Best Campgrounds near Turtletown, TN

The Cherokee National Forest surrounding Turtletown, Tennessee provides a range of camping environments from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites along mountain streams. Thunder Rock Campground and Lost Creek Campground serve as primary camping areas in this Appalachian region, offering both tent and RV accommodations. Most established campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from April through November, though Lost Creek remains open year-round for primitive camping. The nearby Hiawassee/Ocoee State Park's Gee Creek Campground offers additional camping options with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails, while Chilhowee Recreation Area provides both RV and tent sites with electric hookups.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many secondary forest roads requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall. "This campground is gorgeous and free. There are two sides of the camp, the camp side and the trail side. It is very, very high traffic on the weekends," notes one camper about a nearby free camping area. Most campgrounds in the Turtletown vicinity close during winter months due to weather conditions and limited maintenance, though several dispersed camping areas remain accessible year-round for experienced campers. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many camping locations, particularly those in valleys or remote forest sections. Campers should prepare for temperature fluctuations common in the Southern Appalachians, where elevation changes can create significant weather variations even in summer.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest visitor ratings across the region's mixed-use campgrounds. Several sites along the Ocoee River provide direct water access for swimming and fishing, though they tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. The proximity to whitewater recreation areas makes Thunder Rock particularly popular among paddlers. A visitor noted, "Great waters for whitewater rafters and kayakers to enjoy. For the hiking and biking enthusiasts the Tanasi Trail system that adjoins at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, just a short hike or drive from the campground." Campgrounds farther from main roads generally offer more solitude but fewer amenities. Wildlife sightings are common across all camping areas, with black bears occasionally reported, requiring proper food storage practices at all tent and RV sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Turtletown, Tennessee (564)

    1. Thunder Rock Campground

    20 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +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. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +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. "

    3. Chilhowee Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $30 / night

    "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!!"

    4. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    7 miles
    Website

    "Some have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt."

    "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."

    5. Parksville Lake RV Campground

    15 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +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.  "

    6. Chilhowee

    12 Reviews
    Benton, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $20 / night

    "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."

    7. Persimmon Creek RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Culberson, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +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. "

    8. Top of the World RV

    8 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 519-2967

    $45 / night

    "This place is a true gem hidden in the Tennessee mountains."

    "Close to grocery stores & TONS of mountain goodness."

    9. Morganton Point Campground

    17 Reviews
    Morganton, GA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 374-1645

    $26 - $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. "

    10. Hiwassee River Area

    3 Reviews
    Turtletown, TN
    4 miles

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 564 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Turtletown, TN

1808 Reviews of 564 Turtletown Campgrounds


  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • B
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    beautiful and peaceful

    It was perfect weekend getaway, the camp ground wasn’t full, bathrooms clean, the camp ground was clean. The sites along the water were amazing, and the sites were level.

  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.

  • austin C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Great camping as of September 2025

    Very nice area to camp saw multiple sites throughout the road. Weather got a little cooler at night but the stars were a beauty to see. managed to fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks at the campsite near 34°50'26.3"N 83°40'44.6"W Wood was a little wet as it had rained 2 days prior so might be worth bringing your own.

    Also worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia.

    Did not see any signs of large predators but did see lots of spent 12GA shells and other casings.

  • Bobbi Jo P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Hickory Gap

    One of our favorite places!

    Nice small campground with 5 sites. Fills up during hunting season. Can't beat the peaceful sounds of the creek and nature at its finest!

  • K
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Campville LLC

    Close to Interstate 75

    This camp ground is amazing. Especially if you have kids. Indoor pool. Pickleball courts. Amazing game room. The host is very hospitable!!

  • Katrin M.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    Campground on the lake

    We camped here over the weekend, bc we participated in a dog event near by. At first we booked site B31. The tent pad was super small, there was no way for 2 bigger tents to fit. It's definitely better, if you have a camper. We changed to site A9 and that was much better. We had to set up the tents on concrete, which was awesome, because it rained all Saturday. The bathhouses were kinda outdated, but always clean. The park itself is ok. It's nothing spectacular there. The campsites directly on the water were very nice. All the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I don't think, I would camp here again. The park was very clean, it has just not really anything nature wise that would catch my interest.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cades Cove Campground

    Quite, beautiful, weekend traffic

    This is one of the quietest campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Sites are nestled in the woods in a cove in the Smokies. No cell service. No internet. No cable tv. Just peace and quiet! This is a national park campgrounds, so no water, electric or hookups. There is a dump station and modern bathrooms. Cold water showers. There is a camp store with basics. There is a lot of traffic especially on weekends with visitors driving the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road.

  • b
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Campville LLC

    Great stay

    Super clean campground with great amenities!! Only a mile from 75 but doesn't feel like it's located by the interstate. Highly recommend checking the place out!


Guide to Turtletown

Turtletown sits in the Cherokee National Forest region of southeast Tennessee, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet. The area experiences mild springs and falls with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s, while winter can bring occasional snow. Campers will find a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options, with several sites offering direct access to the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers.

What to do

River activities: The Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers provide excellent options for water recreation. At Thunder Rock Campground, "whitewater kayakers can put on the river right from their campsite," according to Henry F. For rafting enthusiasts, Jennifer S. notes, "I took my son camping, river rafting, and ziplining last Labor Day weekend. We had a great time!"

Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect to campgrounds in the area. At Lost Creek Campground, "the Benton McKaye trail running directly beside it" makes it easy to start your hike right from camp. GoWhereYouAreDraw N. adds that Thunder Rock has "two trailheads in the surrounding area - Thunder Rock Express and Dry Pond Lead with parking available at the Campground entrance."

Fishing spots: Several campgrounds offer fishing access. Katrin S. describes the Hiwassee River Area: "We overlooked the Hiwassee on campsite 43. 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."

What campers like

Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate riverside camping. At Gee Creek Campground, Anna M. notes, "The Rangers check in daily and are very friendly. A trail runs the perimeter of the camp and the Hiwasee River runs next to the campground." Tyler J. simply states that Thunder Rock is "right next to the ocoee river. Wonderful spot."

Privacy between sites: Campsites with adequate separation are valued. Brian P. describes Gee Creek as a "nice campground with a new playground, hot showers and good river access." At Lost Creek, Scott E. mentions, "Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. The highlight would definitely be the creek. There are spots that you can swim around in."

Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained amenities receive high marks. At Chilhowee Recreation Area, Jason L. notes, "This campsite was beautiful. Sites were clean. The bike trails were challenging." Even primitive sites like Lost Creek get praise - Charles H. comments, "This is a great spot in the river. Picnic tables, fire ring, pit toilet and all you hear is the river at night."

What you should know

Campground access: Some campgrounds require driving on forest roads. Lost Creek "can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN... traversing a well maintained gravel road for 7 miles," according to Gregg G. Similarly, Nathan G. notes about Chilhowee, "There is definitely a long drive (7 Mile) uphill to the campground, but it is definitely worth the drive."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Turtletown, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Turtletown, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 564 campgrounds and RV parks near Turtletown, TN and 53 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Turtletown, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Turtletown, TN is Thunder Rock Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Turtletown, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 53 free dispersed camping spots near Turtletown, TN.

What parks are near Turtletown, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Turtletown, TN that allow camping, notably Tusquitee National Forest and Croatan National Forest.