Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River
Campground entrance
Thunder Rock Campground

Thunder Rock Campground

Open — The campground is currently open and operating first-come-first-served through late December, with reservations available starting in January. Typical season runs late February through mid-January.

Scioto Shooting Range Safety Closure December 30

Forest Service staff plan to conduct hazard tree mitigation at the Scioto Shooting Range on December 30.  The range will be closed on December 30 while crews address hazardous trees at the site.  Shooting will not be allowed at Scioto Shooting Range on December 30.

Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221

The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County.

Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions

Fire Restrictions Continue Along the Appalachian Trail

Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned

Temporary closure for Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is planned to start in the fall of 2025 for visitor health and safety during logging operations.  A specific start date for the closure is to be determined.

About

Thunder Rock Campground is located 1.8 miles northwest of the Ocoee Whitewater Center, nestled alongside the Ocoee River behind TVA Ocoee Powerhouse Number 3. The facility provides 37 regular campsites suitable for popups and RVs under 20 feet, plus one group campsite. Only site 9 offers electric hookup at 30 amp. Each campsite includes a picnic table, grill, and lantern post. The campground serves as a gateway to the Tanasi trail system, offering approximately 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails accessible via Thunder Rock Express, Dry Pond Lead, or the Rhododendron Trail. Thunder Rock also provides direct access to the Benton-McKaye Trail. The nearby Ocoee River put-in and Ocoee Whitewater Center, famous as the site of the 1996 Olympic Canoe/Kayak-Slalom Competition, makes this an ideal base for rafters and kayakers. The campground features water hydrants throughout the facility and bathhouses with flush toilets and warm showers. A campground host is stationed at the entrance next to the main bathhouse. Food storage restrictions apply, requiring all food and beverages to be stored in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles when not in use. Maximum occupancy is 5 people and 2 vehicles per site.

Directions

From the Ocoee Ranger Station, turn left onto Highway 64 eastbound and travel 10.9 miles to TVA Ocoee Powerhouse Number 3. Turn right and cross the bridge to reach the campground on the right.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $12 - $20

Vehicle

Max RV Length 20ft
Max Trailer Length 20ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (423) 338-3300

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River
Campground entrance
Thunder Rock Campground
Vault toilet near entrance of campground
Vault toilet in campground
Entrance sign to campground
Whitewater rafting at the nearby Ocoee Whitewater Center
Campground entrance just past TVA Ocoee No. 3 Powerhouse
Campground information kiosk
Flush toilets and showers

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