Best Equestrian Camping near Etowah, TN

This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it

We love this campsite! The first time we camped here, we were the only ones at the whole site. The most recent time, there were just two other couples so it was still very low key. There’s a hiking trail that connects to the Benton McKaye just across from campsite and if you are a bringing horses there are two paddocks for them as well.

We have camped here in our tent and my only complaint is that the tent pads are slightly elevated and we have a huge two room tent that would not fit on any of the tent pads. We found a site that didn't have a tent pads and that's where we set up. So of you have a large or abnormally shaped tent you'll need to do some research first to find a tent site that will accommodate your tent. We love how wooded and shaded the sites are. We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade. Right around the corner from the loop of historic Cade's Cove, we were able to explore the loop and all that it offers. We were also close to the gift shop and camp store so the kids could go grab an ice cream cone in the afternoon. We had a a great time here.

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. We arrived in early December, and while the weather wasn’t warm enough to enjoy the water, it was warm enough for a lovely bike ride along the backroads of Appalachia. You are sure to meet some nice folk, as well as some real characters, in these mountain hollers.

The campground is well-kept and equipped with clean, hot showers and flush toilets in addition to each site having a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern pole. There is also a nice playground for the kiddos. The visitor center is small and the staff have quite a sense of humor with their displays during the Christmas holidays. Evidently the office manager is a seamstress! Check out pictures for what I’m referring to here.

A camping loop set back by itself is designated as a group area, which wasn’t being used when we were there, but looks like a fantastic place for large groups, scout troops, family reunions, etc.

Winter rates were $16 per night, but all the amenities were available to campers. Reservations are available throughout the campground during the main season, but it was nearly empty in early December, so we enjoyed a couple of nights of serious peace and quiet.

Nice pull in paved spots for every tent site. Playgrounds and bath houses were kept nice and clean. The loops where the tent sites are can’t be quite busy so keep an eye on the kiddos

So the campsite is very open, flat and the spaces are pretty small. You can pretty much hear conversations from other campsites at yours. Honestly this is not my kind of camping, Walmart parking lot offers similar ambiance.

Overall it was nice, but not my favorite place I’ve been to. I thought I chose a campsite right on the water, but we couldn’t actually see the water. However, we did walk around the site to where we could get in the water and it was really pretty there. There was a playground, the bathrooms were in pretty good shape, they had a dump site, and water. So yeah, my husband and I both liked it, but we would just visit some other campsites before coming right back to this one.

Great spot close to some of our favorite kayaking rivers.

The Gee Creek Campground is apart of the Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park. The state park/campground adjoins the Cherokee National Forest and sits on the north bank of the Hiwassee River outside of Benton, TN. The park has a nice size bath house that is heated during the winter. The showers are push valve with no temperature control, so you will periodically have to push the valve for water. There is an A and B loop. The sites on the North side of loop A are fairly uneven and would require a significant amount of leveling blocks if using a camper. There is a nice nature trail that loops around the park. The park also offers a boat launch for river access. At the visitor center, fire wood can be purchased. There is also a bike maintenance stand at the visitors center. Just past the park, lies the Cherokee National Forest where there are many options for outdoor recreation. Potable water is available from spickets placed around each loop. Each campsite has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Verizon service was moderate.

Had a two night stay reserved, Hurricane Zeta had other plans. We arrived after visitor center had closed, but were able to locate and set up camp before sun went down. We were staying in A-16 just next to the natural trail that takes you off the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park grounds and into Cherokee National Forest. Our site had views of the southern edge of the Appalachian mountains and they were “smokey” all day. It would be beautiful to camp here anytime of year. The less leaves the better the views.

We set our rain shelter porch and tent on the flattest part of the large campsite. All the sites I saw were pull through style. This seemed to be to make allowance for vehicles with trailers towing River recreational gear like canoes/kayaks and the like. It is park of the extensive Tanasi river recreation area. Other reviewers likely have more to say on this. We were there off season during late October.

The next day we went to the visitors center to check on the weather and found out were in the cone of what was becoming a hurricane zeta. At the time it didn’t look like it would be anything more than rain by the time it got there, I asked the staff member to let us know if the forecast changed to a situation where we should breakdown camp. She said of course. Very friendly and very on top it of it. Maps were readily available.

