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Best Campgrounds near Delano, TN

1,436 Reviews

The Cherokee National Forest surrounds Delano, Tennessee, providing multiple camping options from primitive to developed sites. The Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park's Gee Creek Campground serves as a central camping destination with tent and RV accommodations. Most of the established campgrounds in the area, including Chilhowee Recreation Area and Parksville Lake RV Campground, offer mixed-use sites accommodating both tent and vehicle camping. Lost Creek in Cherokee National Forest provides dispersed camping for those seeking a more rustic experience, while several privately operated campgrounds like Adventures Unlimited offer cabin options and glamping facilities.

Access to camping varies by season, with some campgrounds like Thunder Rock and Chilhowee operating only from April to November. Many sites offer developed amenities including drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables, though electric hookups are limited at certain locations. "The campground is great! Most of the sites are spaced apart well, so you're not right up against your neighbors," noted one visitor about Gee Creek Campground. The Hiwassee River presents both recreational opportunities and safety considerations, with water levels changing rapidly due to dam releases. While most campgrounds maintain clean restroom facilities, the more remote dispersed sites typically offer minimal infrastructure, requiring visitors to pack in their own supplies.

Riverside camping experiences dominate the positive reviews for the area, particularly at Gee Creek Campground where campers appreciate proximity to water. One camper shared that "the lightning bugs and stars are perfect" when describing nighttime at Gee Creek, highlighting the natural ambiance. Family-friendly amenities appear at several campgrounds, with playgrounds and bicycle-friendly areas mentioned in reviews. Some visitors noted that sites can become crowded during summer months, particularly at water-adjacent locations. The terrain around most campgrounds provides access to hiking trails, including connections to the Gee Creek Wilderness with its waterfalls. Most reviewers appreciate the natural setting, though some mention that certain campgrounds lack privacy between sites, particularly in more developed areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Delano, Tennessee (486)

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

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    2 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. Chilhowee Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    8 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!!"

    3. Parksville Lake RV Campground

    15 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Each site is a good distance away from the other and there is the constant sound of the creek flowing right next to it. The bathrooms are clean and right in the middle a perfect spot for a getaway"

    "Easy to navigate around sites.  Lots of shade.  Close by Occoee White Water center where the Atlanta olympics took place.  Plan your visit around the water release.  There schedule is online.  "

    4. Thunder Rock Campground

    20 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Campsites are close to one another. If you camp at a site near the water, it is really nice, but everyone will walk by your campsite so they can go down the path to the river."

    "Easy access off Hwy 64, so close to stores for food and firewood. Well maintained campsite with clean bathrooms and very clean, nice showers. Alcohol prohibited as think county is dry."

    5. Chilhowee

    12 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Scenic views the whole drive up, followed by a safe, cozy campground with clean facilities and a great grouping of trails."

    "The campsite was clean, and our site was a good distance from other campers. The campground has a nice hike to Benton Falls which is beautiful."

    6. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    11 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    9 miles
    Website

    "A very well-kept campground given how off the beaten path it is. Most sites had tent pads and a concrete picnic table and were very clean. The garbage bins had been emptied so weren't overfowing."

    "Some have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt."

    7. Adventures Unlimited Campground

    11 Reviews
    Ocoee, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-4325

    $10 - $45 / night

    "Adventures Unlimited is located in Ocoee, TN, just outside of Chattanooga, and is one of the coolest river towns I’ve been to. The Ocoee River was the site for the 1996 Olympics whitewater events."

    "We could walk down from the cabin to check-in for white water rafting excursion. There is a campground store at the check-in, as well."

    8. Top of the World RV

    8 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 519-2967

    $50 - $60 / night

    "This place is a true gem hidden in the Tennessee mountains."

    "Close to grocery stores & TONS of mountain goodness."

    9. Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tellico Plains, TN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-6061

    "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."

