Best Glamping near Etowah, TN
Looking for a place to go glamping near Etowah? Glamping near Etowah, TN is a great way to go camping with the tastes of home. You're sure to find glamping for your Etowah camping adventure.
Looking for a place to go glamping near Etowah? Glamping near Etowah, TN is a great way to go camping with the tastes of home. You're sure to find glamping for your Etowah camping adventure.
Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Campground offers a multitude of camping opportunities for both RV and tent sites, many with electric hookups. The day-use area includes McKamy Lake, a swim area with sand beach, picnic sites, a group picnic area, and a bathhouse. Be Aware; Do not use GPS directions: GPS coordinates will direct you up Benton Springs Rd. This route is not recommended. We recommend using Forest Service Road 77 to reach the recreation area. It's important to note, this facility requires driving 7 miles up to Chilhowee Campground on a narrow, winding road. Do not use the Benton Springs Access Road to the campground as this is an unpaved and dangerous road for RVs. Inexperienced RV drivers may have difficulties getting to and around the site.
Chilhowee Recreation Area is an excellent hub for hiking and mountain biking in the Chilhowee Trails System, fishing in McKamy Lake, and wildlife viewing without having to get in your car. The 7-acre McKamy Lake offers a swim area with a sand beach, and fishing from the bank. Boats are allowed, but gasoline motors are not. Within the recreation area are approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a scenic waterfall. The views and lake are beautiful, especially hiking to Benton Falls via a 1.5 mile in and out moderate trail. On the drive up to the campground, stop at one of the many observation overlooks to see beautiful mountain settings. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly. Chilhowee Recreation Area Map and Guide
The Cherokee National Forest is located in eastern Tennessee and stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border. The 650,000-acre swath of land is Tennessee's only national forest. It lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachians and is home to more than 20,000 species of plants and animals, as well as many rivers, creeks and lakes.
In addition to the immediate local activities, world class whitewater rafting opportunities are nearby on the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers.
$12 - $30 / night
Indian Boundary Recreation Area is the crown jewel of the South Zone of the Cherokee National Forest on the Tellico Ranger District. This family-oriented campground offers a swim beach and picnic area with grills and an accessible picnic pavilion, as well as a fantastic, 3.2-mile hiking and biking trail around the lake. Spectacular mountain views, glimpses of wildlife, and a peaceful setting await visitors who come to Indian Boundary.
Opportunities abound for fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife viewing and scenic driving. Other popular activities include hiking and biking the trail around Indian Boundary Lake. The recreation area contains a swim beach, boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic area and volleyball court.
Indian Boundary Lake covers 96 acres at an elevation of 1,560 feet, and sits among hardwoods and pines. At the lake, visitors enjoy watching beaver that inhabit an adjacent pond, identifying several species of ducks and other waterfowl and trying their luck at catching bass, sunfish and catfish. The Cherokee National Forest is located in eastern Tennessee and stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border. The 650,000-acre swath of land is Tennessee's only national forest. It lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachians and is home to more than 20,000 species of plants and animals, as well as many rivers, creeks and lakes. Elevations range from 750 to 5,500 feet.
The campground is two miles off the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that stretches from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina. Bald River Falls on Tellico River Road 210 is a popular destination. The Pheasant Fields Fish Hatchery also on Tellico River is operated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and is the rearing pools for the fish stocking program on Tellico River, Citico Creek, and the Green Cove Pond.
$20 / night
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
$30 / night
Fort Mountain State Park is a place of legends. Literally! Home to an mysterious, ancient, rock wall at the peak of a mountain, Fort Mountain’s associated legends include the construction of a Welsh military fort, a honeymoon destination for native newlyweds, and a relation to “moon-eyed people” of Cherokee folklore. Whatever the truth may be, there is no denying that this park’s unique features have made it one of the major draws within the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Located just a short scenic drive off of Highway 52 near the Cohuatta Wilderness, the campground at Fort Mountain State Park hosts 70 campsites for tents and RVs. Campers can bring their paddles to take advantage of all 17 acres of Fort Mountain Lake, or take part in the local rental program for easier travels.
While there is no need to leave the park to find adventure, many campers take a short drive east to a historic site featuring the Chief Vann House. This well-preserved structure was the first Cherokee brick residence and is often referred to as the “showplace” of the Cherokee Nation. Continue your travels to the peak of Fort Mountain where you can take a tour of a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Enjoy panoramic views and marvel at the legendary beauty of Fort Mountain State Park.
