Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Etowah, TN
Gee Creek Campground in Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park accepts pets throughout its tent and RV sites with spacious, pull-through camping areas that include picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts. Chilhowee Recreation Area also welcomes pets at their campsites that accommodate tents, RVs, and glamping options. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with flush toilets and hot showers, while offering access to nearby hiking trails where dogs can explore on-leash. Most sites at Gee Creek provide enough separation between neighbors to maintain privacy despite the campground filling completely during summer months. The natural trail looping through the park connects to Cherokee National Forest, providing extended hiking options for campers with dogs. Campground rangers regularly patrol the grounds to ensure all visitors, including those with pets, are safe and following park regulations.
Campers with dogs appreciate the Hiwassee River access at Gee Creek, though pet owners should watch water levels carefully as dam releases can cause rapid water level changes. Thunder Rock Campground provides another pet-friendly option with toilet facilities and picnic tables, open from April through November. The scenic drives throughout Cherokee National Forest offer numerous opportunities for day trips with pets, with several trails accessible directly from campgrounds. Winter camping at Gee Creek remains peaceful and quiet with fewer visitors, though the bathhouse stays heated during colder months. Several campgrounds in the area maintain a no-alcohol policy, which may appeal to families seeking quieter environments for camping with pets. Pet owners should be prepared for variable weather conditions, particularly during hurricane season when park rangers proactively notify campers about potentially unsafe conditions.
