Camping cabins near Benton, Tennessee sit amid the Cherokee National Forest, where elevations range from 700 to 5,400 feet. Visitor traffic peaks during summer months when water levels in the Ocoee River are regulated for rafting. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows dropping into the 30s.
What to do
Rafting with entertainment options: Adventures Unlimited Campground offers rafting packages with additional recreational amenities. "Adventures Unlimited is certainly one of a kind! Plenty of campsite to choose from, some more private than others. You can raft, SUP board, or just hang out at the BUS bar and listen to live music. Whatever you do here, it will be a good time," notes Elizabeth A. in her review of Adventures Unlimited Campground.
Biking through mountain terrain: The Cherohala Skyway near Tellico Plains provides access to mountain biking trails. "I heard they also have a garage to use to work on your bike. Conveniently located to the Cherohala Skyway," says Jon D. about Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground, which offers tent sites for $12 per night.
Waterfall hiking: Fort Mountain State Park features trails leading to natural waterfalls within a 30-minute drive of many cabin sites. "There is a swimming beach also exists on the park's 22 acre picturesque lake. A gravel walking trail circumnavigates the lake and at the far end, a trail leads down to lovely Trahlyta Falls," explains Dave V. in his review of Vogel State Park.
What campers like
Bus-themed social spaces: The converted school bus bar at Adventures Unlimited ranks high among visitor favorites. "The Bus Bar- this place is a must! They have literally converted two yellow school busses into a bar! The restrooms are in one of the busses and the other is where the actual bar is. They have live music on weekends, and there is a very eclectic vibe," shares Lori H.
Lakefront fishing access: Chester Frost Park provides direct water access for fishing enthusiasts. "Beautiful views, waterfront sites, good fishing!" reports Alton D., highlighting the convenience of waterfront camping spots for anglers. The park's location on Chickamauga Lake allows fishing directly from some cabin sites.
Free firewood offerings: Unlike most camping areas that charge for firewood, some sites include it with your stay. "Bathrooms are clean. Firewood is free. They also have free meals that depend on the day of the week," Jon D. mentions about Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground, which keeps camping costs lower for overnight guests.
What you should know
Cabin occupancy limitations: Most cabins have practical limits based on bathroom facilities. "The campground offers cabins and the cabin was pretty nice. It slept ten people. However, there is only one bathroom in the cabin," writes Maethea R. about Adventures Unlimited.
Access to groceries varies: Some areas have limited shopping options while others have nearby retail. "Close to many amenities (movie show gasoline and food)," Barbara C. notes about Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA, which sits closer to town amenities than river-based cabins.
Internet connectivity challenges: Cell signal strength varies significantly between campgrounds. "Cellular service for AT&T and TMobile were both excellent," reports Laura H. about Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA, while other river canyon locations have limited or no service.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several camping areas feature dedicated play spaces for children. "This place is definitely somewhere you wanna bring your kids they would love it! There is a man made beach with a playground and loads of camping lots next to the river!" Haley H. recommends about Chester Frost Park.
Miniature golf options: Vogel State Park Campground offers additional family-friendly recreation. "Two 9 hole miniature golf courses next to the visitor center are reminiscent of the old Putt-Putt courses of yesteryear," describes Dave V., noting the family-friendly amenities beyond hiking.
Water-based activities: Multiple age-appropriate water recreation options exist across different sites. "During the summer they offer a beach area with peddle boats and kayaks. The lake is 22 acres with trails that go along the lake," Kelly W. shares about Vogel State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some camping cabins near Benton have parking areas with uneven terrain. "The sites are very close together so there is not much room to move around or have pets outside," notes Chris Y. about Whitewater RV Park - Ocoee TN, where concrete pads provide more stable parking than grass or gravel sites.
Hookup limitations: Water and electric connections vary between locations. "They have RV Sites - full and partial hook ups, Cabins, Tent Sites, and lots of activities. The park is clean and well kept. It is quiet at night even being near an interstate," describes Laura H., highlighting the importance of confirming utility options when booking.
Off-season considerations: Seasonal changes affect facility operations. "We arrived and didn't really understand the hype, we're on our honeymoon and have been traveling/camping for 2 weeks now. This was not what I had expected... Now we did come in the off season I'm assuming," shares Smol W. about the importance of timing your visit to the region.
