Forest Service sites along the Hiwassee River provide direct access to Tennessee's premier whitewater corridor. Most sites offer river or stream views from level dirt and grass ground, with water spigots distributed throughout the campground rather than at individual sites. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with spacious layouts accommodating multiple tents.
The campground operates without electric hookups but features a shared bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets, used by both campers and daily rafters from the adjacent outfitter. Cell service is unavailable, though WiFi connects at the nearby outfitter store. Water releases at 11am cause river levels to rise quickly, making morning hours ideal for fishing directly from campsites. For different terrain, Lost Creek - Cherokee NF sits 3 miles west in a more forested setting.
Description
View of Hiwassee River from Hood Mountain Overlook in Cherokee National Forest Forested hillsides and pastoral river bottoms complement the beauty of Hiwassee River Gorge. Fishing, rafting, canoeing and hiking are popular activities. The 21-mile John Muir National Recreation Trail , a section of the longer distance Benton MacKaye Trail, meanders along the river. Camp at the nearby state campground at Gee Creek. Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Motorized boat, Fly; Boat Launch available Hiwassee River Area Map Hiwassee River Area Guide
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHiwassee River Area is located in Tennessee
Coordinates
35.15005883 N
84.41637528 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 56 min from Cleveland, TN
- 1 hr 19 min from Chattanooga, TN
- 1 hr 47 min from Knoxville, TN
- 2 hrs 3 min from Gainesville, GA






