Thunder Rock Campground

Star3.78
246 reviews
3171 Hwy 64, Benton, TN, 37307, USA

Quick Facts

1,138 ft

Price

$12 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open from February 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Thunder Rock Campground
$12.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Electric site fee is $20 per night or $15 per night with a discount pass. Standard Nonelectric sites and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are $12...
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Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$15.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
423-338-3300
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What Campers Say

3.78

Mixed Reviews

Based on 246 reviews

171 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

Some mention

small

"Reviews of Thunder Rock Campground highlight its beautiful natural setting, proximity to the Ocoee River, and access to trails. However, cleanliness, road conditions, and noise levels are common concerns."

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Campground Map

3171 Hwy 64, Benton, TN, 37307, USA

Thunder Rock Campground

3171 Hwy 64, Benton, TN, 37307, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
RV's, trailers, and pop-ups greater than 20 feet in length are NOT allowed at this facility due to maneuverability restrictions. Paved roads exist but are reportedly in poor condition with numerous potholes. Several user reviews describe hazardous driving conditions.
Nearby places
- Cleveland, TN: Approximately 25 miles (40 minutes) - Chattanooga, TN: Approximately 45 miles (1 hour) - Copperhill, TN: Approximately 13 miles (20 minutes) - Blue Ridge, GA: Approximately 26 miles (40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Nearby essentials are available in Benton, TN (11 miles), and Copperhill, TN (15 miles). Supplies include grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Thunder Rock Campground

Spring arrives at Thunder Rock with crisp mountain mornings and warming afternoons, as dogwoods bloom and the forest awakens from winter slumber. Summer brings languid days perfect for river adventures, punctuated by refreshing afternoon thundershowers that roll through the mountains. But it's autumn that truly steals the show—when maples and oaks paint the hillsides in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise with comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking. The campground hibernates through winter, allowing the forest to rest and renew for another year of adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer good for river adventures and trail use; listed as part of long open season and peak recreation time.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late fall/early winter noted as less crowded and peaceful; good foliage season in Appalachians.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring described with crisp mornings, blooms, and good trail/riverside conditions for visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open through Dec 31; cooler, less crowded but not a winter-recreation destination and one cold/rainy review noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: February 24th to December 31st. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from February 24th to December 31st annually.

About Thunder Rock Campground

Tucked along the rushing waters of the Ocoee River, Thunder Rock Campground offers an intimate escape into Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest. This beloved riverside retreat welcomes adventurers with thoughtfully spaced sites beneath a canopy of ancient hardwoods, accommodating everything from backpacking tents to compact RVs under 20 feet. With one electric hookup site and a spacious group camping area, Thunder Rock has become a cherished basecamp for whitewater enthusiasts and trail explorers who return season after season to experience the raw beauty of the Southern Appalachians.
Thunder Rock Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RVs (under 20 feet), and a group site.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Thunder Rock Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities. Access to the Tanasi trail system, Benton-McKaye Trail, and the Ocoee River supports hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater activities.
HikingApproximately 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible from the campground. Notable trails include Thunder Rock Express, Dry Pond Lead, and the Rhododendron Trail. Some user reviews, however, mention fallen trees and poorly maintained paths.
FishingFishing is permitted in nearby water bodies, although specific details about fish species and quality are not given.
BikingThe Tanasi trail system offers mountain biking opportunities. However, some users highlighted maintenance issues, such as 'several trees down blocking paths.'
BoatingThe Ocoee River provides opportunities for kayaking and rafting. A user review noted: 'It would be a perfect campground for a base camp for rafting/kayaking the Ocoee River.'
Wildlife viewingThe campground is situated in the Cherokee National Forest, which is home to over 20,000 plant and animal species, enhancing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotholes and uneven roads pose hazards for vehicles and pedestrians. Wildlife, including bears, requires vigilance in food storage. River noise and nearby highway traffic can be disruptive.

Weather at Thunder Rock Campground

Reviews

3.8
246 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Thunder Rock Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Thunder Rock Campground highlight its beautiful natural setting, proximity to the Ocoee River, and access to trails. However, cleanliness, road conditions, and noise levels are common concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 246 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the campground's location near the river and trails. Comments such as 'Awesome campground right on the Ocoee River' and 'Great location and clean facilities' were common.
Based on 246 reviews

Common Concerns

Users cited issues such as potholes ('The many deep potholes in the campground road were ridiculous'), poor bathroom cleanliness ('The restroom were filthy'), and road noise ('Noise from the highway...
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Based on 246 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs to mitigate road noise, firewood for campfires, and be prepared to navigate potholes. A user noted that 'reading the dates on reserved sites' prevents confusion.
Based on 246 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In late fall and early winter, the campground is less crowded, making it a peaceful time to visit, despite colder weather. Maintenance issues seem to be ongoing year-round.
Based on 246 reviews

Camper Quotes

Examples include: 'The campsite was situated nicely for some privacy,' 'The Tanasi trails are fantastic,' and 'The potholes in the road were ridiculous.'
Based on 246 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 9 is the only one with electricity. Sites 1-3 are near general parking. Campsites by the river offer scenic views but are close to the highway.
Based on 246 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 246 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users reported positive experiences camping with dogs, such as: 'Really appreciated it being safe for dogs.'
Based on 246 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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