Established Camping
Thunder Rock Campground
About
National Forest
Cherokee National Forest
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)
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonPoor
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
TravelerGorgeous trails, friendly community, national treasure
The campsites are spread out a decent amount, some more than others. More trails than you know what to do with. The main bathhouse is the cleanest. Was a little confusing when pulling up, as it was our first time camping in a national forrest but we enjoyed our time. You are near enough the main Forrest road so you will hear traffic but it didn't bother us much at all. Super easy to find. When you pull into the campground rean the main board for instructions on how to pay, I recommend driving around the campsite once to figure out which one you would like to use.
- (5) View All
GuideFirst campsite I ever went to!
My husband's family took me here for my first camping trip, and I loved it! It was a quiet spot right on the water, in late fall when all the leaves where so beautiful. Mind you, I did wear every piece of clothing I packed, to the point that I couldn't even fold my arms. I've been on many camping trips since, and my cold tolerance has improved, but Thunder Rock remains one of my favorite spots to this day. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a place to spend a night under the stars!
- (19) View All
TravelerRiver site
Right next to pump house which added to excitement. Short hike to Olympic kayak course. Beautiful. Clean.
- (4) View All
Location
Thunder Rock Campground is located in Tennessee
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