Tent campsites near Ooltewah, Tennessee are nestled within the Ridge and Valley geographical region, where elevation ranges from 750 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The area's humid subtropical climate features hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters, creating a camping season that typically runs April through October. Many primitive camping locations require vehicles with higher clearance due to unpaved forest service roads that become rutted after rainfall.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Foster Falls Campground in South Cumberland State Park connects to the challenging Fiery Gizzard Trail. "It is a very short drive and short rocky hike to the water fall. You can see the falls from a distance if you don't want to hike down," notes camper BobEarl S., while another mentions it's a trail "full of great overlooks, some waterfalls."
Paddling and tubing: Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground offers direct access to the Ocoee River. "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," writes Tyler J. The campground also provides "an awesome bathroom facility" according to Aspen H.
Fishing opportunities: Several tent campsites near Ooltewah feature fishing options. At Davis Pond Campsite, "there's a huge meadow area... The little pond is a breeding ground for lots of bugs, but it's peaceful and pretty to look at. Not many fish biting this time of year. We did see a couple go out on an inflatable boat," according to Tessa B.
What campers like
Secluded backcountry spots: The Big Frog Area offers primitive camping options along multiple trails. "On Big Frog trail, just south of intersection with Yellow Stand trail there is a primitive pine campsite with fire ring. Not the most smooth but could probably fit 2 small tents or a few hammocks," reports Megan T. Another reviewer adds it's "one of the most beautiful places I've ever been."
Spacious group sites: Cherokee National Forest Chilhowee Campground provides "mountaintop campground with exceptional views, mountain lake/beach, waterfall, and hiking trails." One group of approximately 50 people found it "filled the site nicely but wasn't cramped" with "good access to the rest of the park facilities" while maintaining privacy.
Peace and quiet: Several tent camping areas around Ooltewah prioritize tranquility. Ken O. describes Chilhowee Campground as "easily the quietest campsite (with electric, showers, and lake access) that we have encountered to date," noting that "most of the sites were well spaced and level" with enough distance between them that "conversations rarely extended past the campsite."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many camping areas require navigating difficult roads. At Hickey Gap Campground, "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," explains Mike H. Similarly, Tessa B. notes that near Davis Pond, "Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."
Variable bathroom conditions: Facilities range widely between camping areas. William S. observed that while Davis Pond has "a two-station pit toilet, it's a bit of a horror show with a lot of trash accumulating in the structure." Tessa B. agreed, describing it as "very rudimentary and disgusting." Meanwhile, Outdoor Adventure Rafting gets positive marks for "awesome bathroom facility."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in several camping areas. At Hickey Gap, "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," according to Mike H. Similarly, Heidi T. advises about Big Frog Mountain, "watch out for bears" and notes it's "not a good place to have like small small children."
Tips for camping with families
Choose developed campgrounds: Foster Falls offers family-friendly amenities and accessibility. "Our 2 and 5 year old walked from our campsite down to the falls and back up easily, and enjoyed having a trail that led to the falls overlook for nightly post-dinner walks," shares Stephanie J. She also notes the campground has "towering trees" providing "ample shade" and "picnic tables are also very large."
Bring water filtration: Many primitive sites have limited water access. Megan T. warns that in the Big Frog Area, there are "very limited water sources nearby" with only "some trickles on Big Frog north." For backcountry camping at Lockhart's Arch Shelter, Stephanie J. advises "the closest guaranteed water source is Middle Creek, so be sure to fill water bottles and filter when you cross."
Check site spacing: For families needing room to spread out, several reviewers mention ample space at certain locations. William S. describes Davis Pond as having "multiple dirt-and-rock fire pits" that "can easily accommodate many more campers in the space," while Tessa B. adds "you could literally fill the meadow with dozens of tents easily."
Tips from RVers
Clearance considerations: For RVers considering tent camping near Ooltewah, vehicle clearance is a primary concern. Mike H. reports their "2WD (front wheel drive) Honda Passport struggled to get back up" the steep driveway at Hickey Gap, requiring them to "hit the steepest part with some speed to make it out," cautioning that RV access would be challenging.
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Ooltewah offer few amenities for RVs. While some sites like Hunter's Check Station Campground provide sanitary dump facilities, Everest C. notes "most of the camp spots are littered with peoples leftovers" and there's "lots of road noise and traffic" to consider before bringing an RV.
