Best Campgrounds near Farner, TN

Campgrounds around Farner, Tennessee occupy diverse terrain within the Cherokee National Forest and nearby recreational areas. Lost Creek Campground represents a free dispersed camping option in this mountainous region, consistently rated highly for its creek access and peaceful atmosphere. Gee Creek Campground in nearby Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park provides established campsites with tent and RV accommodations. The area features several mixed-use campgrounds including Chilhowee Recreation Area and Thunder Rock Campground, where both tent and RV camping are supported. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, typically from April through November, though some like Lost Creek remain open year-round.

Access to many campgrounds involves traveling gravel forest roads, with Lost Creek requiring a 7-mile drive on well-maintained gravel. "This is a great spot in the river. Picnic tables, fire ring, pit toilet and all you hear is the river at night. No cell service and it's first come first served for a spot," notes one camper about Lost Creek. Cell coverage varies significantly throughout the region, with limited or no service in more remote areas. Weather considerations include potential heavy rainfall that can affect road conditions. Most developed campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, while facilities such as showers and flush toilets are limited to certain established sites. Elevation changes are significant, with some campgrounds situated at higher elevations offering cooler temperatures even during summer months.

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Farner area, with many campgrounds positioned along creeks, rivers, or lakes. Campers frequently mention the Hiwassee River as a highlight, with opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. A visitor explained, "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." Primitive camping options like Lost Creek provide a more secluded experience with fewer amenities but greater privacy and natural setting. The region's mixed-use campgrounds balance accessibility with wilderness experience, typically offering both developed sites with some amenities and more primitive options. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area, with visitors frequently reporting encounters with local fauna in the forested settings.

Best Camping Sites Near Farner, Tennessee (591)

    1. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 263-0050

    $35 - $85 / night

    "Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."

    "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. "

    2. Thunder Rock Campground

    20 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Campsites are close to one another. If you camp at a site near the water, it is really nice, but everyone will walk by your campsite so they can go down the path to the river."

    "Easy access off Hwy 64, so close to stores for food and firewood. Well maintained campsite with clean bathrooms and very clean, nice showers. Alcohol prohibited as think county is dry."

    3. Chilhowee Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $30 / night

    "My partner and I headed to nearby Chilhowie Campground in the Cherokee National Forest last year to try out our new teardrop camper.  We chose site 1 in the A Loop as it had shore power."

    "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!!"

    4. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    9 miles
    Website

    "Some have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt."

    "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."

    5. Parksville Lake RV Campground

    15 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Each site is a good distance away from the other and there is the constant sound of the creek flowing right next to it. The bathrooms are clean and right in the middle a perfect spot for a getaway"

    "Easy to navigate around sites.  Lots of shade.  Close by Occoee White Water center where the Atlanta olympics took place.  Plan your visit around the water release.  There schedule is online.  "

    6. Top of the World RV

    8 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 519-2967

    $45 / night

    "This place is a true gem hidden in the Tennessee mountains."

    "Close to grocery stores & TONS of mountain goodness."

    7. Indian Boundary

    28 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-8400

    $20 / night

    "The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."

    "The surrounding mountains and water were breathtaking. This camp ground is close to the water if you stay in loop A. Just a short walk the water and beach."

    8. Persimmon Creek RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Culberson, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 644-5800

    $55 - $900 / night

    "This is a beautiful secluded site just off of Highway 64/74 not too far from the Tennessee border. The campground is very well kept and has wonderful amenities for both RV and tent campers."

    "I don't have a huge point of reference, but I can give you details on everything that was smooth

    • Location - Just off a 4 lane highway.  Convenient with easy access to your site. "

    9. Chilhowee

    12 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Scenic views the whole drive up, followed by a safe, cozy campground with clean facilities and a great grouping of trails."

    "The campsite was clean, and our site was a good distance from other campers. The campground has a nice hike to Benton Falls which is beautiful."

    10. Morganton Point Campground

    17 Reviews
    Morganton, GA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 374-1645

    $26 - $50 / night

    "Camped on lot 14 which was quite spacious with easy access to the water. Tent was located away from the fire pit and picnic table and the restrooms were close by."

