R
Robert V.
Scout
ScoutChester Frost Park
Great Camping Experience
Great camping experience and location. Bathhouses a bit outdated and semi-clean. Would stay here again, especially with a water front site.
Best Campgrounds near Copperhill, TN
Copperhill, Tennessee serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences in the Cherokee National Forest and surrounding areas. Tumbling Creek Campground, located in Copperhill itself, offers primitive tent and RV camping along a creek in a forested setting. The broader area includes both established campgrounds and dispersed camping options, with Thunder Rock Campground providing riverside tent sites along the Ocoee River. Several nearby state parks in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina supplement these options with more developed facilities, including cabins and glamping opportunities.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through November, with limited winter availability. "The drive in on the gravel road takes forever but it is very peaceful once you arrive to the destination. It is nice to listen to the sound of gentle flowing water," notes one visitor about Tumbling Creek Campground. Access to more remote sites often requires navigating forest service roads, with Tumbling Creek accessible via Forest Service Road 221 or through paved Grassy Creek Road off Highway 68. Cell service can be spotty throughout the area, particularly for AT&T users, which campers should account for when planning trips. Weather patterns in this mountainous region can change quickly, with significant temperature drops at higher elevations even during summer months.
Water features prominently in the camping experience near Copperhill, with many sites situated along creeks, rivers, and lakes. The Ocoee River provides not only scenic views but also recreational opportunities for whitewater rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. One camper observed that Thunder Rock Campground allows kayakers to "put on the river right from their campsite." Road noise can be a consideration at some locations, particularly at Thunder Rock where the proximity to Highway 64 results in traffic sounds competing with the river's natural acoustics. More secluded options like Lost Creek Campground in the Cherokee National Forest offer greater tranquility for those seeking a quieter experience. Tent campers generally find the primitive sites more appealing, while RV travelers gravitate toward the more developed facilities at places like Parksville Lake RV Campground or Persimmon Creek RV Park.
Best Camping Sites Near Copperhill, Tennessee (557)
1. Thunder Rock Campground
20 ReviewsReliance, TN8 milesWebsite+1 (423) 338-3300$12 - $20 / night
"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."
"Easy access off Hwy 64, so close to stores for food and firewood. Well maintained campsite with clean bathrooms and very clean, nice showers. Alcohol prohibited as think county is dry."
2. Morganton Point Campground
18 ReviewsMorganton, GA11 milesWebsite+1 (706) 374-1645$30 - $50 / night
"Camped on lot 14 which was quite spacious with easy access to the water. Tent was located away from the fire pit and picnic table and the restrooms were close by."
"We were right next to the camp host, which was pretty nice – we didn’t have to go far to ask for wood or ice! Plus, there were trails leading right to the lake. "
3. Chilhowee Recreation Area
30 ReviewsBenton, TN17 milesWebsite+1 (423) 338-3300$12 - $30 / night
"Loops A&B are closest to the lake and looked great for groups, or folks with kids."
"My partner and I headed to nearby Chilhowie Campground in the Cherokee National Forest last year to try out our new teardrop camper. We chose site 1 in the A Loop as it had shore power."
4. Fort Mountain State Park Campground
58 ReviewsChatsworth, GA25 milesWebsite+1 (706) 422-1932$14 - $55 / night
"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,"
"There are steps leading down to the trail around the lake."
5. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
29 ReviewsDelano, TN19 milesWebsite+1 (423) 263-0050$35 - $85 / night
"Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."
"This sweet state park campground is tucked into a spot along Gee Creek, which is great for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summertime heat of Tennessee. "
6. Parksville Lake RV Campground
15 ReviewsBenton, TN14 milesWebsite+1 (423) 338-3300$20 - $40 / night
"Each site is a good distance away from the other and there is the constant sound of the creek flowing right next to it. The bathrooms are clean and right in the middle a perfect spot for a getaway"
"Easy to navigate around sites. Lots of shade. Close by Occoee White Water center where the Atlanta olympics took place. Plan your visit around the water release. There schedule is online. "
7. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
11 ReviewsReliance, TN12 milesWebsite"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."
8. Persimmon Creek RV Park
6 ReviewsCulberson, NC9 milesWebsite+1 (828) 644-5800$55 - $900 / night
"This is a beautiful secluded site just off of Highway 64/74 not too far from the Tennessee border. The campground is very well kept and has wonderful amenities for both RV and tent campers."
"I don't have a huge point of reference, but I can give you details on everything that was smooth
- Location - Just off a 4 lane highway. Convenient with easy access to your site. "
9. Tumbling Creek Campground
4 ReviewsCopperhill, TN6 milesWebsite+1 (423) 338-3300"Pull in, find a spot next to the river and enjoy. Other than trucks pulling small fishing boats up the road during the day (and maybe people trail riding) there is no traffic noise."
