Camping options near Ooltewah, Tennessee range across the southeastern Tennessee and northern Georgia state line. The region sits at elevations between 700-2,000 feet with most campgrounds located within the Cherokee National Forest or along the Ocoee River. Late summer temperatures average 85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions. Winter camping is available at most RV sites near Ooltewah, Tennessee, though mountain access can be limited during icy conditions.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: 20 minutes from Parksville Lake RV Campground where visitors can experience Olympic-caliber rapids. "Close by Occoee White Water center where the Atlanta olympics took place. Plan your visit around the water release. There schedule is online. Pretty cool to see the water trickle and then mass if water come at you."
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple trails accessible from Chilhowee Recreation Area offering both popular and secluded waterfall experiences. "For a more secluded waterfall experience head to the Rainbow falls. We didn't go to the swimming beach, because dogs are not allowed. We did hang out at the lake and fish (no bites), but the water was not appealing for swimming (lots of down trees/branches and very silty)."
Mountain biking: 25 miles of trails start directly from campsites at Chilhowee. "25 miles of hiking and biking trails starting right from our campsite. F loop is very quiet during the week. $12 non electric. Water spigots can be found throughout the campground."
What campers like
Creekside camping: Many sites at Parksville Lake RV Campground offer stream-adjacent settings. "We had a great experience at this little campground. There are several sites along a beautiful little creek. It was peaceful, only the occasional car on the nearby road."
Shaded sites: Mature tree canopy provides relief from summer heat. "The RV Campground area is nicely shaded. Several sites were closed in mid-September due to social distancing. If interested in this area, I would try to lock in a spot as early as you can."
Seasonal lightning bug displays: Peak viewing from May through June creates memorable camping experiences. "The lightning bugs were breath taking! This specific site has the driveway and then stairs to the fire/table/tent pad. We set our large tent on the tent pad and a smaller tent on the driveway next to the stairs."
What you should know
Mountain access challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating steep, winding roads. "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road. The camp sites are distanced well and the entire campground is in the shade."
Variable cell coverage: AT&T service limited in mountain settings. "There is no WiFi or AT&T cellular signal in this park. However, if you drive to any of the scenic overlooks just outside the park, you will get AT&T LTE signal. We also picked up 3 TV stations over the air, which was great for weather/news."
Water access limitations: Most campgrounds have central water spigots rather than hookups at sites. "Water hookups shared throughout the campground, not dedicated to each site. Water spigots can be found throughout the campground. There's no camp store and no firewood, so bring your own if you plan on making a campfire."
Varying dump station policies: Some private campgrounds restrict outside usage. "I only stopped by to see if I could use their dump station for a fee. I was informed the owners no longer let them do so. I kind of wish I could comment this without rating, just so others are aware."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly areas: Many campgrounds welcome pets but enforce specific rules. "It is a pet friendly campground, but personally, I don't find that friendly. I don't like walking up to someone dog barking at the person getting their 6 am morning walk and then the owner yelling at the dog to be quiet."
Playground access: Battlefield Campground & RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "This is an excellent place for long-term campers, and it includes a nice playground, a pool, and a camp store/clubhouse. We could not get close to the pool or playground as they were closed due to COVID-19."
Beginner-friendly trails: Several short hiking options suitable for young children. "The small loop is perfect for a family get away. Close Creek and hiking provided plenty of activity for little ones and not overly crowded like bigger campgrounds."
Racing proximity: Some campgrounds offer easy access to motorsports. "Close to everything. Racing just down the street. That's a positive or negative. On the nights they are racing you hear I'm the cars at the track."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: Hawkins Pointe RV Park offers 67 full hookup sites but with limited spacing. "It's just really good gravel and some grass and a picnic table. If you need work on your rig, there are lots of places real close by as well as camping world."
Interior road conditions: Many campgrounds feature tight turns requiring careful navigation. "Only issue with Parksville lake is that it is a tight drive into the sites. Otherwise nice and quiet campground."
Satellite access limitations: Tree cover impacts satellite reception at many locations. "Most of the sites here are nicely wooded, and as the area is slightly hilly there are elevation changes between several rows of sites which allows for a little more privacy than many RV parks offer."
Winter camping availability: Most RV sites near Ooltewah remain open year-round while some facilities like River Life RV Resort offer river views regardless of season. "We absolutely loved our stay here! The most stunning views of the river gorge! The owners are amazing & so helpful!"
