Cisco and the surrounding areas offer campers access to mountainous terrain in the Tennessee-Georgia border region. Elevations range from 700 to 2,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates across campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with occasional mountain showers that can affect dirt roads and trails.
What to do
Lake activities at Parksville Lake: The campground provides easy access to fishing and swimming opportunities. "Great site. 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. Pretty cool to see the water trickle and then mass if water come at you," notes Linda B. from Parksville Lake RV Campground.
Mountain hiking trails: Several trails range from beginner-friendly to challenging routes with elevation gains of 500-1,000 feet. "We had a great time hiking the mountain next to rv park. Then went kayaking down the river across the street," reports Justin from Whitewater RV Park.
Ocoee River rafting: Professional outfitters operate from April through October with rates starting at $45 per person. "We stayed here for the weekend when we were rafting the Ocoee. Small Campground but perfect if rafting," explains Scott H. about his experience at Parksville Lake Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Restrooms and common areas receive regular maintenance despite remote locations. "Very clean, decent sized lots. Clean bathroom and shower. Nice little creek flows nearby, had a great experience!" says Bill G. about Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Creekside camping spots: Several campgrounds feature sites along small waterways providing natural sound barriers and recreation. "We had a great experience at this little campground. There are several sites along a beautiful little creek. It was peaceful, only the occasional car on the nearby road," shares Robert G.
Shaded campsites: Mature trees throughout most established campgrounds provide natural cooling. "The R.V. sites are well shaded and well spaced and many will accomodate large R.V.'s. Several sites offer the opportunity for two R.V.'s to camp close together and some are located along a small stream," notes a camper from Parksville Lake.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some recreation areas operate limited schedules. "Bathhouse was clean and well lit. Roads around the loops were narrow but there were big 5th wheel rigs so its doable. We were there in the middle of the week and it wasn't crowded at all," reports Tracy J. from Diamond Lure Campground.
Reservation recommendations: Weekends from May through September typically reach full capacity 2-3 weeks in advance. "The campsite was exactly what I was looking for -- easy to get to, quiet, and dark. It was definitely more geared towards RVs, but a few of us had tents," explains Julie about Parksville Lake.
Weather considerations: Mountain storms can develop quickly, particularly during summer afternoons. "It was raining when we arrived, and I was so grateful for the nice new road, especially after seeing the road Google wanted us to take," recounts a visitor to Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Natural creek access provides safer water play than lake shores. "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 Lindsay C. from Whitewater RV Park - Ocoee TN.
Playground access: Some campgrounds maintain play equipment for children under 12. "There are a lot of amenities here such as pool(soon to be a second pool for kids), pickleball, propane, laundry, and curbside trash pickup," mentions a visitor to Talona Ridge RV Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and dusk offer the best chance to spot deer, turkey, and other wildlife. "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," shares a camper about their Chilhowee experience.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Mountain roads require careful planning and proper vehicle capabilities. "Very nice campsites, adequate size. Nice area with picnic tables and beach area. Best thing to us was the hiking trail that we walked with fresh blueberry bushes on our side," explains Anne Marie P. about Battlefield Campground & RV Park.
Site selection for larger rigs: Specific loops and site numbers accommodate various RV lengths. "This is an excellent place for long-term campers, and it includes a nice playground, a pool, and a camp store/clubhouse. Sites include 50 and 30 amp full service, and seven tent sites in the middle of the campground that also include electric," notes Stephanie J.
Water fill strategy: Due to limited hookups at some sites, plan accordingly for water needs. "No water hookup but you can fill your tank at the spiggots. Electric was available at our site. Our site was probably the worst designed one. Really strange back-in in the shape of an L over a creek with the electric on the wrong side," warns Jacob T. about rv parks near Cisco, Georgia.
