H
Hunter F.
Scout
ScoutTalona Creek Campground
Not bad
Over priced in my opinion and ran down and outdated but easy to get in and out. Off the hwy and management is friendly.
Camping near Ocoee, TN
487 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
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 Campgrounds near Ocoee (487)
1. Chilhowee Recreation Area
"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."
from $12 - $30 / night
Check Availability2. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
"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
"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."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability4. Thunder Rock Campground
"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"
from $12 - $20 / night
Check Availability5. Adventures Unlimited Campground
"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
Check Availability6. Chilhowee
"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
Check Availability7. Harrison Bay State Park Campground
"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
"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
Check Availability9. Fort Mountain State Park Campground
"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."
from $14 - $55 / night
Check Availability10. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
"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."
Drive Time
- 14 min from Cleveland, TN
- 37 min from Chattanooga, TN
- 1 hr 19 min from Knoxville, TN
- 1 hr 27 min from Rome, GA
Recent Camping Photos near Ocoee, TN
537 Photos of 487 Ocoee Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
overland camping ocoeeT
Adventures Unlimited Campground
Overland Camping Ocoee
Outland Expeditions Ocoee RiverD
Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground
Ocoee Campin'N
Chilhowee Recreation Area
Chilhowee
Big Frog Area
Parksville Lake RV CampgroundK
Conasauga River - Dispersed Site Sheeds Creek RoadB
Conasauga River Camp
Recent Reviews near Ocoee, TN
1494 Reviews of 487 Ocoee Campgrounds
Eric Y.
TravelerDavis Branch Campground
River Sounds
6 back in campsites, right off a paved road, sites are 20 yards from river, fishing, peaceful, cooler than in town. Outhouse is clean and has TP. Not much traffic on the road, not many campers. There are several campgrounds in the same general area on the river. All are nice, we had our pick and chose Davis. No power, water, or dump but there's a store just down the road that has fishing gear, ice, firewood, drinks, and vices. Good spot in a cool location.
Mary D.
GuideAmicalola Falls State Park Camping
Site 18: Don’t let the “hardest site to back into” reviews scare you! There’s a trick.
We stayed at Site 18, which has a reputation for being one of the hardest sites to back into. There’s definitely a trick to it! Pull your truck forward along the site, then pull out toward the site across from you, making an S-turn. From there, line it up and back in. It's tricky, but doable!
We loved this area and packed a lot into our stay. We visited BJ’s Apple Orchard, stopped at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm (where I somehow ended up with a 150-pound pumpkin 😂), had dinner at Cascades Restaurant, and took the easy way to see the falls.
The fenced-in sites were a huge plus, especially with our pups. It gave them more room to roam. The bathrooms and showers are individual rooms, which was nice, and the welcome center is one of the nicest we’ve come across.
And then there’s THE HILL. I was born and raised in the Smokies, so I’m no stranger to mountain roads, but the incline is no joke! The reviews are absolutely not exaggerating when they say it’s steep. Come prepared!
I have T-mobile and husband has Xfinity and we both have great service. Wifi in the campground gets the job done for Netflix at night.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay. Beautiful area, plenty to explore, dog-friendly sites, and a campground we’d visit again. 🏕️🥾
matt E.GuideConasauga River Camp
Closed Right Now (Seems great but the site is closed for road work)
Hopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
Tylor C.GuideHidden Creek Campground
Johns mountain
About 5 dispersed spots scattered along an accessible road. Only about 3 spots available that hasn’t been ruined from trash and belongings from people that was staying there long term and left everything. Okay for an overnight stay. All the trash really ruined any vibe to be had. I stayed at the spot on top of the steep hill
Luke M.ScoutCloudland Canyon State Park
West Rim Campground FTW
We really liked this park. We stayed in the West Rim Campground. We stayed two nights and this was about the right number of nights for us.
Pros:
* The staff was super helpful and intentionally went above and beyond. When I checked in, they saw that I had a free night on my account and offered to refund part of my stay and use the free night instead. I was going to ask them to do this, but I didn't even need to.
* Bathrooms were nice, and were clean* Wifi worked pretty well
* West Rim has good shade which made it feel cooler than it have otherwise. This did impact Starlink connectivity. I was able to get about a 90% ping success rate by moving the camper around a little to get the best connection.* The views from the overlook were very nice
Cons:
* The visitor center was under construction* Some of bathrooms near the interpretive center were out-of-order
* Site 43 was not level. It wasn't a major issue but we were able to get our camper van completely level despite the use of leveling blocks.
Skyler H.ScoutCloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon
I grew up in this area, but I'm back for the first time in maybe 8 years. They have done tremendous renovations on their amenities, some still ongoing. The scenery and cool mountain air is as great as I remember. Tons of hiking, backcountry camping, cabins, RV spots, and more. I've been camping in 8 states and Cloudland Canyon is still one of my favorites. Be aware, the drive up the mountain can be very difficult on a tow vehicle, make sure you're prepared for it. Same with some of the hiking trails.
Susie T.ScoutRockwood Marina & RV Resort
Maiden voyage
Shakedown trip. Offered lots of help, friendly staff, clean campground, plenty of amenities, safe good views. Traveled with a pet and it worked well.
- Tylor C.Guide
Fort Mountain State Park Campground
Love this place
Beautiful views from the trails. I went during the summer in July so it was on the busier side. There is a lake with a beach with boat and paddle board rentals. Seemed like a great spot to fish. Prepare for possibilities of bears as they were around. One night I must have not fully secured my bear box and a bear found my cooler. I tent camped on a pad where I can find some service (T-Mobile) but most spots are spotty. Next time I come, I want to try the back country locations. Trails are awesome with a cool story about the place around the tower and fortification. Attendants at the camp store were really nice. If groceries are needed there is grocery stores in the nearest town of Chatsworth down the mountain
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.
Keep Exploring