Delano, Tennessee sits at the edge of Cherokee National Forest, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet throughout the camping region. The area experiences distinct seasons, with humid summers averaging 85-90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 30°F. Most campgrounds near Delano remain accessible year-round, though mountain access roads can become challenging during winter precipitation.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Chilhowee Recreation Area offers multiple waterfall trails for different skill levels. "We did the Benton Falls hike and it was lovely! 3 miles RT. Fall color was just peaking," notes a visitor to Chilhowee Recreation Area. For more seclusion, "For a more secluded waterfall experience head to the Rainbow falls."
Mountain biking: The region offers extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "25 miles of hiking and biking trails starting right from our campsite," explains a camper about Chilhowee. Trails range from beginner-friendly paths to technical descents through forest terrain.
Whitewater activities: The Ocoee River provides world-class paddling opportunities. "We spent the day hiking the mountain next to rv park. Then went kayaking down the river across the street," reports a visitor to Whitewater RV Park. Water release schedules from dams affect river conditions, so check online calendars before planning activities.
Fishing: Parksville Lake and surrounding waters offer bass, trout, and catfish fishing. A camper at Parksville Lake mentions, "Our visit was nice, the park was clean and the bathrooms were clean and well lit." Fishing licenses required and available at local outfitters in Delano and Benton.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many rv parks in Delano, Tennessee provide generous camping areas. At Top of the World RV, a reviewer notes, "HUGE spots, and that's even the 'small' ones. Great views. Great spot to wander a little with a pet & great WiFi." Site sizes vary significantly between campgrounds.
Mountain views: Elevated campgrounds offer panoramic vistas. "This is a new RV campground that just opened and the views are incredible," explains another Top of the World RV visitor. Morning views are particularly notable, with one camper describing "Amazing views of the morning sunrise over the mountain tops."
Creek access: Several campgrounds feature streams running through or alongside camping areas. "We had a great experience at this little campground. There are several sites along a beautiful little creek," shares a Parksville Lake camper. These water features provide both scenic value and cooling effects during summer months.
Pet-friendly amenities: Most rv campgrounds near Delano accommodate pets with designated areas. "The campground additionally has some great features for campers, together with picnic tables, drinking water, electric hookups," notes one reviewer. Several parks offer fenced dog areas or walking trails specifically designed for pet exercise.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Mountain terrain creates difficult driving conditions for some campgrounds. At Chilhowee Recreation Area, a visitor warns, "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road." Similarly, Top of the World RV has "steep grades and decent curves but is doable for all but the absolute longest of rigs."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies dramatically throughout the area. "Cell service with T-Mobile not existent. They have WiFi but not very fast," reports a Top of the World visitor. Most campgrounds now offer WiFi, but signal strength depends on terrain and weather conditions.
Site leveling issues: Gravel sites can present leveling challenges. "Because sites are loose gravel, leveling can be a challenge if your rig does not auto level," notes a Top of the World camper. Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds.
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Summer and early fall see the highest visitor numbers. A Blue Moon RV Park guest mentions, "We have a 30' travel trailer and the pull-thru site wasn't long enough for us to stay hooked up to our truck for the night." Reservations become essential during peak season from June through October.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Lake access provides safe swimming areas for children. "The park is very clean, quiet and well kept. We frequent this park regularly and will continue to do so," shares an Overnite RV Park visitor. Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with gradual entry points.
Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter hiking routes suitable for younger hikers. "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," recommends a Parksville Lake camper. Trails under 2 miles with minimal elevation gain work best for families.
Quiet camping sections: Some campgrounds offer more secluded areas for families needing earlier quiet times. "Loops E&F were a bit more secluded, and better fit for couples, dogs that don't like a lot of passersby, or people that generally want to keep more to themselves," advises a Chilhowee visitor. These sections typically maintain distance from main roads and activity centers.
Bathroom proximity: When camping with children, bathroom location becomes important. "Also, there was a restroom for every 6-7 sites, so not too much traffic," notes a Chilhowee camper. Most established campgrounds maintain multiple facilities throughout camping loops.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Water connection availability differs widely between rv parks in Delano area. "The small loop is perfect for a family get away. Water hookups shared throughout the campground, not dedicated to each site," explains a Parksville Lake RV Campground visitor. Some campgrounds require filling tanks at central locations.
Road navigation: RV drivers should research access routes before arrival. "Getting to it can be tricky as TN-68 has steep grades and decent curves but is doable for all but the absolute longest of rigs," warns a Top of the World RV visitor. GPS directions often route larger vehicles onto unsuitable forest roads.
Site selection: Reserve specific sites based on your RV configuration. "Many of the sites that you back in to were pretty narrow," notes a Parksville Lake visitor. End-of-loop sites typically offer more space but fill quickly during peak seasons.
Utility considerations: Electric service varies between campgrounds and sites. One Foxfire of Murphy RV Park visitor shares, "The spacious full hookup sites provided plenty of room for our travel trailer plus two vehicles, and the reliable WiFi ensures you stay connected." Amp service ranges from 20-50 depending on the campground and specific site.
