RV Camping

Several campgrounds in the Cherokee National Forest offer large, level campsites suitable for RV camping, but only a few provide electric hook-ups. 

The following campgrounds have electric hook-ups at some or all campsites:  Rock Creek Recreation Area (Unaka Mountain  Zone), Chilhowee Recreation Area (Ocoee River Zone), Parksville Lake Campground (Ocoee River Zone) and Indian Boundary Recreation Area (Tellico River Zone).

RV Camping Areas

• Ocoee River Area

  

  World class whitewater, mountain biking trail systems, environmental education programs, highly developed camping, and scenic byways are a few activities featured in the Ocoee River area.  

  Local outfitters offer rafting excursions in the Ocoee River’s world-class whitewater. The Ocoee Whitewater Center is a hub for outdoor adventure and offers regional information, environmental education, trails and picnic sites. Bike the 30-mile Tanasi Trail complex and trails at Chilhowee Recreation Area or take a scenic drive along the Ocoee Scenic Byway (US 64 and Forest Road 77). Popular camping areas include Parksville and Thunder Rock Campgrounds, as well as Chilhowee Recreation Area.

  • Ocoee River Area Map
  • Ocoee River Area Guide
• Chilhowee Recreation Area

  

  Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Campground offers more than 70 campsites, electric hookups, RV sites, tent-only sites and multiple bathhouses.The campground is usually open from early April to late October, with an overflow area and day use area open year-round. 7-acre McKamy Lake offers a swim area with a sand beach, and fishing from the bank. Boats are allowed, but gasoline motors are not. Also, within the recreation area are approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a scenic waterfall. On the drive up to the campground, stop at one of the many observation overlooks to see beautiful mountain settings. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly.

  Chilhowee Recreation Area Map and Guide

• Parksville Lake Campground
• Tellico River Area

  

  This area provides outstanding opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, and scenic driving.  It is also home to the popular Indian Boundary Recreation Area and the Cherohala Skyway.

  Nearly 30,000 acres of remote backcountry surround three rivers and their tributaries, where fishing for brown, rainbow and brook trout is excellent. Cherohala Skyway (TN 165/NC143), a 43-mile National Scenic Byway, winds between Tellico Plains, Tenn. and Robbinsville, N.C. Tellico River Road (FR 210) offers intimate views of the river and 90-foot Bald River Falls.

  Spend the night at the historic Donley Cabin and check out CCC structures at Tellico Ranger Station and Dam Creek Picnic Area. Hike across the area on the Benton MacKaye Trail. Camp at sites along Tellico River or in Indian Boundary Recreation Area just off Cherohala Skyway.

  • Tellico River Area Map
  • Tellico River Area Guide
• Indian Boundary Recreation Area

  

  If you are looking for a base camp to explore the vicinity or a destination campground with modern facilities and a family atmosphere, try Indian Boundary Recreation Area (IBRA), accessed off Cherohala Skyway.

  Over 87 campsites are equipped with firerings, picnic tables, lantern posts and electrical hookups, with easy access to drinking water, showers, flush toilet facilities and an on-site dump station.

  Day use facilities include a 96-acre lake, swim beach, small boat launch, accessible fishing pier and 3.6 mile hike/bike trail around the lake. Did you forget something? Don't sweat it! The Indian Boundary General Store can meet your camping supply needs ranging from bread to firewood, as well as a souvenir for you to remember your trip to IBRA.

  Indian Boundary Recreation Area Map

  Indian Boundary Recreation Area Guide

• Unaka Mountains

  

  Backcountry trails, scenic driving and the Nolichucky River provide opportunities for outdoor adventure.  High elevation balds along the Unaka Mountain Range offer spectacular views.

  Look for Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower located on the crest of Buffalo Mountain.  The zone is rich with Civilian Conservation Corps history:  view their legacy at Laurels, Rock Creek and Unaka Mountain Road.  Enjoy picnicking at Laurels, Limestone Cove, Rock Creek and Chestoa or camp at Rock Creek Recreation Area.   

  • Unaka Mountains Map
  • Unaka Mountains Guide
• Rock Creek Recreation Area