Thunder Rock Campground
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.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Camping not permitted within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway
Camping restricted along Skyway to beyond 300 yards.
motorboats restricted on Forest Service Lakes
Possession or operating a vessel powered by an internal combustion engine of any size or propelled by any other machinery rated greater than 5 horsepower is prohibited on McKamy Lake, Indian Boundary Lake, and Allen Branch Pond.
Cherokee National Forest enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
USDA Forest Service officials initiate Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Cherokee National Forest beginning Friday in response to extreme fire danger due to prolonged drought. The restrictions will prohibit fires outside of developed recreation sites. Drought conditions persist across the…
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. This Emergency Repair is in response to flood damage that…
Access disrupted to Chilhowee Recreation Area and Forest Service Road #77
UPDATE: Construction crews closed access to Chilhowee Recreation Area for road construction and paving. This is a phased project with adjustments to Chilhowee access throughout the phases. The long-term improvement project includes installation of dumpster pads for bear-proof dumpsters and…
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.
Closure order prohibiting protected areas pertaining to Paint Rock
Going into or being upon or in the area of closure (this includes all forms ofpresence, including as a pedestrian or by any and all other means)
Wilderness Closure Orders
This Forest Order is associated with Wilderness Areas limitations concerning stay duration, group size limits, mechanized equipment, camping and camping equipment.
Donley Cabin Camping Limitations
Limits to Donley Cabin exist to preserve small group opportunities in a remote setting. No overnight occupancy by more than 6 persons. No stays in the area except for 6 person limit authorized between sundown and sunrise. No discharge of firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within 500 feet of Donley…
Equestrian animals prohibited around Citico Creek
Equestrian animals are prohibited from going into or being upon the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek for the protection of threatened and endanger species.
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.
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
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