RV camping near Lupton City, Tennessee offers options for motorhomes of various sizes within a 45-minute drive radius. The area sits at the junction of the Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee Valley, creating diverse terrain from river valleys to mountain ridges. Local campgrounds typically experience higher occupancy during October when fall foliage peaks and spring months when temperatures average 60-75°F during daylight hours.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: 3 miles at Chilhowee Recreation Area where campers can explore multiple trails. "The trails are what really makes this an all around great campground. Several hikes for all levels. We did the Benton Falls hike and it was lovely! 3 miles RT. Fall color was just peaking."
Fishing in stocked ponds: Available at Bigfoot Adventure RV Park where catch and release options exist for families. "Had a blast fishing in the ponds. Didn't get a chance to zip line but looks like a blast. They seem to be adding things… disc golf maybe."
Rafting on the Ocoee River: Access points near campgrounds provide whitewater adventures from class II-IV rapids. "This park is close to everything. We spent the day hiking the mountain next to rv park. Then went kayaking down the river across the street."
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Whitewater RV Park positions campers near outdoor activities without long drives. "Visited whitewater rv park to go rafting on ocoee river. This park is close to everything. We spent the day hiking the mountain next to rv park. Then went kayaking down the river across the street."
Private, shaded sites: Many campgrounds feature tree coverage that helps during summer heat. "The sites are shady and well landscaped, and there are great amenities for families looking to stay here for extended periods of time, as well as the proximity to Chattanooga, Chickamauga Battlefield, and Ringold/Ft. Oglethorpe."
Clean facilities: Parksville Lake RV Campground maintains well-kept shower houses and restrooms. "Very clean, decent sized lots. Clean bathroom and shower. Nice little creek flows nearby, had a great experience!"
What you should know
Road access limitations: Mountain roads require careful navigation. "Coming up the mountain has some steep grades and a few switch backs that you can't see around. There are often oncoming vehicles who are often driving to fast and not considering those of us in large vehicles."
Limited hookup options: Some campgrounds offer electric but no water at sites. "There are no water hookups at the sites, only power (30A). You'll need to fill your fresh water tanks before you set up."
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds close during winter months. "The campground is on the other side of the mountain from Chattanooga. The sites are very close to each other, but everything else makes up for that. The campsite was exactly what we needed."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly areas: Greeter Falls Campground provides dedicated pet spaces. "They have a fenced in dog park area centrally located in area c, seemed of good size with lots of trees. They have a little sand pit area for kids to play in."
Activity options for rainy days: Several campgrounds offer indoor recreation spaces. "They have an activity room, saw a projector screen in there and a table, they had an area behind the activity room, kind of like an outdoor hangout, lights, fire pit, chairs."
Swimming opportunities: Natural swimming holes provide cooling options during summer months. "We did this hike in the afternoon and got a nice dip in at the falls since it was such a hot day. There were lots of people there enjoying the space and everyone was incredibly friendly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on your rig size and slide-out requirements. "Very open and not hard to get RV into spots. Great experience for kids. Wonderful views and lots of open space to play in fields and walk."
Utility access challenges: Many sites require preparation for partial hookups. "Pull thru sites with full hookup including water, electric, and sewer. There are 50 and 30 amp full service, and seven tent sites in the middle of the campground that also include electric."
Noise factors: Proximity to highways can impact sleep quality at certain campgrounds. "Close to everything. Racing just down the street. That's a positive or negative. On the nights they are racing you hear the cars at the track."
