Cherokee National Forest runs Thunder Rock Campground along the banks of the Ocoee River in Benton, Tennessee, where the campground functions as a well-used base for paddlers, mountain bikers, hikers, and overlanders tackling the surrounding terrain. Sites are level and shaded, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole. The campground runs from April through November, with nightly rates from $12 to $20, and reservations are strongly recommended on weekends since the site fills quickly. Bear-safe trash receptacles and water points are distributed throughout the grounds, and an on-site camp host keeps the facilities in consistent shape.
Noise is the most consistent concern across reviews. The campground sits close to Highway 64, and multiple campers note that truck traffic carries through the night, with the river not loud enough to cover it. Sites on the north side of the campground run directly along the Ocoee, which is fast-moving whitewater, not a swimming hole, so families with young children should factor that in carefully. South-side sites sit away from the river but can run wet or muddy depending on conditions. Cell coverage is limited across carriers, with AT&T and T-Mobile showing little to no signal and Verizon faring only slightly better.
The campground gives direct access to trailheads and a mountain bike cleaning station on-site, reflecting how heavily the Tanasi trail system draws riders. A mountain bike cleaning station sits on the grounds. Asher K. describes it as "a great car camping campground along the Ocoee River," noting walkin river access and several hiking trails reachable on foot from the sites. The Ocoee Whitewater Center is also within range for rafting. Fishing and kayaking round out the water-based options.
Alcohol is prohibited, as the county is dry, and rangers patrol regularly. Firewood is not available on-site, so bring your own. The bathhouse draws consistent praise for cleanliness, though hot water is not guaranteed. For campers who want a more dispersed experience, Rough Creek Dispersed sits about 1.6 miles south, and Little Gassaway Creek is another nearby option in the same corridor. Broader campgrounds near Cherokee National Forest are worth browsing for those who want to compare before booking.
Thunder Rock works best for activity-focused campers who plan to spend most of their time on the water or trails and can sleep through road noise.
Description
Overview
Thunder Rock Campground is located 1.8 miles northwest of the Ocoee Whitewater Center, just behind TVA Ocoee Powerhouse Number 3. Nestled alongside the Ocoee River, this facility provides 37 regular campsites for popups and RVs less than 20 feet with no elctricity , ONLY site 9 is an electric site for less than 20 feet at 30 amp, and one group campsite. Thunder Rock is a popular destination for both whitewater and trail enthusiasts.
Recreation
Trailhead parking is available for the nearby Tanasi trail system, which includes approximately 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. This system can be reached via Thunder Rock Express, Dry Pond Lead, or the Rhododendron Trail. Thunder Rock also provides access to the Benton-McKaye Trail.
Facilities
Picnic tables, grills, and lantern posts are located at each campsite. Water hydrants are located throughout the campground. Bathhouses provide flush toilets and warm showers. The campground host is located at the campground entrance next to the main bathhouse. Thunder Rock Campground Map and Guide
Natural Features
The Cherokee National Forest is located in eastern Tennessee and stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border. The 650,000-acre swath of land is Tennessee's only national forest. It lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachians and is home to more than 20,000 species of plants and animals, as well as many rivers, creeks and lakes.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby Ocoee River put-in and Ocoee Whitewater Center, home of the 1996 Olympic Canoe/Kayak-Slalom Competition, makes this an ideal location for rafters and kayakers alike.
Charges & Cancellations
All sites have a $18.00 cancellation and reservation fee.
Fee Info
Standard Electric site fee = $20 per night (or $15 per night with a discount pass)
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsThunder Rock Campground is located in Tennessee near Reliance
Directions
From the Ocoee Ranger Station, turn left onto Highway 64 eastbound and travel 10.9 miles to the TVA Ocoee Powerhouse Number 3. Turn right and cross the bridge to reach the campground on the right.
Address
3171 Hwy 64
Benton, TN 37307
Coordinates
35.0761111 N
84.4855556 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/31/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/31/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/31/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- 30 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 37 min from Cleveland, TN
- 1 hr from Chattanooga, TN
- 1 hr 43 min from Gainesville, GA
- 1 hr 50 min from Rome, GA














