"But you can also come in on paved grassy Creek road off highway 68 and you are only on Forest service road 221 for 2 miles total."
10. Vogel State Park Campground
67 ReviewsSuches, GA30 milesWebsite+1 (706) 745-2628$30 - $260 / night
"Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."
"This was a great stop close to the water. Between Blood Mountain and Neels Gap, we camped for two nights at different sites. Both were primitive, non-shelter sites."
Recent Camping Photos near Copperhill, TN
661 Photos of 557 Copperhill Campgrounds
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Your Toccoa River Cove
Victoria C.
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Thunder Rock Campground
Victoria C.
Wine drops Creekside camp & Bills RV Parking
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Persimmon Creek RV Park
Asher K.
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Katrin S.
Hiwassee River Area
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Morganton Point Campground
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Chattahoochee-Oconee/Morganton Point
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Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
Recent Reviews near Copperhill, TN
1654 Reviews of 557 Copperhill Campgrounds
Kelsey P.
TravelerHarrison Bay State Park Campground
Beautiful but sites are VERY uneven
I was greatly deceived by the photos and descriptions online. We had site 40 and it was much much shorter than online said and the incline was insane. I would say 90% of the sites in loops B, C, and D should not be sites. Loop A has the most level sites with a lot not having shade though. Site 15 seemed to be the best in the whole park. Leveling our popup was miserable. Most campers we saw come in seemed to be the same as us. First time being there and not realizing the sites are significantly shorter than listed and shown in photos and extremely unlevel. I couldn’t even imagine a tent camper in most sites comfortably with how much of an incline and then slope you’re on. It’s a straight up hill and then it’s tilted to the side too. Sites are also extremely close together which is fine if you plan to be out or on the water a lot but it’s very cramped.
Bathrooms in loop B were the largest and cleaned daily. Bathrooms were great with the exception of the doors being super small but not an issue really. I’m 6ft and it was just funny seeing over everything.
Lake is BEAUTIFUL. So many areas to swim and great trails. Good place for pets.
One host in the entire park and we were lucky to be next to them and listen to their dog park and cry all day and night as they never let him in. Their site is right there when you go in and just trashed with all kinds of stuff. Feels more like a trailer park than state park. Never once saw the hosts and the camp store/office was closed every day we were there (we were there for a week Sunday to Sunday) Our site had quite a bit of trash when we got there. I’m shocked how the bathrooms were kept so clean but sites were not
They have check in listed at 4pm but every day new campers were there far before 4 which isn’t a problem but helps to know you can really get there anytime.
Overall the area is amazing with so much to do for everyone. Fishing, hiking, swimming, plenty to do all around. I would come back only for loop A and site 15. Maybe some others in loop A. Unless you have a camper van that you are fine being tilted, I would avoid all loops besides A. We saw a lot of people get there and then leave when they couldn’t park or level their site and there weren’t other options any better for them
Cell service was great. T-Mobile hotspot was amazing for me to work remote
- Patricia “Ollie” F.Scout
Peakland RV Park
Very quiet! Close to boat access
I have been staying here for a couple weeks now and it has been very quiet. I have full service hook up everything I need for my RV. There’s also really amazing barbecue place right across the street and some nightlife as well.. interstate 40 is about a 35 minute drive. The owner here is really nice and accommodating.
Chris V.TravelerMoccasin Creek State Park Campground
Great location
We have stayed here many times. It is a basic state park campground with two clean bathhouses. There are really no amenities other that the wonderful setting on the shores of Lake Burton. Small and quiet with good views of the lake from most sites.
Greg S.
LegendFort Mountain State Park Campground
4.7 stars
Spectacular scenery. The campground has two loops, both with nicely spaced out sites. We liked the creekside loop, but lakeside looked very nice as well. The lake is small but cold and clear, probably spring fed. The playground is average and they have a mini golf course that's cool. The camp store is excellent, though a drive from the campground. Also a short drive (or 3 mile hike) away is the star of the show- the overlook, tower and rock wall. Unbelievable views and great rocks to scramble and play on. The history of the mysterious rock Wall is intriguing. A great place to spend a few hours. The trails are numerous and well marked. We didn't see any bears or snakes. Overall a great place.
Kyle C.TravelerSugarberry RV Park
Extended RV Stay
Great place to stay if your here anywhere from a week to a month. The prices are very reasonable. Starting at $500/month + metered electric and $200/week (electric included).
Leah S.TravelerJones Creek Dispersed Campground
Creekside for larger groups
Multiple creekside spots for large groups. We have over 12 adults and 8-9 cars. No cell service. Dog friendly.
Colin R.
GuideDesoto Falls Recreation Area
Very clean campsite but you do need to know a few things.
This is a very clean and well maintained camp site open all year, but there are a few things to consider.
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During off peak (November 1st to April 1st) there's no water and the rest rooms and showers are closed.