    10. Starr Mountain Area

    2 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    5 miles

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Delano, TN

1436 Reviews of 486 Delano Campgrounds

  • Kelsey P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2026

    Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    Beautiful but sites are VERY uneven

    I was greatly deceived by the photos and descriptions online. We had site 40 and it was much much shorter than online said and the incline was insane. I would say 90% of the sites in loops B, C, and D should not be sites. Loop A has the most level sites with a lot not having shade though. Site 15 seemed to be the best in the whole park. Leveling our popup was miserable. Most campers we saw come in seemed to be the same as us. First time being there and not realizing the sites are significantly shorter than listed and shown in photos and extremely unlevel. I couldn’t even imagine a tent camper in most sites comfortably with how much of an incline and then slope you’re on. It’s a straight up hill and then it’s tilted to the side too. Sites are also extremely close together which is fine if you plan to be out or on the water a lot but it’s very cramped.

    Bathrooms in loop B were the largest and cleaned daily. Bathrooms were great with the exception of the doors being super small but not an issue really. I’m 6ft and it was just funny seeing over everything.

    Lake is BEAUTIFUL. So many areas to swim and great trails. Good place for pets.

    One host in the entire park and we were lucky to be next to them and listen to their dog park and cry all day and night as they never let him in. Their site is right there when you go in and just trashed with all kinds of stuff. Feels more like a trailer park than state park. Never once saw the hosts and the camp store/office was closed every day we were there (we were there for a week Sunday to Sunday) Our site had quite a bit of trash when we got there. I’m shocked how the bathrooms were kept so clean but sites were not

    They have check in listed at 4pm but every day new campers were there far before 4 which isn’t a problem but helps to know you can really get there anytime.

    Overall the area is amazing with so much to do for everyone. Fishing, hiking, swimming, plenty to do all around. I would come back only for loop A and site 15. Maybe some others in loop A. Unless you have a camper van that you are fine being tilted, I would avoid all loops besides A. We saw a lot of people get there and then leave when they couldn’t park or level their site and there weren’t other options any better for them

    Cell service was great. T-Mobile hotspot was amazing for me to work remote

  • Patricia “Ollie” F.
    Apr. 11, 2026

    Peakland RV Park

    Very quiet! Close to boat access

    I have been staying here for a couple weeks now and it has been very quiet. I have full service hook up everything I need for my RV. There’s also really amazing barbecue place right across the street and some nightlife as well.. interstate 40 is about a 35 minute drive. The owner here is really nice and accommodating.

  • Greg S.
    Apr. 10, 2026

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    4.7 stars

    Spectacular scenery. The campground has two loops, both with nicely spaced out sites. We liked the creekside loop, but lakeside looked very nice as well. The lake is small but cold and clear, probably spring fed. The playground is average and they have a mini golf course that's cool. The camp store is excellent, though a drive from the campground. Also a short drive (or 3 mile hike) away is the star of the show- the overlook, tower and rock wall. Unbelievable views and great rocks to scramble and play on. The history of the mysterious rock Wall is intriguing. A great place to spend a few hours. The trails are numerous and well marked. We didn't see any bears or snakes. Overall a great place.

  • F
    Apr. 8, 2026

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp

    Good free rest stop

    Nothing crazy, scenic but tricky drive in here. Use the coordinates to find it, Apple Maps will send you to the other side and add a 30/40 min drive. The camping area had 1 shared restroom/porta potty type deal. The area is pretty flat ground with about 10 good spots to tent/small vehicle camp. Came on a Tuesday evening to about half the site being used. There’s signs to get here once you get close.

  • Kyle C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2026

    Sugarberry RV Park

    Extended RV Stay

    Great place to stay if your here anywhere from a week to a month. The prices are very reasonable. Starting at $500/month + metered electric and $200/week (electric included).

