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What's the most underrated Tennessee camping? Hiking in! Hike-in camping is a way to find peace away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. It brings people together, provides natural beauty, and sometimes even helps you find yourself. Check out some of the best hike-in camping spots for backpackers in Tennessee.

Tennessee

The Best Hike-In Camping in Tennessee

Are you planning a hike-in camping trip to Ironsburg? We've got you covered. Visit one of these campsites that are off the beaten path with stunning views. Find the best hike-in campgrounds in Tennessee.

Ironsburg

The Best Hike-In Camping Near Ironsburg, Tennessee

20 sites available. You won’t find a better view anywhere with easy access from interstate 75. Enjoy all kinds of water sports while you’re just 20 minutes from shopping and restaurants. We also have a 16x20 canvas wall tent with a 9ft front porch and kayaks for rent so bring your camping gear and camp with us take a look at Eads Bluff Overlook to reserve our tent..



Eads Bluff Farm

## Overview

Thunder Rock Campground is located 1.8 miles northwest of the Ocoee Whitewater Center, just behind TVA Ocoee Powerhouse Number 3. Nestled alongside the Ocoee River, this facility provides 37 regular campsites for popups and RVs less than 20 feet with no elctricity , ONLY site 9 is an electric site for less than 20 feet at 30 amp, and one group campsite. Thunder Rock is a popular destination for both whitewater and trail enthusiasts. 

## Recreation

Trailhead parking is available for the nearby Tanasi trail system, which includes approximately 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. This system can be reached via Thunder Rock Express, Dry Pond Lead, or the Rhododendron Trail. Thunder Rock also provides access to the Benton-McKaye Trail.

## Facilities

Picnic tables, grills, and lantern posts are located at each campsite. Water hydrants are located throughout the campground. Bathhouses provide flush toilets and warm showers. The campground host is located at the campground entrance next to the main bathhouse.

[Thunder Rock Campground Map and Guide](https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd645648.pdf)

## Natural Features

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. 

## Nearby Attractions

The nearby Ocoee River put-in and Ocoee Whitewater Center, home of the 1996 Olympic Canoe/Kayak-Slalom Competition, makes this an ideal location for rafters and kayakers alike.

## Charges & Cancellations

All sites have a $18.00 cancellation and reservation fee.

Thunder Rock Campground

[View from Starr Mountain in Cherokee National Forests](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5274062.jpg) Starr Mountain is a popular area of the national forest for horse riding & camping with nearly 20 miles of trails and a number of roads available for riding. Lost Corral Campground & Trailhead provides the easiest access to the area. This zone also features Gee Creek Wilderness and the Gee Creek Trail #191 trail that only gets more challenging the further you hike. Access is located off US Highway 411 near the Hiwassee River and state managed Gee Creek Campground. Starr Mountain Area Map Starr Mountain Area Guide

Starr Mountain Area

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. Recreation 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 Facilities Picnic tables, grills, and lantern posts are located at each site. Bathhouses providing flush toilets and warm showers are available in each loop, as well as in the day use area. Water hydrants are located throughout the campground. An RV dump station is located at the end of E Loop. Loops A and B offer walk-in tent sites with electricity. 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. Natural Features 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. Nearby Attractions In addition to the immediate local activities, world class whitewater rafting opportunities are nearby on the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers. ADA Access: N

Chilhowee Recreation Area

Olde English Farm

## Overview

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.

## Recreation

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.

## Facilities

The 87-site campground has electric hookups, water faucets throughout the campground, grills, picnic tables and lantern posts. Modern restrooms add to the comfort of visitors in this natural setting.   
  
An on-site campground store sells bread, ice, milk, ice cream and other camping supplies.

[Indian Boundary Recreation Area Map](https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5275544.pdf)

## Natural Features

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. 

## Nearby Attractions

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.