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This campsite is right next to the busy highway 19, so there's a lot of road noise especially at night.
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No cell service! Take your satellite communicator or Starlink with you in case of emergency.
If you are okay with these things, then this is the camp site for you.
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- Nick M.Traveler
USFS - Campsite J11 - Joyce Kilmer Road
Great Spot next to a running stream
Came to camp at a different campsite, but it was already taken. The first couple of designated spots are excellent with lakeside views. We chose this spot as it was the next available spot. It’s comfortable and allows you to enjoy the tranquility of a running stream.
Guide to Copperhill
Dispersed camping options near Copperhill, Tennessee extend beyond established campgrounds into the surrounding Cherokee National Forest. The region sits at elevations between 1,400 and 3,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valleys and ridges. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing at night from November through March, with summer daytime temperatures typically ranging from 75-90°F.
What to do
Trout fishing access: At Persimmon Creek RV Park, campers can fish in a fully stocked trout pond. "Nice private campground with a creek and a fully stocked trout pond. You pay for what you catch but totally worth it," notes Jason A. The campground also features a smaller catch-and-release pond in the central area.
Hiking trails: The Chilhowee Recreation Area offers 25 miles of hiking and biking trails accessible directly from campsites. "Several hikes for all levels. We did the Benton Falls hike and it was lovely! 3 miles RT. Fall color was just peaking," shares Tracy J. The campground sits at 2,500 feet elevation, providing cooler temperatures even in summer.
Kayaking and rafting: Launch directly into the Ocoee River from Thunder Rock Campground. "One of my favorite campgrounds when paddling the Ocoee River. Nice clean bathrooms and campsites right along the water," says Ben B. Whitewater enthusiasts can "put on the river right from their campsite," according to Henry F.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: At Tumbling Creek Campground, campers enjoy primitive sites next to flowing water. "It is nice to listen to the sound of gentle flowing water, to look around and only see one other camper well down the road," says one visitor. The campground is accessible via Forest Service Road 221 or through paved Grassy Creek Road off Highway 68.
Mountain solitude: Lost Creek Campground offers free primitive camping deep in the Cherokee National Forest. "This campground is incredibly clean + quiet—and completely free. It's in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access," reports Brittany S. Sites include concrete picnic tables and fire rings.
Lake views: Many sites at Morganton Point Campground have direct lake access. "We were on lot 7 which was right on the lake. The view was perfect," says Paul W. The campground features a clean beach area and opportunities for swimming and paddling on Lake Blue Ridge.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote sites often requires navigating unpaved forest roads. For Tumbling Creek, "The drive in on the gravel road takes forever but it is very peaceful once you arrive." Persimmon Creek offers easier access as it's "just off a 4 lane highway. Convenient with easy access to your site."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no reception. Chilhowee Campground has "NO AT&T in spite of what this site says. You may get a weak signal on the other side, but it's spotty at best." Lost Creek has no Verizon cell reception at all.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active throughout the area. Campsites at Fort Mountain State Park have "bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though," says Shelly C. Most campgrounds provide bear-proof trash receptacles.
Tips for camping with families
Best family facilities: Gee Creek Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Very friendly staff. Clean facilities and nice playground. Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool," shares Mickey L. The campground also has a perimeter trail and access to the Hiwassee River.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with water access during summer months. Chilhowee Recreation Area features "a swimming beach also exists on the park's 22 acre picturesque lake," and rental boats are available during summer.
Educational opportunities: Several sites in the area have historical significance. "If you are a homeschool family we are always excited to find CCC buildings as living history and political science lessons," notes one camper about the Chilhowee area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should research site dimensions carefully. At Thunder Rock, "There are showers on site and very clean bathrooms. Would recommend if your coming down to go rafting. No cell service with ATT." Sites can accommodate different sizes, but backing in can be challenging at some locations.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited in the area. Parksville Lake RV Campground offers electric hookups, but "Water hookups shared throughout the campground, not dedicated to each site." Persimmon Creek provides water and electric at most sites, with some full hookup sites available.
Leveling requirements: Many campsites in this mountainous region require leveling equipment. At Chilhowee, "The sites on the North side of loop A are fairly uneven and would require a significant amount of leveling blocks if using a camper." Bring plenty of leveling blocks for most campgrounds in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Copperhill, TN?
What camping is available near Copperhill, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Copperhill, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 557 campgrounds and RV parks near Copperhill, TN and 54 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Copperhill, TN?
Which is the most popular campground near Copperhill, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Copperhill, TN is Thunder Rock Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Copperhill, TN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Copperhill, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 54 free dispersed camping spots near Copperhill, TN.
What parks are near Copperhill, TN?
What parks are near Copperhill, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Copperhill, TN that allow camping, notably Tusquitee National Forest and Carters Lake.
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