Chest Frost Park has:
Recreational Camping Year-Round
Yurts
Day-Use Areas With Picnic Tables
Numerous Boat Docks Used for Fishing
Playgrounds
Shelter / Pavilion Rentals
Shower / Laundry Facilities
$21 - $30 / night
$12 - $20 / night
Our wooded campground encompasses our 30-acre resort; it’s large and spacious with level sites to accommodate groups of any size. We provide the campsite while you bring your own equipment. Tent camping is primitive; there is no running water or electricity on site. However, the bath house is open 24 hours a day and is equipped with restrooms and hot showers.
Also, we have full hookup RV sites for the more civilized campers. We have 30 and 50 amp hookups to provide electricity and water for each site that can house different types of RVs. We have sites of all sizes to accommodate everyone from the tiny popup camper to the large motorhome. For your convenience, there is a dump station located near the campground for easy disposal.
The Adventures Unlimited campground offers guests the privacy of a secluded area and the convenience of walking to our office and retail shop for whitewater rafting and bath house. We are also located right next to The Bus Bar and Grill which hosts delicious eats, craft beers and cocktails and live music on the weekends.
The Cherokee National Forest is right up the road from us and offers everything from whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, hiking and mountain bike trails and the beautiful Parksville Lake to explore and enjoy
$10 - $45 / night
$55 / night
Family friendly Glamping campsites with solar shower, queen bed, memory foam mattress, night stands, all the essential cookware, campfire and grill, bathroom facilities, extra 4 person tent. A secluded, quiet and peaceful Private campground with fishing in their 3 acre pond and Miles of hiking Trails. Perfect getaway!
Fun and relaxing creekside Glamping treehouse, there's plenty of space for a few tents as well. The creek is cool and refreshing to enjoy rock hunting. Large fire pit and grill to make our dinner. We stargazed on one if the clear nights, looked like the planetarium! When we went to sleep we we're comfortable in the Air-conditioned beautifully decorated treehouse. Lots of fun places to go within 20 minutes in any direction... really centrally located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains!
Tellico river has the best, pristine, remote, camping in all of tennessee
I went to visit this campground today. So I called the number and this campground is actually in tellico plains Tennessee. There is no campground at this location. So please please do not make the trip out there.
I prefer playing cricket for physical exercise rather than virtual games like Nulls Brawl. It's a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, especially in beautiful locations like The Crosseyed Cricket Campground in Tennessee.
This campground is so convenient to Cades Cove. You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey. Make sure to take the necessary steps to store your food. Great spot to go explore the beauty and history of East Tennessee!
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.
Our first time here at the Hiwassee Outfitter camping area in Reliance, Tennessee. Most campsites have river view or stream view. One large circle, mostly tent camping. No electric hookup. Water spigots throughout the campground but not directly at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Very spacious camping on level dirt or grass ground. We had 2 tents and could have fit 3 more. No lights, so it’s pretty dark after 10pm. Campground is next to the outfitters where you can rent kayaks, floats and rafts. We used the Webb Brothers rental company 0.5 miles down the road from the campground because they had same day availability without reservations. The bathhouse has hot showers and flush toilets but it’s rather rustic due to all people using it coming off the river. There is no charge to use the showers. The bathhouse is shared with the daily rafters. Camp-store on site. No phone signal which is ok with us because we like to unplug. There is free WiFi available at the rafting Outfitter store. There is a small restaurant about a mile away “FlipFlop Burger place”; which was a nice surprise. We overlooked the Hiwassee on campsite 43. The river is smooth until 11am. We went fly fishing right from the campsite. The water gets released at 11am, so the current picks up and water levels will rise quickly. A nice place to camp if you come for water fun. If you don’t mind the muddy bathrooms then this is the place for you. We will be back for sure.
Cumberland Mountain has a total of 145 campsites, spread across 5 loops, plus a backcountry site on an 8 mile backpacking trail.
We have not stayed overnight here as we are tent-campers only, and while tent camping is permitted, after visiting we felt that this campground was much better suited for RV campers. However we have come here for the day to hike and enjoy the playground by the picnic area, and it is a beautiful park, with a large lake, a restaurant, and a bridge that is iconic to the Cumberland region of Tennessee.