We went for a drive through the National Forest and enjoy the many views of the river. I would recommend downloading a map of the area on google maps before spending time out there as the connection is spotty. We made our way back to and we’re planning to hike a trail as the rain had stopped, when a park ranger cane by to tell us they were predicting a quicker arrival of the storm meaning it would be a lot stronger when it got to our area. He said he didn’t want to leave for the day before letting us know the conditions were not safe. We packed up and left. I very much appreciated this care for their campers. This experience speaks so highly of the Rangers. Every exchange was thoughtful and respectful. Would return anytime. As we are boaters, I think I would probably stick to off season.

Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park Campground is a quiet campground situated right on the Ocoee. The river has world class whitewater rafting in this area, so don’t think you’re going to be able to wade in the water. You most likely will be able to hear the water flowing from Your campsite, which is awesome. The sites are all spacious and there’s plenty of downed wood around for campfires. We came in on a Sunday, and the nearly had the whole place to ourselves. However, the restrooms could use a good cleaning. There’s so much to do in this area, there are several white water rafting outfitters, kayaking, biking, hiking, plus you’re just a short drive to Chattanooga. The area is such a scenic drive too. This is a great option in this area for family camping.

This was a great group site for a group of 8 not-too-rowdy adults. Actually, it'd be ok for rowdier campers too. We had neighbors down the road the first night and only a large group of boyscouts out of eye/earshot the second night. There is no water or electricity at the group sites, but there are some porta-lets and water about halfway to the bath house central to the RV sites.

The site is surrounded by trees and connects to the nature trail which goes down to the Hiwasee, so there can be some mild foot traffic nearby. It's simple, with a firepit and maybe picnic tables. It's nice to be here rather than the crowded, active, noisey regular camping area. It's not super secluded, but it can feel like it at times.

At night, the lightning bugs and stars are perfect. It is really a great view. We walked down to the next site (G-8) to get a better view (away from our own lights and fire) and it was really fantastic. The river is no joke, it's fast and cold, but it's only a few minutes down the trail to wade in.

A white park truck rolls through every few hours to check on things.

Very beautiful, clean, awesome rangers

During winter campground is very quiet, no power at sites, it does have hot showers.

Very quiet in winter

Beautiful and quiet!

This is a quaint little campground right on the Hiwassee River. A number of the sites are less than 15 yards from the river through some thickets. Each site has a cut out with access to the river. My favorite part of this campground is the ability to hear the river from pretty much anywhere in the campground. If you are looking for activities this Campground/Park is awesome for hiking, horseback riding, kayaking/tubing, fishing or just flat out relaxing to the sounds of the Hiwassee River. The restrooms are clean and sites fairly spacious. There is an awesome playground for those wanting to bring their children and the campground overall is extremely family friendly.

Stayed one night and will be back for a longer stay. The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk. We also did a night hike with the ranger. Definitely one of our favorite camps this year. Bathrooms were clean, hiking close to the campground, we really recommend.

This is such a clean campground. There are rangers that come by often, but it’s to make sure everyone is safe and having a good time. The campsites can be big or small. I love that where you park is concrete and your table is on concrete. No electric sites, but the bath house has several showers, running water, toilets, and a place to charge your phone. There is a hiking trail that is very easy. You can also float down the river here.

We visited Gee Creek Campground, located in the Hiwassee/ Ocoee Rivers State Park in a Sunday, and there was hardly anyone there. We had our choice of sites! The Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers are known for great white water rafting, and there’s several outfitters in the area.

The campground is right on the river, and you can actually hear the river flowing nearby. The sites are fairly wooded, spacious, and all we saw were very level. None of the sites have electric or water hookups. They all have fire rings and picnic tables. The campground is very quiet at night, with just the sounds of the river.

There’s a group camp area, which looked like a field for dispersed camping. There’s a large playground too.

I only saw one bathhouse, so if the campground was full, might be an issue, but it was nearly empty when we were there so it was ok. They were very clean and well maintained.

Nice, quiet spot to camp near the river!