Cherokee National Forest encompasses over 650,000 acres of wilderness near Athens, Tennessee, with elevation ranges from 750 to over 5,000 feet. The forest offers diverse tent camping opportunities within an hour's drive of Athens, with sites along rivers, mountain ridges, and within hiking distance of waterfalls. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer nights remain mild at 60-70°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 90s.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: The Ocoee River offers thrilling rafting opportunities for tent campers at Ocoee River Area. As one visitor shared, "The Occoee river is an absolute blast. I've gone with my family 4 times down the river and once with a group of friends. It is a thrill when you get to go down some of the drops and class 5 rapids."
Tubing calm waters: For a more relaxed water experience, pack inner tubes when camping at Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground. A camper noted, "This is a great spot if you either want to go rafting for a weekend or spend the day tubing the lower Ocoee and have a campground all ready for you."
Multi-day hiking: The Benton MacKaye trail passes directly beside several tent camping areas near Athens, Tennessee. A camper at Lost Creek described, "Nice but super crowded on the weekend," suggesting weekday visits for more solitude on popular trails.
What campers like
Remote wilderness access: The Big Frog Area provides primitive backcountry sites along multiple trails. A hiker reported, "On Big Frog trail, just south of intersection with Yellow Stand trail there is a primitive pine campsite with fire ring. Not the most smooth but could probably fit 2 small tents or a few hammocks."
Creek-side camping: Multiple tent sites in the region offer creek access for cooling off during summer months. At Laurel Snow — Cumberland Trail, a visitor mentioned, "There are a couple if scattered campsites within this wilderness. One being very close to a waterfall."
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many campgrounds maintain good standards. One camper at Lost Creek noted, "Love it here! It's a free campsite so it's first come first serve and everyone we've met so far there have been the friendest of people. There's a drop toilet which are pretty still smell though."
What you should know
Hunting season awareness: During hunting seasons, some campgrounds experience increased activity and noise. At Lost Creek, one camper reported they "chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived."
Navigation challenges: Some trail systems can be difficult to follow. At Starr Mountain Area, a camper advised, "The trail isn't really a trail but it's so worth it. if you enter through gee creek rd it's only about half a mile to the top. It is an off beat path and there are no markings. The key is to keep going up."
Varying water availability: Water sources differ significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Laurel Snow noted, "The campsite is nice, but it's somewhat difficult to get at the water. The trails can also be hard to follow at a couple of points, I'd recommend bringing an offline map of the trail."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: For families, Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground offers convenient amenities. A visitor shared, "We visited this campground in July 2022. We arrived on Monday evening and stayed 3 nights. I wish we could have stayed longer. We stayed in A loop, site 7. Our site was clean, shaded and level."
Plan for electronics-free time: Cell service is limited throughout tent camping areas near Athens. One camper at Hiwassee River Area reported, "No phone signal which is ok with us because we like to unplug. There is free WiFi available at the rafting Outfitter store."
Consider bathroom facilities: While some sites have no facilities, others maintain basic options. A visitor to Lost Creek described, "Each campsite has a concrete table, fire pit, and tent platform. Some have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt."
Tips for RVers
Access challenges: Many forest roads leading to tent sites have limitations. A visitor to Lost Creek described, "The lost cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN. Once leaving the pavement of the main road and traversing a well maintained gravel road for 7 miles you will reach the Lost Cove Campground."
Limited hookups: Most tent camping areas near Athens lack traditional RV amenities. At Hiwassee River Area, a camper explained, "No electric hookup. Water spigots throughout the campground but not directly at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring."
Winter road conditions: Gravel access roads may deteriorate in wet weather. One Lost Creek visitor noted, "Super remote area, ride were in decent shape, I could see them being bad after a heavy storm. Gravel 7 miles to here."
