Tent campsites near Ocoee, Tennessee sit in the southern Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. The region receives about 60 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions and numerous creeks that flow into the Ocoee River. Camping in this area requires preparation for variable weather, with summer temperatures often reaching 85-90°F during the day while dropping to the 60s at night.
What to do
Creek swimming spots: Hickey Gap Campground offers excellent swimming opportunities with a waterfall approximately one mile from the campground. One camper shared, "There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!"
Fly fishing: At Hiwassee River Area, campers can fish directly from their campsites. According to one visitor, "We overlooked the Hiwassee on campsite 43. The river is smooth until 11am. We went fly fishing right from the campsite. The water gets released at 11am, so the current picks up and water levels will rise quickly."
Hiking trails: The Big Frog Area provides multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels. A hiker noted, "Pretty section of trail from here on up to Big Frog summit. The group site further south before summit of Big Frog has more shade, more space, and is nicer in my opinion. It's all uphill from Big Frog Trailhead to the summit though so be prepared with plenty of water."
Tubing: The lower Ocoee River provides calmer waters suitable for tubing trips. A visitor to Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground mentioned, "This is a great spot if you either want to go rafting for a weekend or spend the day tubing the lower Ocoee and have a campground all ready for you."
What campers like
Creek sounds for sleeping: Creekside Camp offers primitive sites directly beside a creek. One camper stated, "Very primitive. No picnic tables or pit toilets. Flat campsites next to a very nice creek."
Quiet weekday camping: For tent campers seeking solitude, weekdays offer the best experience at popular sites like Lost Creek Campground. A visitor observed, "Super quiet when we were there in March. Toilet could be cleaner but at least it's there. Nice creek view through the side of the campground, likely no cell service unless you go one way or another up the mountain."
Wildlife viewing: The forests surrounding tent campsites near Ocoee contain diverse wildlife. At Hickey Gap, campers report seeing various species: "My girls group and I wanted to do a quick weekend glamping trip. One long rocky road and an active bear warning later we were rocking it by the creek."
Mountain vistas: Higher elevation campsites provide scenic views. At Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground, campers appreciate the panoramic perspectives: "We stayed in A loop, site 7. Our site was clean, shaded and level. We had plenty of space for our 6 x 12 converted cargo trailer camper and Outback, a pop up screen house for the dogs, and could have easily fit a tent or canopy as well."
What you should know
Bear safety precautions: Bears are active throughout the Cherokee National Forest. Hickey Gap provides bear boxes and clear warnings. One visitor noted, "There was a pit toilet with plenty of toilet paper and it was quite clean. There's also a bear box and signs clearly indicating there are bears around and that you should keep all food in your vehicle or use the box."
Road access challenges: Many tent campsites near Ocoee require traveling on unpaved forest roads. A camper at Lost Creek Campground explained, "The lost cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN. Once leaving the pavement of the main road and traversing a well maintained gravel road for 7 miles you will reach the Lost Cove Campground."
Water availability: Most primitive camping areas lack potable water. A visitor to Lost Creek advised, "Your classic primitive campground. No generators, water, or porta potties. How camping in the forest should be!"
Cell service limitations: The mountainous terrain blocks cellular signals at most camping areas. A Lost Creek camper shared, "There is no potable water available from a spicket and no Verizon cell reception."
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom access planning: When camping with children, consider sites with toilet facilities. At Lost Creek, "Each campsite has a concrete table, fire ring, and tent platform. Some have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt."
Creek exploration activities: Shallow creek areas provide natural play spaces for children. At Goforth Creek Campground, "Nice site along the creek that has plenty of space for multiple tents. It had some debris from previous campers when we were there."
Wildlife education opportunities: The area offers chances to observe local animals safely. A Big Frog visitor mentioned, "It is however in the middle of nowhere and there are no bathrooms or facilities or running water so it's not a good place to have like small small children and watch out for bears."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require packing layers for children. At Chilhowee Campground, a visitor noted, "The lake is beautiful and quiet. The bathrooms could be a little cleaner, and there was no soap in either bathroom during our stay."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most forest camping areas have limited space for larger vehicles. At Hickey Gap, one visitor warned, "Lastly, the road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail. There were a few hairpin turns. And then the driveway to and from the camp area is quite steep."
Hookup availability: RVers should note that most tent campsites near Ocoee lack hookups. A visitor to Hiwassee River Area explained, "Most campsites have river view or stream view. One large circle, mostly tent camping. No electric hookup. Water spigots throughout the campground but not directly at each site."
Generator restrictions: Forest Service sites typically prohibit generator use. At Lost Creek, a camper observed, "Your classic primitive campground. No generators, water, or porta potties."
