The Cherokee National Forest surrounding Copperhill, Tennessee ranges in elevation from 1,000 to over 5,000 feet, creating diverse camping environments from river valleys to mountain ridges. Camping options in this area accommodate pets year-round with varying terrain and accessibility, from developed campgrounds with electrical hookups to primitive sites along creeks. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F while summer averages 65-85°F.
What to do
**Creek exploration: Explore the creeks flowing through Tumbling Creek Campground where campers find peaceful swimming holes. "The drive in on the gravel road takes forever but it is very peaceful once you arrive to the destination. It is nice to listen to the sound of gentle flowing water," notes a camper.
**Mountain biking: Access miles of trails from Thunder Rock Campground which features a bike cleaning station for after-ride maintenance. "They also have a mountain bike cleaning station since there are several trails accessible from the campground," reports a reviewer who appreciated the thoughtful amenity.
**Kayaking and rafting: Launch directly into the Ocoee River from waterfront sites. "One of my favorite campgrounds when paddling the Ocoee River. Nice clean bathrooms and campsites right along the water," writes a kayaker who frequents the area.
**Waterfall hiking: Trek to several falls within a 30-minute drive of the camping area. "We did the Benton Falls hike and it was lovely! 3 miles RT," shares a hiker about trails near Chilhowee Recreation Area.
What campers like
**Creek-side campsites: Many spots at Lost Creek Campground offer direct access to water. "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," explains a regular visitor.
**Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location minimizes light pollution. "No light pollution at my nonelectric site," shares a camper at Morganton Point. Areas deeper in the national forest offer even darker skies.
**Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bears are common in the area. "We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though," notes a camper at Fort Mountain State Park.
**Off-grid escape: Primitive sites offer true disconnection. "Your classic primitive campground. No generators, water, or porta potties. How camping in the forest should be!" explains an enthusiast about Lost Creek.
What you should know
**Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves narrow, winding roads. "Be sure to read the instructions on the park website about how to get here! Google will lead you astray!" warns a visitor to Chilhowee Recreation Area, noting the importance of following official directions.
**Bear safety requirements: Most campgrounds require food storage in vehicles or bear-proof containers. "There are several bear proof trash cans available for use," mentions a camper describing Thunder Rock Campground's safety measures.
**Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer potable water. "There is no potable water available from a spicket and no Verizon cell reception," notes a winter visitor to Lost Creek Campground.
**Seasonal closures: Check operating dates before planning trips. "We stayed in mid-February so others might have a different experience. This camp is PRIMITIVE. There are no facilities of any type," reports a winter camper at Tumbling Creek.
**Cell service limitations: Coverage is spotty throughout the region. "We had inconsistent cell coverage even with a Winegard booster with AT&T and Verizon. Mornings were best reception and evening were not so good," shares a camper from Fort Mountain State Park.
Tips for camping with families
**Lakefront activities: Morganton Point Campground offers swimming, fishing, and rentals. "The lake offers many recreation opportunities including swimming, boating, picnicking, fishing, camping, and hiking. Rentals are available from the store front in Morganton or the beachside location," details a family who enjoyed the amenities.
**Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "The campground also has a playground to keep kids entertained," mentions a visitor to Gee Creek Campground.
**Educational opportunities: Learn about local conservation history. "We are one of those couples that creates new hiking loops using existing trails so the signage was a little confusing at times," notes a couple who explored Fort Mountain State Park extensively.
**Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter trails with interesting features. "The most stroller/limited mobility friendly trails are the lake trail and the Cool Springs overlook," advises a family who hiked at Fort Mountain.
Tips from RVers
**Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. "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," describes a camper at Gee Creek Campground.
**Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have dump stations. "From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it. My friend who was there pulling a 5th wheel decided not to try it and opted to pay to dump somewhere else," warns an RV owner at Chilhowee.
**Big rig accessibility: Some campgrounds have tight turns and narrow roads. "The roads in the campground are narrow and again, some of the turns are sharp when pulling a trailer," cautions a camper towing a 25-foot travel trailer at Chilhowee.
**Water fill procedures: Note where to fill tanks. "There are no water hookups at the sites, only power (30A). You'll need to fill your fresh water tanks before you set up," advises an RV camper about Chilhowee's setup.
Scout
