24 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Campgrounds near Ocoee, Tennessee cluster along the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers, offering primarily developed camping options with varying amenities. The Cherokee National Forest contains several established campgrounds including Thunder Rock Campground and Chilhowee Recreation Area, which provide tent and RV sites with different levels of facilities. Adventures Unlimited Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with approximately 60 sites. Most campgrounds in the region maintain proximity to whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities, with several sites positioned directly along river corridors for water access.
Camping in the Ocoee area follows a seasonal pattern with many campgrounds operating from April through November. The Thunder Rock Campground and Parksville Lake RV Campground close during winter months, while others like Harrison Bay State Park remain open year-round. Summer brings higher occupancy rates, especially on weekends when rafting activity peaks. Road access to certain campgrounds requires navigating mountain terrain, particularly for Chilhowee Recreation Area. "Getting here was like Mr Toads wild ride. Extreme inclines full of switch backs for a long 5 miles. Very scary," noted one camper about accessing Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Riverside camping represents a defining feature throughout the Ocoee region, with multiple reviews highlighting the sound of flowing water as a key attraction. Campsites along the Ocoee River tend to be situated near popular whitewater sections, making them convenient for paddlers but sometimes subject to road noise from Highway 64. "The campground is right on the river, and you can actually hear the river flowing nearby. The sites are fairly wooded, spacious, and all we saw were very level," according to one visitor's experience at Gee Creek Campground. Tent and RV sites throughout the area typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of privacy between sites. Campgrounds like Thunder Rock provide direct river access suitable for kayakers putting in directly from their campsites, while others feature hiking trail connections to the surrounding Cherokee National Forest trail system.
"Well-maintained, pet-friendly, and close access to lots of great trails. There is a nearby lake, perfect for swimming."
"Overall: Very quiet wooded campground on Chilhowee Mountain Getting there: Off TN SR 64 East of Cleveland& Ocoee. Very nice lakeside drive along Lake Ocoee. There can be a lot of traffic."
Available next weekend
from $12 - $30 / night
"Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park Campground is a quiet campground situated right on the Ocoee."
"We visited Gee Creek Campground, located in the Hiwassee/ Ocoee Rivers State Park in a Sunday, and there was hardly anyone there. We had our choice of sites!"
Available next weekend
"Close to the Ocoee River and Lake. Will be back!"
"We stayed here for the weekend when we were rafting the Ocoee. Small Campground but perfect if rafting. We were in 35 foot trailer but some tight turns in camp ground."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $40 / 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."
"Right next to the ocoee river. Wonderful spot"
Available next weekend
from $12 - $20 / night
"Adventures Unlimited is located in Ocoee, TN, just outside of Chattanooga, and is one of the coolest river towns I’ve been to. The Ocoee River was the site for the 1996 Olympics whitewater events."
"It was a nice place to camp the showers are hot and clean well maintained area’s with helpful employees if you want an amazing trip adventure unlimited is the place to be on the ocoee river"
from $10 - $45 / night
"We just missed an even nicer site because we got lost on the drive there. Waterfall hike was beautiful with wildflowers. Whitewater rafting not too far away on the Ocoee River."
"Scenic views the whole drive up, followed by a safe, cozy campground with clean facilities and a great grouping of trails."
from $12 - $20 / night
"Harrison Bay is a huge park, with four camping loops (3 for RVs, 1 for tents), and a large marina, located on the Chickamauga Reservoir of the Tennessee River."
"This is a great family campground and Tennessee State Park located on Chickamauga Lake of the Tennessee River. Good playground for the Grandkids and bicycle paths."
Available next weekend
"I should have gotten one of their little cabins...they look cozy and they are right next to the primitive camping."
"The long gravel pad easily accommodated our 40-foot fifth wheel and F-450, with well-positioned utilities. Since we were only overnighting, we did not disconnect."
from $55 / night
"The platform sites are a short walk from a parking area near the lake so you can make multiple trips to the car if necessary, while the backcountry sites are up to a 3 mile hike in, so all gear, food,"
"This is a great park with a lot to offer and more in the near vicinity. Cell reception (T-Mobile) was non-existent in the site."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $55 / night
"A very well-kept campground given how off the beaten path it is. Most sites had tent pads and a concrete picnic table and were very clean. The garbage bins had been emptied so weren't overfowing."
"Some have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt."
GuideLeft Pigeon Forge Tn. GPS took us on an adventure, route 129 The Tail of the Dragon 318 curves switchback and hairpins I was nervous but slayed it. Lol. Peachtree Cove RV Park is perfect for quiet camping. Dog run area stream or river at most sites. I had a reservation at Andrew’s Valley Railway Tour highly recommend both of these
ScoutI camped here with a friend last weekend and absolutely loved this place! It's a cute little site with a great host, clean bathrooms, free firewood, and super friendly dogs, goats, and people. I would for sure stay here again and recommend.
