Camping near Reliance, Tennessee centers around the Hiwassee River watershed with elevations ranging from 800-1,500 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows near freezing. Several campgrounds offer unique riverside settings where campers can pitch tents directly adjacent to Class I-II rapids that provide both recreation and natural white noise for sleeping.
What to Do
Hiking to waterfalls: Cherokee National Forest offers multiple waterfall trails accessible from campgrounds. At Fort Mountain State Park Campground, trails lead to stunning cascades. "Wonderful hiking trails with many mountain views. Campgrounds are very family friendly and clean. The little lake is a nice adventure too!" notes reviewer Dana R.
Mountain biking: The area provides various trail options for riders of all skill levels. "There is wonderful mountain biking easily accessible from the camp and world class white water rapids within only a few miles drive," reports Tyler J. from Chilhowee.
Fishing from campsites: Several riverside locations allow anglers to cast directly from their sites. One camper at Hiwassee River Area explained, "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."
Visit the Bus Bar: For unique evening entertainment, check out the converted school bus bar. "The Bus Bar- this place is a must! They have literally converted two yellow school busses into a bar! The restrooms are in one of the busses and the other is where the actual bar is. They have live music on weekends," writes Lori H. about Adventures Unlimited Campground.
What Campers Like
Platform camping sites: For those seeking alternatives to traditional tent camping or yurt camping, Reliance, Tennessee offers unique elevated options. "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," explains Stephanie J. at Fort Mountain State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathhouses. "This campground has the nicest bathhouse! The staff was super friendly. The campground has many sites with an awesome view of Lake Blue Ridge," reports Shanna S. about Morganton Point Campground.
Free amenities: Some spots offer unexpected perks. "This was a great find! The staff is friendly and grounds are kept very clean. There are cabins, a couple RV sites, and the rest of the grounds are available to pitch a tent wherever you want to. Firewood is free," shares Jon D. about Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground.
Spacious campsites: Many sites provide ample room. "Sites are big and level. Power hook ups if you need them and plenty of shade. The 3.5 mile trail around the lake is a good little walk for the dogs," notes Jim M. about Indian Boundary.
What You Should Know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor connectivity. "There is no WiFi or AT&T cellular signal in this park. However, if you drive to any of the scenic overlooks just outside the park, you will get AT&T LTE signal," advises Manie D. about Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Challenging mountain roads: Some campgrounds require navigating steep, winding routes. "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road. The camp sites are distanced well and the entire campground is in the shade," warns Carissa D.
Water level changes: River levels fluctuate with dam releases. "The water gets released at 11am, so the current picks up and water levels will rise quickly," advises a Hiwassee River Area camper.
Alternative to yurt camping: While traditional yurt camping in Reliance, Tennessee is limited, several campgrounds offer unique accommodations. "I have stayed in site 30, Nov 11-13. Nice weather and rain, then the temperature took a nose dive. The lake was pretty low at winter level," reports Shelly S.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for swimming beaches: Several campgrounds feature kid-friendly water access. "There is a lake for paddling, swimming, or fishing. For those who like to hike, there is a trail around the lake. One can also use this trail for bike ridding," recommends Jason J. from Indian Boundary.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or wanting more comfort than yurt camping near Reliance, Tennessee, cabin rentals provide alternatives. "The campground offers cabins and the cabin was pretty nice. It slept ten people. However, there is only one bathroom in the cabin. It had a front porch with rocking chairs and a swing," shares Maethea R.
Pack for wildlife encounters: Bears are active in the region. "We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though," mentions Shelly C. about Fort Mountain State Park.
Choose sites with playground access: Some campgrounds offer play equipment. "This place has a lot to offer: hiking, waterfalls, put put, playgrounds, lake views and paddle boats, standard hook up sites, etc.," notes Tiffany B.
Tips from RVers
Fill tanks before setting up: Some sites lack direct water hookups. "The RV sites do not have water hook-ups at each site. There is a water hook up to fill your tank as you enter the campsite area. Fill your tank and you are good to go," advises Nathan G. at Chilhowee.
Be prepared for uneven sites: Many mountain campgrounds have challenging terrain. "We stayed in site 15 of the B loop. It was a great location, but in the center of the site once stood a large tree with a timber surround. The tree has been cut down, but the surround is still there, and we kept tripping over it," warns Mike N.
Limited dump stations: Plan accordingly for waste management. "There is only one dump station and it's on the other side of the campground. From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it," cautions another camper.