Of the five camping loops, loop 4 offers the most shade (particularly sites 102-109, which are shaded by evergreens and some of the prettiest campsites I have seen in a state park!), although is not ADA accessible. Loop 2 offers the least amount of shade. Loops 1, 3, and 5 have mostly hardwood trees, thus offering more shade in the warmer months and mostly sun in the winter. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and most can accommodate trailers up to 60 feet, with a few going higher (site 145 can fit over 100'!). Tent camping is permitted, although in most sites the only space to put a tent is very close to the fire pits or on a gravel/concrete surface, and in loops 2, 3, and 5 the park prohibits tents on the grass within each site.
Amenities at this park include hiking, fishing, paddling/boat rental, biking, a swimming pool, golf, and birding. Cabins are also available to rent, many with a view of the lake. Day use includes picnic tables, picnic pavilions, and multiple playground areas for kids. This park is also further away from urban areas and is a good place for wildlife viewing--we have seen black snakes, and what looked like a raccoon!
This is a much less crowded park than Fall Creek Falls to the south, particularly if you can make it early in the season, and is convenient to I-40, premium golfing, and historical sites on the Cumberland Plateau. While there are better options in this region for someone looking to pitch a tent, if you have an RV, Cumberland Mountain is very peaceful, offering a lot of ways to spend your day and a quiet and relaxing spot to watch the stars and enjoy the sounds of nature at night.
I have stayed here multiple times. The cabins are always clean and tidy. Camping area is always spotless. Bathrooms are clean and the showers are hot.
Hosts are awesome!!! They are very knowledgeable of the area and will go out of their way to ensure you have a great camping experience.
This campground was quite open and in addition to RV sites there are some little cabins for sleeping very nice people and inexpensive I will stay there again.
This place is such a gem! Wonderful hosts were so welcoming and helpful. Vanlife and dog friendly! Clean bathrooms, showers, trash, firewood, there are hookups/water or you can do a no hookup site for less. Coffee and pastries in the morning. Great base camp for close to adventures in the national forest. Go do the hike by bald river falls 30 min away.
I have stayed here multiple times and Kelli and Wayne (the owners) never disappoint. Everything about the spot is great and they have pretty much everything you would need (except alcohol as the county is dry, so bring your own). Great location and great food! This is my go to spot when out riding.
This was a great find! The staff is friendly and grounds are kept very clean. There are cabins, a couple RV sites, and the rest of the grounds are available to pitch a tent wherever you want to. Bathrooms are clean. Firewood is free. They also have free meals that depend on the day of the week. I heard they also have a garage to use to work on your bike. Conveniently located to the Cherohala Skyway. Would definitely stay here again. Well worth the $12 to pitch my tent for the night.
We stayed in one of there cabins. We were on motorcycles. Could t have ask for better!!
The name has changed to Smitty's Lodge & CG. I found this awesome campground close to the beginning of the Cherohala skyway in Tellico Plains. Includes picnic table, fire pit and some chairs (they also sell firewood), clean restrooms and showers, use of refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and super nice hosts. I highly recommend visiting this campground. I stayed in a tent, but they do have cabins for rent also. Campsites are level and spacious.
Campground was well taken care of and clean. It was easy to navigate even after pulling in after dark. We will definitely be staying there again.
Overall: Very quiet wooded campground on Chilhowee Mountain Getting there: Off TN SR 64 East of Cleveland& Ocoee. Very nice lakeside drive along Lake Ocoee. There can be a lot of traffic. Turn on marked road just past Ranger Station turnoff and take Oswald Road 7 miles up a winding mountain road, narrow in spots with multiple scenic overlook views of the Blue Ridge mountains and Lake Ocoee. There is also a marked "Historic Site" that is worth a stop. See pics. Advise not to take back road from/to Benton. There is a sign on the entry to the drive in that says“full up” on electric campsites, but not so. Mostly empty mid week. Most sites are reserved for weekends. If you do not have a reservation and are going up without one this can be totally misleading.
Check in and staff: There is no check in gate. Campground Hosts are present and did make the rounds checking on us in the late afternoon. Very pleasant. Reservations for sites are made on-line, so you follow the signs to your reserved site.
