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Map showing campground location near Copperhill, Tennessee
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Tumbling Creek Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review

The sound of flowing water accompanies campers at this primitive Forest Service campground, where sites spread along Tumbling Creek without formal amenities or facilities. Located on gravel Forest Service roads in Cherokee National Forest, the campground requires either a longer approach through multiple forest roads or a shorter two-mile stretch on Forest Service Road 221 when accessed via paved Grassy Creek Road off Highway 68.

Campers pull in and select their own spots next to the river, creating a dispersed camping experience without designated sites or hookups. The creek provides the primary draw, offering fishing opportunities and the constant background of moving water. Traci W. notes visitors can "pull in, find a spot next to the river and enjoy" the lack of traffic noise and light pollution. The open lake accommodates small fishing boats, while the surrounding forest roads occasionally see trucks pulling boats during daylight hours.

Cell service reaches the area despite the remote location, and the primitive nature means no restrooms, water spigots, or trash collection. Campers seeking more developed options can explore campgrounds around Copperhill or check nearby Thunder Rock Campground for additional amenities. The gravel road access requires patience but rewards visitors with creek-side camping at no cost year-round.

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Location

Public Campground

Tumbling Creek Campground is located in Tennessee

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the Ocoee Ranger Station turn left onto Highway 64 and travel about 10.9 miles to Ocoee Power House Number 3. Turn right and cross the bridge, following Forest Service Road 45 about 2.9 miles to Forest Service road 221. Turn left on 221 and the campground is 6.9 miles on the left.

Coordinates

35.01741091 N
84.46730681 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/4/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/4/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the peaceful riverside setting with excellent privacy and natural beauty. However, several visitors reported the complete absence of facilities, making this a primitive camping experience in the Appalachian Mountains.

Jonathan G.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2025

Quiet spot in the back of beyond

This spot was everything the other reviewers mentioned. We were a little intimidated coming here because the directions had it eight or nine miles down some Forest service roads, and we have a fairly low clearance camper van. But you can also come in on paved grassy Creek road off highway 68 and you are only on Forest service road 221 for 2 miles total.

Sitethere are no really marked sites
Month of VisitApril
T
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2024

Primitive and peaceful

Stayed in mid-February so others might have a different experience. This camp is PRIMITIVE. There are no facilities of any type. Pull in, find a spot next to the river and enjoy. Other than trucks pulling small fishing boats up the road during the day (and maybe people trail riding) there is no traffic noise. No light pollution. Just the peace of nature.

Site?
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Tumbling Creek Campground by Traci W., February 19, 2024
  • Crystal clear water
    Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • (4) View All
GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2020

Quiet, not well known except to locals

The drive in on the gravel road takes forever but it is very peaceful once you arrive to the destination. It is nice to listen to the sound of gentle flowing water, to look around and only see one other camper well down the road, it all well worth it.

All the amenities were gone and it is fairly primitive. Overall though it was a great place to camp, for free, in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains

Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Tumbling Creek Campground?

Tumbling Creek Campground is a primitive camping area with minimal amenities. There are no facilities of any kind - no restrooms, no showers, no hookups, and no water sources. The campground consists of basic pull-in sites along the creek/river where you can set up camp. The rustic nature of this campground means you'll need to be fully self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal options. While amenities are sparse, the natural setting and peaceful environment are the main attractions.

Where is Tumbling Creek Campground located in Tennessee?

Tumbling Creek Campground is located near Cleveland, Tennessee. The campground can be accessed via forest service roads, but there's also an easier route via paved Grassey Creek Road off Highway 68. The campground sits alongside a creek/river in a peaceful natural setting. While somewhat remote, requiring a drive down gravel roads to reach it, this secluded location contributes to its quiet atmosphere. Visitors should prepare for a bit of a journey to reach this hidden gem.

What activities can you do at Tumbling Creek Campground in Cleveland, TN?

Tumbling Creek Campground offers several outdoor activities centered around its natural setting. Fishing is popular, with the creek and nearby lake providing opportunities for anglers (small fishing boats are common on the lake). Visitors can enjoy hiking along the riverside, wildlife watching, and nature photography. The peaceful environment makes it perfect for relaxing activities like reading by the water, stargazing at night, or simply enjoying the sounds of the gentle flowing creek. Trail riding appears to be another activity in the area. The campground's primitive nature makes it ideal for those seeking to disconnect and enjoy simple outdoor pursuits.

Are there scenic photo opportunities at Tumbling Creek Campground?

Yes, Tumbling Creek Campground offers excellent scenic photo opportunities. The gentle flowing creek or river that runs through the campground creates beautiful water scenes, especially with the natural light playing on the surface. The surrounding forest setting provides lush greenery as a backdrop. With minimal development and few other campers typically present, you can capture pristine nature shots without human elements. Early morning mist over the water, sunset reflections, and the open lake area are particularly photogenic. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty of compositions featuring the peaceful water, forest, and potentially wildlife in this serene setting.

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