Camping options near Ocoee, Tennessee range from full-service RV parks to more rustic forest campgrounds. The area sits at elevations between 800-1,500 feet in the Cherokee National Forest's Appalachian foothills. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during day and drop to 65-70°F at night, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August.
What to do
Whitewater activities: The Ocoee River offers class III-IV rapids with scheduled water releases. "We stayed here for the weekend when we were rafting the Ocoee. Small Campground but perfect if rafting," notes a guest at Parksville Lake RV Campground.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the Cherokee National Forest. "We spent the day hiking the mountain next to rv park. Then went kayaking down the river across the street," reports a visitor at Whitewater RV Park - Ocoee TN.
Swimming spots: Parksville Lake features designated swimming areas. According to one camper at Parksville Lake RV Campground, "Close Creek and hiking provided plenty of activity for little ones and not overly crowded like bigger campgrounds."
What campers like
Shaded sites: Most forest campgrounds offer tree cover for summer heat relief. One Chilhowee Recreation Area visitor shared: "The A&B loops are well spaced and mostly shaded with fairly level gravel pads. Bathhouse was clean and well lit."
Mountain views: Higher elevation campgrounds provide scenic vistas. A Top of the World RV camper states: "Beautiful sunrises and great view all together. New construction but very nice and the makings of a well maintained location."
Streamside camping: Creek-adjacent sites are popular options. "We had a great experience at this little campground. There are several sites along a beautiful little creek. It was peaceful, only the occasional car on the nearby road," comments a Parksville Lake camper.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "If interested in this area, I would try to lock in a spot as early as you can," advises a Parksville Lake visitor.
Road conditions: Access to mountain campgrounds requires navigating steep grades. A Battlefield Campground & RV Park visitor notes: "Battlefield Campground is an extremely convenient RV park located right of I-75 about 20 minutes south of Chattanooga. It is very easy to get to, but part of that convenience comes with an absence of quiet."
Water availability: Not all sites include individual water hookups. "Water hookups shared throughout the campground, not dedicated to each site," explains one Parksville Lake RV Campground camper.
Seasonal operations: Forest Service campgrounds typically close during winter. Chilhowee Recreation Area operates from April to November, while private RV parks offer year-round access.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "This campground does have some nice amenities like the pool, and playground, dog park, and the pavilion," shares a visitor to Battlefield Campground.
Swimming beaches: Chilhowee Recreation Area includes lake access. A camper notes: "There's a small hike to Cumberland Falls, which is gorgeous!! We had a great time! Hot water for showers/restroom facilities."
Kid-friendly trails: Short hiking routes suitable for children exist throughout the area. "The trails are what really makes this an all around great campground. Several hikes for all levels. We did the Benton Falls hike and it was lovely! 3 miles RT," recommends a Ocoee RV Park guest.
Weather preparation: Summer afternoon storms are common. "It was raining when we arrived, and I was so grateful for the nice new road, especially after seeing the road Google wanted us to take," explains a Chilhowee camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV site dimensions vary considerably between campgrounds. "Very nice campsites, adequate size. Nice area with picnic tables and beach area. Best thing to us was the hiking trail that we walked with fresh blueberry bushes on our side," advises a Chilhowee Recreation Area visitor.
Leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Because sites are loose gravel, leveling can be a challenge is your rig does not auto level," notes one Top of the World RV camper.
Navigation concerns: Some campgrounds have tight turns challenging for larger rigs. "Only issue with Parksville lake is that it is a tight drive into the sites. Otherwise nice and quiet campground," cautions a visitor.
Connectivity options: Cell service varies throughout the region. "Cell service with T-Mobile not existent. They have WiFi but not very fast," reports a Top of the World RV guest, while another notes: "Cellular service was good, we were able to stream and work."
