532 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Reliance, Tennessee area encompasses several camping options within the Cherokee National Forest, with both developed and dispersed sites along the Hiwassee River. Lost Creek Campground offers primitive tent camping in a dispersed setting, while nearby Gee Creek Campground at Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park provides more established sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Camping areas range from rustic riverside spots with minimal amenities to more developed facilities supporting tent camping, RVs, and in some locations, cabin rentals. The Hiwassee River area features numerous water-accessible campsites, particularly appealing to paddlers and anglers looking to camp near fishing spots.
Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience around Reliance, with most developed campgrounds operating from April through November. Lost Creek Campground in Cherokee National Forest remains open year-round but offers limited amenities during winter months when water systems may be shut down. The Hiwassee and Ocoee River areas experience significant water level changes throughout the day due to scheduled dam releases, which affects both river access and activities. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most camping areas, requiring advance planning. Most campgrounds feature dirt or grass tent pads with varying degrees of levelness. One camper noted that "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."
Water recreation serves as the primary draw for many campsites in the region, with access to the Hiwassee River being particularly valued by visitors. Several campgrounds position sites directly along waterways, allowing campers to fish directly from their campsite or easily launch kayaks and rafts. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the mixed-use campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent campers seeking riverside relaxation and adventure enthusiasts using sites as a base for whitewater activities. The morning water release schedule creates two distinct river experiences each day – calm water for fishing and paddling before 11 AM, followed by stronger currents for whitewater recreation afterward. Many camping areas connect to hiking trails within Cherokee National Forest, though most visitors primarily focus on water-based recreation rather than extensive hiking opportunities.
"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. "
"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."
"It has clean bathrooms with showers, fire rings with grill grates, lots of hiking, hike to a beautiful waterfall, huge lake to swim or float on a raft, and the lightning bugs were breath taking!!"
from $12 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Scenic views the whole drive up, followed by a safe, cozy campground with clean facilities and a great grouping of trails."
"The campsite was clean, and our site was a good distance from other campers. The campground has a nice hike to Benton Falls which is beautiful."
from $12 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Adventures Unlimited is located in Ocoee, TN, just outside of Chattanooga, and is one of the coolest river towns I’ve been to. The Ocoee River was the site for the 1996 Olympics whitewater events."
"We could walk down from the cabin to check-in for white water rafting excursion. There is a campground store at the check-in, as well."
from $10 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Our first time here at the Hiwassee Outfitter camping area in Reliance, Tennessee. Most campsites have river view or stream view. One large circle, mostly tent camping. No electric hookup."
"This is a popular location for the regional university students so expect a bit of a hootenanny to surround and welcome you."
"Great base camp for close to adventures in the national forest. Go do the hike by bald river falls 30 min away."
"Great location and great food! This is my go to spot when out riding."
"Close to grocery stores & TONS of mountain goodness."
"As close to heaven as it gets"
from $50 - $60 / night
Check Availability
ScoutI haven’t finished my stay but so far so good… It has all the basics that are needed. Toilet, shower, drinking water… The noise is minimal and what should be expected at a campground. The staff are very attentive. A storm rolled through and they were through right as it was over to make sure everyone was alright.
TravelerNice spot next to a cool little creek. There was a good bit of trash in several of the fire rings, and found human waste and toilet paper about 5 feet from the waterline between a camp and the water, that was pretty disappointing. Leave no trace!! This includes hiking away from camp to bury your business. We still really enjoyed our stay. The road in was a little rougher than onX off-road let on, but had no issues getting in with my 4x4. Lots of wildlife, we even saw a bear a few minutes from camp.
TravelerThis KOA is a really nice CG. It’s nestled in a valley and surrounded by by mountains. Full service with a nice pool, camp store,clean bath houses/restrooms and lots to do for kids . Our site was along the creek. Very peaceful and loved hearing the water. Lots of mixed use, long term RV’s, cabin rentals and tent sites. The CG was s very large and most sites are close to one another, not much privacy but that’s what State Park CG’s are for. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Great WiFi here, very solid signal during our visit.
TravelerThis site has become a tradition to visit for a week once a year. I love this location.
TravelerThey sure know how to pack people in; it's an extremely small site.
ScoutThis is an annual MUST for us. So many amenities — playground, gaga ball, ping pong, splash pad & pool, fishing pond, cornhole, basketball, mining, ice cream at the camp office. Agree with others that their golf cart delivery of firewood & pizza is the the cherry on top!
We love getting site 43. Our kids are 4 & 5 but we can comfortably see them across the way at the playground while we rest at our site or prep for the next meal. So much love for this place and the memories we have made here!!
TravelerThis top of the mountain campground is amazing. There was barely anyone here and just a short/walk drive down the road are tons of overlooks and a short hike to a watch tower. I definitely recommend this place.
ScoutThey have a pool, a lake with boat ramp and dock, and picnic tables at all spots. There are a few rows of permanent spots but didn't seem ran down. The office workers were nice and easy to communicate with.
ScoutWe had a wonderful stay at Skeenah Creek Campground. We stayed for three nights with our F250 and 30 ft toy hauler, and from the moment we booked until checkout, the experience was excellent.
The drive through the Appalachian mountains is beautiful but definitely winding. The campground sent us detailed directions before our trip which helped us plan the best route for our rig. On the day we arrived we received a text letting us know they were expecting us along with a phone number in case we needed anything along the way.
Brian and Mark were incredibly welcoming and made themselves available throughout our stay if we had any questions or needed assistance.
The campground itself is clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully organized. Everything is clearly marked. We especially appreciated the shaded community recreation area with ceiling fans, games and activities. It was the perfect place for our family to cool off during the hottest part of the day.
