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 (460)

    1. Chilhowee Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    12 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +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. Chilhowee

    12 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Adventures Unlimited Campground

    11 Reviews
    Ocoee, TN
    1 mile
    Website
    +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"

    6. Thunder Rock Campground

    20 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +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"

    7. Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Mcdonald, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +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

    59 Reviews
    Chatsworth, GA
    25 miles
    Website
    +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. Big Frog Area

    5 Reviews
    Ocoee, TN
    7 miles

    "About 1.5-2 mi in at the intersection of Rough Creek trail and Big Frog I saw a grassy patch with a fire ring and set up camp."

    "Disclaimer: Did not camp here On my hike up Big Frog trail this weekend I came across this great site."

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Recent Reviews near Ocoee, TN

1401 Reviews of 460 Ocoee Campgrounds


  • William B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Marion county park Tennessee

    Nickajack Lake

    While I don’t know everything about this campground, I am really impressed. All sites have a view of the lake and a lot are right on the water. There is a boat ramp on site. There is water and electricity available at the sites and a dump station is there if you need it. The view is magnificent. I highly recommend this place if you are in the area.

  • paul Z.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    Great place even with unlevel sites

    We had a great stay here. Luckily I brought extra leveling blocks after reading other reviews. Loop C site 26 was a great spot listed as water view but the lake was right there. Might as well have been called waterfront. Had to block up the rear wheels on our class A to get level but we brought those with us. Had our Canoe in the water right behind us and plenty of room for the car and dolly. Awesome hiking trails and a great little seasonal restaurant at the marina. We will come back here again

  • Liz  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Rough Creek Dispersed

    Only 2 Sites

    Gorgeous area at the end of the road. Only 2 sites and one intense drive to get here. It takes about 35 minutes to go 4 miles. Ground clearance and off road tires needed

  • M
    Oct. 15, 2025

    THT Park One

    Waiting for a reply

    I really wanted to learn more about THT Park One, as it looks like exactly what I’m looking for in a long-term stay.

    Unfortunately, after sending two emails over the past two weeks asking about monthly availability for November 2025 – March 2026, I haven’t received any response. Email seems to be the only way to reach them — there’s no phone number or website listed — which makes it difficult for potential guests to get basic information.

    The park looks very nice and well maintained from the photos, so it’s disappointing not to hear back.

    Hopefully management can improve communication soon, because this location appears to have a lot of potential.

  • Liz  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Little Gassaway Creek

    1 Campsite off 4 x 4 Road

    Found this site on the way to another. Only one campsite and requires either off-road tires or 4 x 4

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Lake view but live in campers

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • George M.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mulky Campground

    Great location for fishing

    A lot of the campsites are right on the water, so it's super easy to fish. But if you want something more private, there are also some secluded spots up the road.

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • B
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    beautiful and peaceful

    It was perfect weekend getaway, the camp ground wasn’t full, bathrooms clean, the camp ground was clean. The sites along the water were amazing, and the sites were level.


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?

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.