    "We were right next to the camp host, which was pretty nice – we didn’t have to go far to ask for wood or ice!  Plus, there were trails leading right to the lake. "

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Recent Reviews near Farner, TN

1941 Reviews of 591 Farner Campgrounds


  • Liz  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Little Gassaway Creek

    1 Campsite off 4 x 4 Road

    Found this site on the way to another. Only one campsite and requires either off-road tires or 4 x 4

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Lake view but live in campers

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Two seperate areas

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • George M.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mulky Campground

    Great location for fishing

    A lot of the campsites are right on the water, so it's super easy to fish. But if you want something more private, there are also some secluded spots up the road.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Trash..

    This area was easy to find with Apple Maps and T-Mobile and Verizon had signal. When we drove in it was around 9pm in a Saturday night and all sites was taken with what looked like people living there. And the road dead ends. All along the water. Tents and tarps everywhere. We found one spot not on the water and set up. Fire rings and picnic tables are at every spot. But when I woke up and it wasn't pitch black my heart broke. There was bags of trash and litter everywhere around us and tossed in the forest around us. The forest had a lot of thorns but I was able to get three large kitchen bags of trash out. From propane tanks to over twenty cans of food. Just tossed into the woods. We camp all over the United States, and this is our first place close to home and it broke my heart to see how our state treats these beautiful places. Please don't come if you don't appreciate nature enough to not use it as your trash can.

    So on Dyrt there's two sites with this name and same gps but you can follow around the lake and find the other one. Both areas are a lot alike. But definitely more fit for tent camping on the water. Park by the road and walk down sites so none fit for us since we camp in the truck. The sites all looked like the other areas around here where people very much lived there and never left, so not one site at either camping area was open.

  • S
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Yarberry Campground

    Beautiful views

    Even the non-lake site spots have lake views. Lots of nice amenities, but still rustic. My site was a little tough to back into, but worth it.

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • B
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    beautiful and peaceful

    It was perfect weekend getaway, the camp ground wasn’t full, bathrooms clean, the camp ground was clean. The sites along the water were amazing, and the sites were level.

  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.


Guide to Farner

Camping near Farner, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities that make it a great getaway. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers at Fort Mountain State Park Campground rave about the hiking options, with one reviewer noting, "There are a lot of hiking trails as well as the lake where you can rent paddle boats, swim or fish."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the water at Indian Boundary. A visitor mentioned, "The beach area is great with a beautiful Mountain View," making it a perfect spot for a family day out.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: The Thunder Rock Campground is close to the Ocoee River, which is popular for kayaking. One camper shared, "We used this campground as a staging point for our Overlanding trip on the Big Frog Loop."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Morganton Point Campground highlighted, "The campground has the nicest bathhouse!!!!! The staff was super friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites that provide privacy. A visitor at Chilhowee Recreation Area said, "Large private sites throughout. Flush toilets and hot showers nearby."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. One reviewer at Gee Creek Campground noted, "The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Indian Boundary mentioned, "Service isn't available within the campgrounds, and requires about a 10-minute drive to a scenic overlook for workable service."
  • Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. A visitor at Vogel State Park Campground pointed out, "Roads are smooth but narrow in some places."
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the campground's open dates. For example, Morganton Point Campground is open from April 14 to November 3.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. At Gee Creek Campground, one family enjoyed, "The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk."
  • Nature Activities: Engage kids with nature walks and educational programs. A reviewer at Fort Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "There are several trails and waterfalls nearby."
  • Safety Precautions: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Thunder Rock Campground advised, "Friendly camp host that regularly checks the grounds and bathrooms."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Chilhowee Recreation Area noted, "There are water spigots around the campground to fill up the water tanks!"
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA said, "Make reservations online as it fills up on the weekends."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Some campgrounds do not sell firewood. A reviewer at Parksville Lake RV Campground mentioned, "There’s no camp store and no firewood, so bring your own if you plan on making a campfire."

Camping near Farner, Tennessee, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Farner, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Farner, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 591 campgrounds and RV parks near Farner, TN and 57 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Farner, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Farner, TN is Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Farner, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 57 free dispersed camping spots near Farner, TN.

What parks are near Farner, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Farner, TN that allow camping, notably Tusquitee National Forest and Croatan National Forest.