Amenities: Electric is available at some sites, but not others. There is no water available at any of the sites. Some of the loops have a water source nearby with instructions to bring water to your campsite, do your dishes there, strain out any food particles for the trash and dump the grey water at the campsite. Since bears are present and attracted to scents this seemed an odd instruction to us. There are no dishwashing sinks available in the restrooms, and this is discouraged.
There is a very nice small lake with a beach, many hiking trails including one to Benton Falls. The hiking trail around the lake is very nice, level and shaded most of the way.
Bathrooms: The bathroom in loop B was not very clean. See pics. The hot water was hot, but very difficult to use. The shower had a little button to push after turning it to the left for hot water. This stayed on for exactly 4 seconds per push. So in order to get a decent shower you have to hold it in.
Site: Campsites are large, wooded and relatively private. Nice flat gravel covered parking/landing areas with excellent fire pits. See pics. Firewood is available with the Host. We were there mid week and it was very quiet. There was only one other camper in Loop B at the time.
My husband and I stayed here as our first camping trip as a married couple. It’s beautiful! There’s a small hike to Cumberland Falls, which is gorgeous!! We had a great time! Hot water for showers/restroom facilities.
This campsite was beautiful. sites were clean. the bike trails were challenging. my only complaint is the bathroom. it's not that it was dirty. like most campgrounds insects get into the bathroom. I'm not big on sharing a stall with spiders.
I absolutely loved this site and hope to go back here soon! There is a beautiful waterfall called Benton Falls near this location and it is a very pleasant, short hike. Our location was very large and had bathrooms near and showers about a mile away.
If at all possible try to drive in during sunset and you will not be disappointed! There are multiple scenic overlooks with a absolutely breathtaking views. Campground, including restrooms is as well kept/clean as they can be. Campground was completely full and we still didn't feel crowded. Awesome hiking trails as well as a decent sized fishing/swimming lake (McKamey Lake).
I believe this place is the best campground I’ve stayed! They have tons of sites, and all are spacious and secluded. They do have some with electric hookups, but we didn’t have that, as we were in the rooftop tent. You can’t hardly see your neighbor with all the trees. We were in D loop #36, which was right across from the restrooms and bathhouse, and still we weren’t bothered with noise from a completely sold out campground on Memorial Day weekend. There is a nice little lake area for swimming and/or fishing, picnic areas, hiking trails, beautiful, scenic views, a group site and dispersed primitive area. Getting to the campground is a little tricky. There isn’t much signage to lead you to the campground, and the directions on the website aren’t very clear, we used the Waze app and it took us right to it. I absolutely can’t wait to return!
Getting here was like Mr Toads wild ride. Extreme inclines full of switch backs for a long 5 miles. The rain did not help much. Very scary. Once arrived area well marked and easy to park. Had electric but no water or sewer. There are local spigots scattered throughout if you run out in your rig. Small lake with fishing. Nice hiking areas. Love the blooming wild azaleas. Close to the Ocoee River.
This campground is great! It has clean bathrooms with showers, fire rings with grill grates, lots of hiking, hike to a beautiful waterfall, huge lake to swim or float on a raft, and the lightning bugs were breath taking!!
We stayed at site #39. Next to the trail that leads to the lake. Next to rest room, trash bin, and water spout. 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.
Pros: No reservation needed. Warmish showers. Hiking. Lake to swim in. Beautiful waterfall. Perfect to see millions of lightning bugs. Easy payment (put money in slip and put in bin, and yes they do check). Pets allowed.
Cons: we had the WORST neighbors I’ve ever experienced while camping! The staff warned them about quiet hours but never came back to in force it. Fire ring grill topper was broke off.
DON’T drive up the dirt path, we made that mistake. Take the regular rode. GPS sends you automatically to the dirt road.
Over all I’m defiantly going to camp there again. Well kept and overall has a lot to offer
Takes a bit to get up and down the mountain, so make sure you’ve got everything you need with you.
Gorgeous campground. The hosts were great and checked in with us a few times.
There’s a great mountaintop lake with picnic pavilions near the D loop.
I love this campground. There are so many hiking/biking trails right off the campground road. You can swim at the lake, go visit a beautiful waterfall, & walk around the loops. Only certain spots have electric. No water, but has a dump station with water to fill your tank. Numerous water slickers around too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Etowah, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Etowah, TN is Chilhowee Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 23 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 51 glamping camping locations near Etowah, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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