Cherokee National Forest offers tent camping near Cleveland, Tennessee at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 feet with multiple creeks and waterways throughout the region. Most primitive campgrounds remain open year-round, though access may be limited during winter months when forest service roads can become impassable after heavy precipitation. The area sees approximately 50-60 inches of rainfall annually, creating numerous water features throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: The Ocoee River provides Class III-V rapids for experienced paddlers, with several outfitters offering guided trips. A visitor at Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground 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."
Waterfall hikes: Several trails lead to cascades within a short distance of tent sites. A camper who visited Hickey Gap shared, "There's a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek" and another mentioned it's "about a mile down trail from camp."
Forest exploration: The Benton McKaye Trail provides access to multiple primitive camping areas and connects with other regional trails. When describing a campsite at Big Frog Area, a hiker observed, "Pretty section of trail from here on up to Big Frog summit. The group site further south before summit of Big Frog has more shade, more space, and is nicer in my opinion."
What campers like
Creek access: Many sites sit adjacent to flowing water, providing both ambiance and recreation. At Quinn Springs Campground, a camper appreciated the well-maintained facilities: "The park is beautiful and very well kept. A ranger drove by while I was having coffee the next morning and was very laid back."
Solitude options: Weekday camping typically offers more privacy and site availability. One camper at Hickey Gap noted, "It was a Monday in August, and there were two spots available" in a campground with only 5 total sites.
Mountainous views: The higher-elevation campsites provide scenic vistas. A visitor to Ocoee River Area described, "This has to be one of the most beautiful areas to go camping. It has hiking trails bycyclin trails... once to the top you get a really beautiful overlook of Parksville lake at one of the centered Islands."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many tent-friendly sites require navigation on unpaved roads with varying conditions. A camper at Hickey Gap warned, "The road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail. There were a few hairpin turns. And then the driveway to and from the camp area is quite steep."
Wildlife encounters: Snakes and bears inhabit the forest areas surrounding tent sites. One camper reported, "I saw 3 copper heads at the creek" at Hickey Gap, while another mentioned "active bear warning" and "signs clearly indicating there are bears around and that you should keep all food in your vehicle or use the box."
Seasonal considerations: Weekends during summer months see significantly higher usage. A Lost Creek visitor observed, "Nice but super crowded on the weekend," while a Quinn Springs Campground ranger reportedly told a visitor "they were packed over the weekend" despite the camper finding only one other occupied site on a Monday.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes: Natural water features offer kid-friendly recreation during warmer months. A Hickey Gap visitor mentioned, "There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!"
Bathroom facilities: Camp areas vary widely in toilet availability and condition. For Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground, a visitor noted, "The bathrooms could be a little cleaner, and there was no soap in either bathroom during our stay. Fortunately, we brought some with us."
Site selection: Look for level, shaded spots with adequate space. One Chilhowee camper detailed, "Our site was clean, shaded and level. We had plenty of space for our 6 x 12 converted cargo trailer camper and Outback, a pop up screen house for the dogs, and could have easily fit a tent or canopy as well."
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: Forest service roads can accommodate compact trailers but require careful driving. A Chilhowee camper mentioned bringing "our 6 x 12 converted cargo trailer camper" without issues, adding "Most of the sites were well spaced and level. There is not a lot of screening vegetation between the sites, but the distance afforded a sense of privacy."
Water supply planning: No hookups means calculating needs in advance. A Lost Creek visitor advised, "No generators, water, or porta potties. How camping in the forest should be!" which highlights the need for self-sufficiency.
Site surfaces: Most tent sites have improved tent pads or gravel bases. A Chilhowee camper observed, "The campsite was crushed stone chips, and I suspect it would drain well after a storm" - important information for those planning to camp after rainfall.