One of our favorite moments was when Mark shared fresh tomatoes from the campground garden. Our toddler absolutely loves tomatoes, so it was such a thoughtful and memorable gesture.
The Cherokee National Forest encompasses most camping spots near Reliance, Tennessee, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet along the Hiwassee River basin. Primitive campsites and established campgrounds throughout this area experience seasonal temperature shifts from 30°F winter nights to 85°F summer days, with higher humidity in the summer months. The region's rainfall averages 50-60 inches annually, creating lush forests and consistent water flow in creeks.
Fly fishing before water release: The Hiwassee River transforms throughout the day. "We went fly fishing right from the campsite. The water is smooth until 11am... then the current picks up and water levels will rise quickly," explains a camper at Hiwassee River Area.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Several campgrounds connect to extensive trail systems. At Thunder Rock Campground, "They have a mountain bike cleaning station since there are several trails accessible from the campground," notes Asher K. The Tanasi trail system is directly accessible from some campsites.
Waterfall hiking: Explore the area's natural water features on foot. A camper at Chilhowee Recreation Area mentions, "Benton falls was great, but crowded. For a more secluded waterfall experience head to the Rainbow falls." Many trails are suitable for beginner to intermediate hikers with modest elevation gains.
Primitive camping with privacy: Campers appreciate the remoteness of certain sites. "The Lost Cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest... A portion of campground adjoins a small creek. The creek can be used for shallow water wading or fishing," writes Gregg G. about Lost Creek - Cherokee NF.
Hot showers at basic campgrounds: Despite rustic settings, some campgrounds offer unexpected amenities. "The park has a nice size bath house that is heated during the winter. The showers are push valve with no temperature control, so you will periodically have to push the valve for water," reports a camper at Gee Creek Campground.
River access from campsites: Direct water access ranks high among visitor priorities. One reviewer noted, "Each campsite has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. We had to clean ours when we arrived. The highlight would definitely be the creek. There are spots that you can swim around in."
Seasonal closures and limitations: While some campgrounds operate year-round, amenities vary by season. A visitor to Thunder Rock notes: "The campground has bathrooms that are kept clean and a pay station to deposit your fee. From the campground, you can actually walk to the river and can also access several other hiking trails."
Cell service gaps: Most camping areas have limited or no connectivity. "No phone signal which is ok with us because we like to unplug. There is free WiFi available at the rafting Outfitter store," reports Katrin S. at Hiwassee River Area.
Traffic noise at some locations: Sites closer to main roads experience vehicle sounds. "The campground was alright. The majority of the sights were right on the riverside, but the neighboring road has heavy traffic," writes Austin R. Some locations near Highway 64 report noise from semi-trucks.
Designated swimming areas: Some campgrounds offer safer water access points for children. "We even took a dip at the swimming area just a short drive from the campsite and loved that too!" mentions Emerald M. at Chilhowee.
Playground facilities: Limited recreational structures exist for younger campers. "The campground also has a playground to keep kids entertained," notes Anna M., making Gee Creek Campground suitable for families with small children.
Wildlife education opportunities: The area provides natural learning experiences. "The best thing to us was the hiking trail that we walked with fresh blueberry bushes on our side. Fairly easy trail to see beautiful waterfall. Pet friendly," shares Anne Marie P., highlighting opportunities for nature exploration with children.
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds have partial services only. At Parksville Lake RV Campground, Lindsay C. points out, "Water hookups shared throughout the campground, not dedicated to each site," requiring campers to plan water usage accordingly.
Navigation challenges: Many campgrounds have access roads not designed for large rigs. "It is not gated and one of our mountain bikes was stolen. If we go back we will definitely secure our things better. It is also 7.5 miles up a mountain, not fun to pull up or down with a travel trailer," warns Melinda C.
Leveling requirements: Uneven campsites demand preparation. "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," advises a visitor to Gee Creek Campground, highlighting the importance of bringing leveling equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Reliance, TN?
Reliance offers excellent camping options along the scenic Hiwassee River. Hiwassee River Area is a popular choice with most campsites offering river or stream views. This area features tent camping in a large circle layout with picnic tables at each site. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Starr Mountain Area provides a secluded setting with amazing views, though it requires navigating an unmarked path. While not directly in Reliance, nearby options include Lost Creek in Cherokee National Forest for a more remote experience, and Thunder Rock Campground for those who enjoy camping near water access points for recreation.
When is the best season for camping in Reliance, Tennessee?
Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best camping weather in Reliance, Tennessee. Summer provides ideal conditions for water activities on the Hiwassee River, though temperatures can reach the high 80s. Thunder Rock Campground is particularly popular during summer months for river access. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities, especially at Citico Creek Area, where the changing colors create a stunning backdrop for camping. Spring offers moderate temperatures and blooming wildflowers but can bring occasional rain showers. Winter camping is possible but less common due to colder temperatures, with some campgrounds reducing services or closing entirely during this season.
What amenities are available at Reliance camping sites?
Amenities vary across Reliance area camping sites. Persimmon Creek RV Park offers well-maintained facilities with amenities for both RV and tent campers along a scenic creek. For private RV camping, tiny PINECONE CAMP provides full hookups including water, power, septic, trash pickup, and lawn care. Most public campgrounds in the area like Hiwassee River Area have basic amenities such as water spigots, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, though individual sites typically don't have direct water hookups. Electricity is limited at many of the natural area sites, so campers should plan accordingly. Some locations offer additional recreational amenities like boat launches, fishing areas, and hiking trail access points.
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