ScoutA great find to hang your hat for the evening. New owners look like they are doing amazing up grades. Our site 57 didn’t have a picnic table or fire ring but I’m sure they are working on it. Fairly quite and we would for sure come back and give it a 5 star when their done on the remodel.
GuideParksville Lake RV Campground is an absolute gem! I had a fantastic stay here. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the sites are nice, spacious, and wonderfully shaded by the trees. We loved the layout of the RV loop, especially the outer section where a peaceful creek flows right past the sites—the sound of the water at night was perfect. The restrooms and showers were exceptionally clean and well-kept. I had Starlink connectivity at my site and my WeBoost cell signal booster gave me up to three bars on AT&T. The campground host was incredibly nice, welcoming, and helpful. It's a wonderful, relaxing spot, and I will definitely be back!
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
GuideThis is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great.
There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..
The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves.
The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.
ScoutBeautiful view on the water. Not very full, which was nice. I came for some quiet and privacy and while it worked, there were just some that were very social. Haha
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
TravelerWater was very low and poor quality. Host was friendly but don’t buy his wood - it doesn’t burn well. County water tasted funny, probably minimal treatment. We had quite a hike to the restroom, which wasn’t regularly cleaned.
Camping near Ocoee, Tennessee centers around a region at elevations between 700-1,500 feet with dramatic terrain changes typical of the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. Temperatures at campgrounds here average 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs typically in the mid-80s. Many sites feature fire restrictions during drought conditions that commonly occur in late summer through early fall.
Hiking to waterfalls: At Chilhowee Recreation Area, access multiple waterfall trails directly from camp. "Benton falls was great, but crowded. For a more secluded waterfall experience head to the Rainbow falls," notes one visitor who recommends exploring beyond the main attractions.
Mountain biking trails: The terrain around Ocoee offers technical trails for experienced riders. "There is wonderful mountain biking easily accessible from the camp and world class white water rapids within only a few miles drive," explains a camper at Chilhowee who appreciates the combination of activities.
Kayaking put-ins: Thunder Rock Campground provides direct river access for paddlers. "One of my favorite campgrounds when paddling the Ocoee River. Nice clean bathrooms and campsites right along the water," reports a regular visitor who values the convenience for water sports enthusiasts.
Sound of flowing water: At Gee Creek Campground, the natural soundtrack enhances the camping experience. "The park has a nice nature trail that loops around the park. The park also offers a boat launch for river access," mentions a visitor who enjoyed the riverside setting.
Wildlife encounters: Evening wildlife viewing becomes part of the experience. "Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool," notes one camper about their stay at Gee Creek, highlighting the natural ambiance that campers appreciate.
Multiple shower facilities: Harrison Bay State Park Campground offers unusually accessible facilities. "Loop D is the tent-only loop... There was a restroom for every 6-7 sites, so not too much traffic," explains a camper who found the distribution of amenities convenient during their stay.
Mountain road challenges: Access to certain campgrounds requires careful driving. "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road. The camp sites are distanced well and the entire campground is in the shade," warns a visitor about Chilhowee's challenging approach.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across campgrounds. At Parksville Lake RV Campground, a camper noted, "We had inconsistent cell coverage even with a Winegard booster with AT&T and Verizon. Mornings were best reception and evening were not so good."
Weather considerations: Mountain elevation affects camping conditions. "We visited this park in early/mid November for 10 days. Keith and I hiked and played hard every day here- despite the early winter storm, gusty breezes and freezing temperatures that finally gave way to beautiful crisp days," reports a winter visitor describing typical temperature fluctuations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp near the Ocoee Whitewater Center?
Yes, you can camp near the Ocoee Whitewater Center. Whitewater RV Park - Ocoee TN is conveniently located close to the center and offers level, concrete sites with fire pits. The park provides easy access to kayaking, rafting, and hiking opportunities. Another nearby option is Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park, a quiet campground situated on the Ocoee River where you can hear the water flowing from your campsite. The park's proximity to world-class whitewater rafting makes it an excellent base for visiting the Whitewater Center.
What riverside camping options are available along the Ocoee River?
Several campgrounds offer riverside settings along the Ocoee River. Parksville Lake RV Campground features well-shaded, nicely spaced sites, with some creekside options that provide a beautiful camping experience. The campground offers clean bathrooms with free hot showers and is conveniently located near both the Ocoee River and Lake. For those seeking a riverside experience with outdoor adventure opportunities, 411 River Rest Campground provides a strategic location for accessing rafting on the Ocoee River. Its convenient position makes it ideal for families wanting to combine river activities with other regional attractions.
Where are the best campgrounds near Ocoee, TN?
The Ocoee area offers several excellent camping options. Thunder Rock Campground stands out for its riverside location with spectacular views and access to Cherokee National Forest trails. For a peaceful setting with good amenities, Chilhowee Recreation Area provides shaded sites, access to swimming at a nearby lake, and proximity to hiking trails. The campground sits on Chilhowee Mountain and offers a quiet, wooded experience with beautiful scenery. Both locations provide convenient access to Ocoee's renowned whitewater activities while offering distinct camping environments.
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