...Several amenities but well used," notes Dave W. about site spacing at Sweetwater KOA. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds in the region.
Dump station access: Dump stations may be challenging to navigate. "The electrical, there is NO way to shut it off. The receptacle is about 12" off of the ground which means when you connect your surge protector, your connections are laying on the ground," Scott G. explains about utility challenges at one campground. Many locations offer dump stations with limited maneuvering room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Athens, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Athens, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 443 campgrounds and RV parks near Athens, TN and 34 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 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Athens, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 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 Croatan National Forest and Tusquitee National Forest.
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