Camping near Athens, Tennessee offers diverse terrain options ranging from lakeside settings to mountain views. Elevation varies from 780 feet in the valleys to over 2,000 feet in nearby mountain areas. Nighttime temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees lower than daytime highs even in summer months, with frequent morning fog in valley campgrounds.
What to do
Kayaking on Watts Bar Lake: At Fooshee Pass Campground, water recreation is easily accessible. "The lake is shallow with a slow grade which was perfect for our young children. Everyone was friendly and respectful," reports Valerie M. The campground offers boat access and fishing opportunities directly from waterfront sites.
Hiking to waterfalls: Fall Creek Falls State Park provides multiple waterfall trails within an hour's drive of Athens. "Make sure you do three things while you're there: hike to the bottom of the big waterfall (Fall Creek Falls), swim in the cascades next to the nature center, and stand on the edge of the bluff at Buzzard's Roost," suggests Myke C. The park features trails for various skill levels, with the cable trail being especially popular.
Nature trails at Gee Creek: Trails connect directly to campsites at Gee Creek Campground. "The park has a nice nature trail that loops around the park. The park also offers a boat launch for river access," notes Gregg G. The trail system provides moderate hiking options through woodland areas along the Hiwassee River.
What campers like
Well-spaced waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise the lakefront spots at Hornsby Hollow Campground. "Great Lakeside campground. Sites are spaced out nicely and not on top of each other. They have a small playground, two swimming areas and a boat ramp. Sites are gravel and have a fire ring and concrete picnic tables," Tyler explains. Many waterfront sites include private lake access.
Winter camping options: Off-season camping near Athens provides quieter experiences. "During winter campground is very quiet, no power at sites, it does have hot showers," reports Byron R. about Gee Creek. Keith R. confirms this assessment: "Very quiet in winter." Fewer crowds make wildlife viewing more likely during cooler months.
Free or budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer economical camping. "Rhea Springs is a wonderful free campsite in central Tennessee which permits stay up to 14 days. As a part of the TVA the property as a whole is well maintained despite some obvious wear and tear on the restroom facilities," Crystal C. mentions. These sites typically provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables but may have limited facilities.
What you should know
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road," Carissa D. warns about Chilhowee Recreation Area. Similarly, Laura H. notes about Overnite RV Park: "They have easy proximity to the interstate and a park that is easy to get into and back out of," highlighting that access considerations vary by location.
Seasonal closures: Operating seasons vary significantly. "Showed up on Easter weekend and this place was closed. So after 11/2 hr drive, we ended up camping up on the hill above the boat ramp," reports Ky N. about one area campground. Always verify current operating status before traveling, especially for county or TVA facilities.
Bathroom facilities vary: Facility conditions differ widely between campgrounds. "The bathrooms could use some TLC," notes Carissa D. about one location, while another camper mentions: "Bathroom stalls are only about 4' high, so while your taking a dump, anyone can walk in and look you right in the eye." Bringing shower shoes and expecting varied conditions is advisable.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Sweetwater KOA offers multiple activities for children. "This is a very lively, well traveled RV Park and Campground. The park offers full hook up RV Sites, Cabins, Tent sites. For amenities there is a bouncy blob (dry), small pond with fountain and memorial bench, large playground for the kids, volleyball, basketball," Laura H. describes. The campground regularly schedules organized children's activities.
Playgrounds and recreational facilities: Family-oriented campgrounds typically include play areas. "Nice bathhouse that is cleaned multiple times a day. The Rangers check in daily and are very friendly. A trail runs the perimeter of the camp and the Hiwasee River runs next to the campground. The campground also has a playground to keep kids entertained," Anna M. notes about one location.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening wildlife sightings enhance family camping experiences. "Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool," Mickey L. reports. Early morning wildlife viewing is best, with deer frequently spotted at dawn in wooded campground areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Several campgrounds have unusual utility placement. "The biggest reason [we wouldn't stay again], the very poor design of the water spigot and electrical receptacle. The water spigot is in the ground right next to the mud, very hard to get to," Scott G. explains about one location. "Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work," recommends Kc K. about Fooshee Pass hookups.
Site leveling requirements: Many sites require leveling equipment. "Spaces too close together...Several amenities but well used," notes Dave W. about site spacing at Sweetwater KOA. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds in the region.
Dump station access: Dump stations may be challenging to navigate. "The electrical, there is NO way to shut it off. The receptacle is about 12" off of the ground which means when you connect your surge protector, your connections are laying on the ground," Scott G. explains about utility challenges at one campground. Many locations offer dump stations with limited maneuvering room.
