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Thunder Rock Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — Benton · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Cherokee National Forest |
| Location | Benton · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest · 35.07611, -84.48556 · Map |
| Sites | 38 public sites counted from the federal listing — 33 standard nonelectric; 3 tent only nonelectric; 1 standard electric; 1 group tent only area nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 1 of 38 sites (up to 30 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 38 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 38 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 38 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Standard Electric site fee = $20 per night (or $15 per night with a discount pass) |
| Check-in / out | In 3:00 PM · Out 2:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 38 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 423-338-3300 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
6 mi straight-line · Benton TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceChilhowee Group Camp
9 mi straight-line · Benton TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceChilhowee Campground
9 mi straight-line · Benton TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceQuinn Springs Pavilion
11 mi straight-line · Benton TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceLost Corral Horse Camp
12 mi straight-line · Tennessee
Trip Card — Thunder Rock Campground
Benton · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Benton · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest |
| Fees | Standard Electric site fee = $20 per night (or $15 per night with a discount pass) |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 1 |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 38 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251938 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.