Camping near Ocoee, Tennessee sits within the Cherokee National Forest at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually, making May through October the prime camping season when temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime hours. Most campgrounds in this area follow a seasonal schedule, with limited facilities available during winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: 8 miles from downtown Ocoee. The Ocoee River hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater events, offering Class III-V rapids for experienced paddlers. At Adventures Unlimited Campground, you can "raft, SUP board, or just hang out at the BUS bar and listen to live music. Whatever you do here, it will be a good time" according to Elizabeth A.
Waterfall hikes: 3-mile round trip. The Benton Falls trail at Chilhowee Recreation Area offers moderate hiking through wooded terrain. Anne Marie P. notes it's an "Easy trail to see beautiful waterfall. Pet friendly." Another visitor described, "The Benton falls hike was lovely. Fall color was just peaking 🍂."
Lake activities: Swimming and fishing. McKemy Lake in the Chilhowee area provides a small beach area with designated swimming zones. According to Manie D., "We didn't go to the swimming beach, because dogs are not allowed. We did hang out at the lake and fish (no bites), but the water was not appealing for swimming (lots of down trees/branches and very silty)."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural screening. At Skull Island, campers appreciate that "I didn't feel crammed by other people. There was plenty of room between sites, and going in the summer time I still didn't feel like I was on top of our neighbors," according to Isabella H.
Riverside camping options: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. One camper at Skull Island loved "waking up to see the beautiful water all around you." Another noted you can "play in the water" which is "super nice as well. We love camping in places that have water close by to do things during the day."
Yurt camping Ocoee, Tennessee alternatives: While traditional yurts are limited near Ocoee, Cloudland Canyon State Park offers yurt accommodations about 45 minutes away. A visitor noted, "The yurts are spaced away from each other and off the road, and offer a lot of privacy; the loop that serves the yurts is not connected to any other road, and has a shelter, playground, and bathhouse."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically by location and provider. In the Chilhowee area, "There is no WiFi or AT&T cellular signal in this park. However, if you drive to any of the scenic overlooks just outside the park, you will get AT&T LTE signal," reports Manie D.
Seasonal facility changes: Many campgrounds operate with reduced services in off-season. At Fort Mountain State Park, approximately 40 minutes from Ocoee, "In the winter, you have lost a lot of privacy foliage but still nicely spaced apart. All sites are 30/50 amp with water."
Steep access roads: Several campgrounds require navigating mountain roads. One camper at Chilhowee warned: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water areas: Look for designated swimming zones with gradual entry. At Chester Frost Park, "This place is definitely somewhere you wanna bring your kids they would love it! There is a man made beach with a playground and loads of camping lots next to the river!" as noted by Haley H.
Activity variety: Choose campgrounds with multiple recreation options. Fort Mountain State Park offers "putt putt, the only playground, seasonal concession and rentals, beach area and a super nice walking trail for everybody."
Yurt accommodations for Ocoee area family stays: For families seeking yurt camping near Ocoee, Tennessee without roughing it, consider the structured canvas options. One visitor noted they "are well appointed, well maintained, and absolutely beautiful, and are spaced out to offer a feeling of seclusion: perfect for winter getaways."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven pads. At Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA, "Spots are easy to get in and out of. Although ours was not very level at all," reports Scott A., while another camper found their site "really strange back-in in the shape of an L over a creek with the electric on the wrong side."
Limited hookup variations: Water hookups aren't available at all sites. At Chilhowee, "there are no water hookups at the sites, only power (30A). You'll need to fill your fresh water tanks before you set up."
Challenging access roads: Mountain terrain creates tight turns. One RVer at Chilhowee explained: "The roads in the campground are narrow and again, some of the turns are sharp when pulling a trailer. There is only one dump station and it's on the other side of the campground. From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it."