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 2, 2026

    Riley Creek

    Great views

    Gorgeous views of the lake, convenient hiking trail on property for our pups, sandy beach.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2026

    Tennessee Wall Camp

    Nice little site for tent camping

    You take a sometimes single lane road to get there. Very windy at points. There is a parking lot to hold 4+ cars. You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits. There is one private site past the marked site if you keep going you will find a large level gravel lot with a single fire pit that would be much better for van or truck camping. Past this point it turns back into residential.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2026

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp

    Nice wooded spot

    Campground is primitive with a clean vault toilet. There are approx 12 campsites with fire pits. Across the main gravel road is a large spot for off-roading / side by side parking. Main gravel road to campground is smooth no ruts. Campground should accommodate 24’ class b or so. My 18’ truck had lots of room and space for awning.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2026

    Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Scenic Campground

    Beautiful drive to get to this place once you get through the traffic jam of Sevierville.  Enjoy the scenic and winding river road! dOnly loop C is open in the off season.  Generators are allowed at this time of year, but must be off by 8pm. 

    The women's restroom was revoltingly smelly (some animal had sprayed in there, smelled like male cat x100).  The sites have nice new pads (not perfectly level though) and the tent pads are spacious and flat.  

    Cade's Cove loop was definitely worth taking, and I would do it again and stop at every stop.  Take your time, take the pull outs and let the people pass you.  Make sure to get a parking pass and a brochure explaining the sites along the loop at the beginning of the drive.  I saw many turkeys showing off their fan tails.  And a large black bear chowing down on the sweet, fattening, tender spring grass.  Also there were quite a few deer out. The scenery was magnificent!

Guide to Delano

Camping sites near Delano, Tennessee range from primitive to full-service facilities within the Cherokee National Forest. With elevations between 700-1,500 feet, the region experiences moderate year-round temperatures but can see rapid weather changes during summer thunderstorms. Winter campers should note that several campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with limited facilities available during colder months.

What to do

**Creek exploration: Walking trails along waterways wind through most campsites, offering opportunities for wading and photography. At Lost Creek - Cherokee NF, "the creek can be used for shallow water wading or fishing," according to one visitor. This remote site requires a 7-mile drive on gravel forest roads.

**Mountain biking: Trails ranging from beginner to advanced connect directly to several campgrounds. "There is wonderful mountain biking easily accessible from the camp and world class white water rapids within only a few miles drive," notes a camper at Chilhowee. The park also maintains a bike maintenance stand at the visitor center.

**Waterfall hiking: Most campgrounds connect to trail networks leading to cascades. The Benton Falls trail from Chilhowee Recreation Area creates a moderate 3-mile round trip experience. "For a more secluded waterfall experience head to the Rainbow falls," recommends one visitor, noting this alternative trail receives less traffic than the main falls.

What campers like

**Winter solitude: Off-season camping provides a quieter experience with fewer neighbors. "During winter campground is very quiet, no power at sites, it does have hot showers," reports a visitor at Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park. The park's heated bath house becomes particularly valuable during colder months.

**Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime animal spotting opportunities throughout the region. A camper at Gee Creek mentioned, "Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool," highlighting the natural soundscape that develops after dark. Fireflies are particularly abundant during early summer.

**Site spacing: Unlike more developed campgrounds, many Cherokee Forest sites offer significant distance between neighbors. "The campground is operated and maintained by the USFS. A portion of campground adjoins a small creek," notes a review of Lost Creek Campground, where concrete picnic tables and lantern posts accompany each primitive site.

What you should know

**Water access variations: Lake and river proximity differs significantly between campgrounds, affecting swimming options. At Thunder Rock Campground, "from the campground, you can actually walk to the river and can also access several other hiking trails," though one camper notes that "the neighboring road has heavy traffic" creating some noise.

**Elevation challenges: Accessing higher elevation sites requires navigating steep mountain roads. "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road," warns one camper about Chilhowee Recreation Area, though they note "the entire campground is in the shade" once you arrive.

**Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically across the region, with higher points generally offering better reception. A visitor to Chilhowee reported, "There is NO AT&T in spite of what this site says. You may get a weak signal on the other side, but it's spotty at best. There appeared to be a Verizon tower on the mountain, so that will probably work."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Delano, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Delano, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 486 campgrounds and RV parks near Delano, TN and 38 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Delano, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Delano, 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 Delano, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 38 free dispersed camping spots near Delano, TN.

What parks are near Delano, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Delano, TN that allow camping, notably Tusquitee National Forest and Croatan National Forest.

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