582 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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"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. "
from $35 - $85 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
"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"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"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. "
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $55 - $900 / night
Check Availability"Close to grocery stores & TONS of mountain goodness."
"As close to heaven as it gets"
from $50 - $60 / 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."
TravelerI plugged the GPS in for the location the app showed, and this is not the campground location. It is further northeast near Asheville, "Carolina hemlocks rec area" is what it is titled under.
ScoutThe owner was very rude, yelling and screaming about how to park my camper. Never again will I visit this place. Very disappointing.
ScoutGreat location small river but absolutely NO Cell service of any kind.
GuideI am at this camp ground for a week. The camp hosts are very nice and super helpful; they go out of their way to help. This is a no hook up campground, but they have water spi gotsthroughout the campground and electric at the pavilion. There is a dump station and dumpsters. The sites range from small to large, full shade to full sun, a few are waterfront. If not waterfront there are lots of access points to the water. I will definitely be back!
TravelerThis spot is gorgeous, clean, and a must stop if you're in the area. Orange-ish beaches with a stunning blue green lake full of life. On a clear night, the sky is crystal and shining with all the stars you can imagine. Highly recommend buying wood for campfires though.
ScoutThey have plenty of pads for pull behinds or the fancy RV. Plenty of hookups for all your needs. 2 pools, weight room, live music, restaurant, bar, dog park, dog bath, and close to all local stores.
ScoutThe staff is very friendly. It is affordable and laid back atmosphere. The view is fantastic and the bathrooms are clean. Definitely one of my favorite spots
ScoutWe prefer to have full hookup. Spots very close together
ScoutWe're staying at the Glass House site. The campgrounds is awesome! There's no cell signal on the ground, but they have starlink at the bathhouse which works nearby. Our site has lots of room, sinks inside the old greenhouse, a fantastic gazebo for cooking, lots of lights, and room for both of our tents (one for my wife and I and one for our 3 kids). The community pavilion has an amazing fireplace, grills, and more. You can't go wrong bringing your family here!
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.
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."
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."
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 582 campgrounds and RV parks near Turtletown, TN and 55 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 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Turtletown, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 55 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.
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