Indian Boundary

Crawford's Campground

Sourwood Campground

Bald River Falls Primitive #1

Goforth Creek Campground A

Nashville, TN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Nashville is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Nashville. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Nashville

The Best Camping Near Nashville, Tennessee

Camping near Memphis, TN, offers your pick of settings, whether you want to stay in a neighborhood, by a lake, or close to the forests. The area offers some of the best camping in Tennessee with great biking and hiking on wooded trails. RV campers won't have a problem finding campsites to accommodate their vehicles, with campgrounds near the former home of Elvis Presley and out in nature. There are single and group tent campsites in historic T.O. Fuller State Park just outside the city. The park hosts events, has a pool and is a great spot for hiking and birding.

Memphis

The Best Camping Near Memphis, Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee is the closest major city to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is only about an hour away if you’re looking for comfortable accommodations when traveling to the park.

Knoxville has capitalized on comfortable camping with plenty of glamping and RV resorts to choose from in the area. The best camping near Knoxville is in the Norris Dam State Park and surrounding area. Another good option for campgrounds is Big Ridge State Park near Ridenour, TN. It’s worth noting that for an extra 30 minutes of driving, you can get to Great Smoky, where admission is free and the campsites are more abundant.

Knoxville

Looking for the best campgrounds near Knoxville, TN? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping Near Knoxville, Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee is often seen as a place you pass through on your way to Great Smoky National Park. If you just drive through this Tennessee town, you’ll be missing out on all it has to offer!

The best camping near Chattanooga is located on the banks of the Tennessee River, with plenty of campgrounds to choose from. With a handful of tent and RV campgrounds to choose from in the area, you’ll be able to enjoy the riverfront views in peace. The Cherokee National Forest by Benton, TN is another excellent camping opportunity if you're willing to make the drive. Not only are there great campsites to choose from, but you can miss a lot of the crowds of the national parks by exploring this forest that’s 100,000 acres larger than Great Smoky!

Chattanooga

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Chattanooga, TN has a lot to offer. Chattanooga is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Chattanooga, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Chattanooga Camping | Tennessee Campgrounds

Join the fun near Clarksville. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Clarksville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Clarksville

The Best Camping Near Clarksville, Tennessee

Looking for the best campgrounds near Murfreesboro, TN? Murfreesboro is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Murfreesboro

The Best Camping Near Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Join the fun near Franklin. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Franklin. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Franklin. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Franklin

The Best Camping Near Franklin, Tennessee

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jackson. Jackson is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Jackson

The Best Camping Near Jackson, Tennessee

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Johnson City. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Johnson City, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Johnson City

The Best Camping Near Johnson City, Tennessee

Join the fun near Bartlett. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Bartlett, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Bartlett, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Bartlett

The Best Camping Near Bartlett, Tennessee

Cherokee National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Cherokee National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Cherokee National Forest, TN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Cherokee National Forest

The Best Camping Near Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Natchez Trace Parkway, TN has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Natchez Trace Parkway is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Best Camping Near Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Old Hickory Lake, TN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Old Hickory Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Old Hickory Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Old Hickory Lake

The Best Camping Near Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee

Join the fun near Stillhouse Hollow Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Stillhouse Hollow Lake, TN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Stillhouse Hollow Lake

The Best Camping Near Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Tennessee

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near J Percy Priest Lake. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near J Percy Priest Lake, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

J Percy Priest Lake

The Best Camping Near J Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Center Hill Lake, TN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Center Hill Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Center Hill Lake

The Best Camping Near Center Hill Lake, Tennessee

Obed Wild and Scenic River is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Obed Wild and Scenic River. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Obed Wild and Scenic River camping trip.

Obed Wild and Scenic River

The Best Camping Near Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee

Looking for the best campgrounds near Wagontrain Lake, TN? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Wagontrain Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Tennessee camping adventure.

THE BEST Hike-In CAMPING NEARIronsburg, Tennessee

About Ironsburg Hike-In Camping

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