Hiwassee River Area

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.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Hiwassee River Area is located in Tennessee

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.15005883 N
84.41637528 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

34%
67%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2019

Hiwassee Outfitter Campground

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. Water spigots throughout the campground but not directly at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Very spacious camping on level dirt or grass ground. We had 2 tents and could have fit 3 more. No lights, so it’s pretty dark after 10pm. Campground is next to the outfitters where you can rent kayaks, floats and rafts. We used the Webb Brothers rental company 0.5 miles down the road from the campground because they had same day availability without reservations. The bathhouse has hot showers and flush toilets but it’s rather rustic due to all people using it coming off the river. There is no charge to use the showers. The bathhouse is shared with the daily rafters. Camp-store on site. No phone signal which is ok with us because we like to unplug. There is free WiFi available at the rafting Outfitter store. There is a small restaurant about a mile away “FlipFlop Burger place”; which was a nice surprise. 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. A nice place to camp if you come for water fun. If you don’t mind the muddy bathrooms then this is the place for you. We will be back for sure.

  • Review photo of Hiwassee River Area by Katrin  S., July 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Hiwassee River Area by Katrin  S., July 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Hiwassee River Area by Katrin  S., July 28, 2019
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2019

Hiwassee Outfitters

Excellent sites, small outfitter store with food, drink, sundries. Breakfast & Lunch Diner. Multiple Float Rental types including sit in, sit on and inflatable kayaks. Shuttle to top for put in and take out at camp ground on the river. Clean bath house and hot showers. This is a popular location for the regional university students so expect a bit of a hootenanny to surround and welcome you. If you’re not down with everyone having a good time, choose the Forest Service Primitive sites just up the road a piece

Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

Hiawasse outfitters

Great people great view outstanding rafting adventure on the ocoee river(both upper and lower) upper is a Bit@@. Clas 5 rapids and alot of fun. Camping is quiet and peaceful. Its just great

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Hiwassee River Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Hiwassee River Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Hiwassee River Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.