john O.
Traveler
TravelerThunder Rock Campground
Thunder rock camp ground
Very nice camp grounds 12 bucks a night got to love that
Best Campgrounds near Ocoee, TN
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Ocoee, Tennessee (474)
1. Chilhowee Recreation Area
30 ReviewsBenton, TN7 milesWebsite+1 (423) 338-3300$12 - $30 / night
"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."
2. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
29 ReviewsDelano, TN12 milesWebsite+1 (423) 263-0050$35 - $85 / 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!"
3. Parksville Lake RV Campground
15 ReviewsBenton, TN8 milesWebsite+1 (423) 338-3300$20 - $40 / night
"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."
4. Thunder Rock Campground
22 ReviewsReliance, TN14 milesWebsite+1 (423) 338-3300$12 - $20 / 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"
5. Chilhowee
12 ReviewsBenton, TN7 milesWebsite+1 (423) 338-3300$12 - $20 / 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."
6. Adventures Unlimited Campground
11 ReviewsOcoee, TN1 mileWebsite+1 (423) 338-4325$10 - $45 / 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"
7. Harrison Bay State Park Campground
58 ReviewsHarrison, TN23 milesWebsite+1 (423) 344-6214$22 - $28 / 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."
8. Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA
16 ReviewsMcdonald, TN14 milesWebsite+1 (423) 472-8928$55 / night
"I should have gotten one of their little cabins...they look cozy and they are right next to the primitive camping."
"The sites are very close together so there is not much room to move around or have pets outside. The rates are higher than I would like to pay but you more amenities for the price."
9. Fort Mountain State Park Campground
58 ReviewsChatsworth, GA25 milesWebsite+1 (706) 422-1932$14 - $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,"
"There are steps leading down to the trail around the lake."
10. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
11 ReviewsReliance, TN14 milesWebsite"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Ocoee, TN
530 Photos of 474 Ocoee Campgrounds
Dakota Davis V.
Outland Expeditions Ocoee River
Teo K.
Overland Camping Ocoee
Nate H.
Adventures Unlimited Campground
Teo K.
overland camping ocoee
Tyler J.
Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground
Nadine
Ocoee Campin'
Kimberly P.
Chilhowee Recreation Area
Tyler J.
Chilhowee
Megan T.
Big Frog Area
Kayla E.
Parksville Lake RV Campground
Bob P.
Conasauga River - Dispersed Site Sheeds Creek Road
Amber W.
Conasauga River Camp
Recent Reviews near Ocoee, TN
1441 Reviews of 474 Ocoee Campgrounds
Cheryl Ann S.TravelerSkull Island
Peaceful Escape
The staff is so friendly and helpful. The campground is quiet and well maintained. The RV sites aren't very level so ensure you have the ability to level your rig. The bathrooms are older but have great hot water and are clean.
- WWhit A.
GuideThunder Rock Campground
Thunder Rock
Quaint/quiet and tranquil spot. Right on the Ocoee River. Packed during the weekends with pretty right spots but it’s an awesome setting with less traffic during the week. A lot of mountain bikers and whitewater enthusiasts.
- RRobert V.
ScoutChester Frost Park
Great Camping Experience
Great camping experience and location. Bathhouses a bit outdated and semi-clean. Would stay here again, especially with a water front site.
Kelsey P.TravelerHarrison Bay State Park Campground
Beautiful but sites are VERY uneven
I was greatly deceived by the photos and descriptions online. We had site 40 and it was much much shorter than online said and the incline was insane. I would say 90% of the sites in loops B, C, and D should not be sites. Loop A has the most level sites with a lot not having shade though. Site 15 seemed to be the best in the whole park. Leveling our popup was miserable. Most campers we saw come in seemed to be the same as us. First time being there and not realizing the sites are significantly shorter than listed and shown in photos and extremely unlevel. I couldn’t even imagine a tent camper in most sites comfortably with how much of an incline and then slope you’re on. It’s a straight up hill and then it’s tilted to the side too. Sites are also extremely close together which is fine if you plan to be out or on the water a lot but it’s very cramped.
Bathrooms in loop B were the largest and cleaned daily. Bathrooms were great with the exception of the doors being super small but not an issue really. I’m 6ft and it was just funny seeing over everything.
Lake is BEAUTIFUL. So many areas to swim and great trails. Good place for pets.
One host in the entire park and we were lucky to be next to them and listen to their dog park and cry all day and night as they never let him in. Their site is right there when you go in and just trashed with all kinds of stuff. Feels more like a trailer park than state park. Never once saw the hosts and the camp store/office was closed every day we were there (we were there for a week Sunday to Sunday) Our site had quite a bit of trash when we got there. I’m shocked how the bathrooms were kept so clean but sites were not
They have check in listed at 4pm but every day new campers were there far before 4 which isn’t a problem but helps to know you can really get there anytime.
Overall the area is amazing with so much to do for everyone. Fishing, hiking, swimming, plenty to do all around. I would come back only for loop A and site 15. Maybe some others in loop A. Unless you have a camper van that you are fine being tilted, I would avoid all loops besides A. We saw a lot of people get there and then leave when they couldn’t park or level their site and there weren’t other options any better for them
Cell service was great. T-Mobile hotspot was amazing for me to work remote
- Patricia “Ollie” F.Scout
Peakland RV Park
Very quiet! Close to boat access
I have been staying here for a couple weeks now and it has been very quiet. I have full service hook up everything I need for my RV. There’s also really amazing barbecue place right across the street and some nightlife as well.. interstate 40 is about a 35 minute drive. The owner here is really nice and accommodating.
Greg S.
LegendFort Mountain State Park Campground
4.7 stars
Spectacular scenery. The campground has two loops, both with nicely spaced out sites. We liked the creekside loop, but lakeside looked very nice as well. The lake is small but cold and clear, probably spring fed. The playground is average and they have a mini golf course that's cool. The camp store is excellent, though a drive from the campground. Also a short drive (or 3 mile hike) away is the star of the show- the overlook, tower and rock wall. Unbelievable views and great rocks to scramble and play on. The history of the mysterious rock Wall is intriguing. A great place to spend a few hours. The trails are numerous and well marked. We didn't see any bears or snakes. Overall a great place.
- FFrank J.Scout
Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp
Good free rest stop
Nothing crazy, scenic but tricky drive in here. Use the coordinates to find it, Apple Maps will send you to the other side and add a 30/40 min drive. The camping area had 1 shared restroom/porta potty type deal. The area is pretty flat ground with about 10 good spots to tent/small vehicle camp. Came on a Tuesday evening to about half the site being used. There’s signs to get here once you get close.
Kyle C.TravelerSugarberry RV Park
Extended RV Stay
Great place to stay if your here anywhere from a week to a month. The prices are very reasonable. Starting at $500/month + metered electric and $200/week (electric included).
Guide to Ocoee
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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?
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?
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?
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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