Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau region near Soddy-Daisy provides diverse camping opportunities with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,800 feet. Situated between Chattanooga and the Ocoee River recreation areas, campers can access both mountain terrain and waterfront sites. Weather patterns shift rapidly in this area, with summer highs averaging 85-90°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Most campgrounds near Soddy-Daisy offer proximity to waterfall hikes within 30-45 minutes driving time. At Chilhowee Recreation Area, the 3-mile round trip Benton Falls trail is suitable for all skill levels. "Fairly easy trail to see beautiful waterfall. Pet friendly," notes one camper.
Mountain biking access: Several areas permit biking on designated trails with varied difficulty ratings. Bigfoot Adventure RV park & Campground features accessible trails on-site. A visitor mentions it has "great walking trails, fun zip lines" and "lots of open space to play in fields and walk."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide pond or river fishing access without requiring additional permits. At Bigfoot Adventure, guests enjoy "fishing in the ponds" and additional recreational amenities like disc golf courses and ziplines being developed on the property.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: The natural forest settings provide shade and privacy at many campgrounds. At Parksville Lake RV Campground, visitors note "The R.V. sites are well shaded and well spaced and many will accommodate large R.V.'s. Several sites offer the opportunity for two R.V.'s to camp close together."
Creek-side locations: Several campgrounds feature sites alongside small streams, providing natural ambient sound and water access. One camper at Parksville Lake describes it as "a beautiful little creek. It was peaceful, only the occasional car on the nearby road."
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. A camper at Greeter Falls Campground reports "Very clean bath house and grounds. Friendly staff inside small camp store. Spacious sites."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Coverage changes significantly throughout the region based on elevation and terrain. Beyond Verizon reliability mentioned in the existing description, campers at Chilhowee note: "There is 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. There appeared to be a Verizon tower on the mountain."
Seasonal closure schedule: Several campgrounds operate seasonally, particularly those at higher elevations. Chilhowee Recreation Area operates "April to November" according to their information.
Reservation requirements: Most RV campgrounds near Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee require advance booking during peak periods. At R&R RV Campground, a visitor advises "If you are just passing through or if you plan to explore and spend very little time at your campsite, this is a good place. It's new, clean, and well maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several Soddy-Daisy area RV parks offer dedicated play areas. Battlefield Campground includes "a nice playground, a pool, and a camp store/clubhouse" though a visitor notes during COVID restrictions "We could not get close to the pool or playground as they were closed."
Consider primitive options: For families seeking a more authentic outdoor experience, several campgrounds offer tent-only sections. Greeter Falls Campground provides "Flat area for your tent, then a slight slope towards the walkway. A fire pit is provided."
Check for educational activities: Some parks provide structured programs for children. Bigfoot Adventure offers "Kids can also zip line!" and has "Great experience for kids. Wonderful views and lots of open space to play in fields and walk."
Tips from RVers
Road navigation challenges: Several campgrounds require careful navigation on mountain roads. For Chilhowee, an RVer warns "Coming up the mountain has some steep grades and a few switch backs that you can't see around. There are often oncoming vehicles who are often driving too fast and not considering those of us in large vehicles."
Hookup availability: The type and reliability of connections vary widely between parks. At Whitewater RV Park - Ocoee TN, an RVer reports "This park is close to everything. The sites are level and concrete with a nice fire pit."
Site spacing considerations: Many RV campgrounds Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee visitors frequent have varying site dimensions. At R&R RV Campground, one RVer mentions "Sites are jammed in. For us, just a place to break up trip home. I didn't even unhook trailer."
