Tumbling Creek Boondocking in Copper Hill, TN
Guide to Off-Grid Camping Experiences
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| 1299 Tumbling Creek Rd Copper Hill, TN GPS: 35.01741, -84.467308 Elevation: 1527′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official) (423) 338-3300 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Tumbling Creek Boondocking: The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Tumbling Creek Campground. Located near Ocoee #3 Lake, this peaceful, remote campground offers 8 campsites along the banks of Tumbling Creek. Tumbling Creek Campground is convenient to the Ocoee Whitewater Centers’ Tanasi trail complex which offers many miles and levels of difficulty for mountain bikers and hikers alike. If solitude is what you prefer, Big Frog Wilderness trails are also located nearby. Climbing to an altitude above 4,000 feet, some of these trails are rugged but reward the hiker with panoramic views of the mountains and the chance to see wildlife.
About This Location
Tumbling Creek Boondocking in Copper Hill, TN gives you a quiet, natural spot if you’re after camping without the usual frills. You’ll find free, remote campsites right by Tumbling Creek—great for anyone on a budget who just wants some solitude and a bit of wild. The forest surrounds you here, and honestly, it’s one of those rare places you can really unplug.
Finding the site isn’t hard; it’s near Ocoee #3 Lake, and you’ll get access to hiking trails for all skill levels. Just a heads up: the campsites are basic—think tents or small rigs only, because there’s no water or electricity. If you’re craving a real boondocking experience, this is the spot to try.
You can wander the forest trails nearby, fish, or just chill by the water. Since Copper Hill isn’t far, you can pop into town if you want, but it’s easy to stay tucked away in the woods too. If simple, free camping in nature is your thing, Tumbling Creek is worth a visit.
Key Takeaways
- Free, basic campsites beside a creek in a peaceful forest
- Easy to reach, close to hiking trails and outdoor fun
- Best for tents or small vehicles—no hookups
Tumbling Creek Boondocking In Copper Hill, TN
Tumbling Creek Boondocking in Copper Hill, TN gives you a quiet boondocking spot right next to the creek. If you’re after a rustic camping vibe—no hookups, no fancy stuff—this is it. It’s part of Cherokee National Forest and sits right by Ocoee #3 Lake.
You’ll find about eight campsites, mostly for tents or smaller RVs. Being near water is a big plus—fishing and hiking are right there. Watch out for the dirt roads; they get rough, so a vehicle with good clearance makes life easier.
Since there’s no electricity or water, you have to bring everything you need. The stay limit is 14 days, which is plenty to explore and unwind. Biking trails add a little extra adventure if you’re into that.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Campsites | 8-15, near Tumbling Creek |
| Stay Limit | 14 days |
| Amenities | Near water, no hookups |
| Activities | Hiking, fishing, biking |
| Access | Dirt roads, some rough spots |
If you want to dig into technical camping tips, check out Springer, Elsevier, or Apress—they’ve got solid info on survival skills, environmental care, and camping how-tos. Not a bad idea for first-timers or anyone wanting to camp responsibly.
Things To Do
At Tumbling Creek Boondocking, you’ve got plenty of ways to soak up nature. The campground runs along Tumbling Creek, so fishing and quiet creekside walks are right outside your tent. If you pause, you might hear hummingbirds or spot other wildlife—kind of magical, honestly.
If you’re itching to move, hiking is a must. Trails snake through the forest, and you can lose track of time just wandering. Biking’s fun too, if you want to cover more ground.
The Ocoee River is nearby, so if you’re into whitewater rafting or water sports, you can get your adrenaline fix. Ocoee #3 Lake is close as well, offering more fishing or just a good spot to sit and stare at the water.
Families seem to enjoy the campground—it’s quiet, remote, and feels safe for kids. Not much to distract you except, well, the outdoors. It’s a solid spot to slow down.
Here’s a quick look at what you can do:
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fishing | Tumbling Creek & Ocoee #3 Lake |
| Hiking | Nearby forest trails |
| Biking | Trails around the campground |
| Wildlife Watching | Hummingbirds and local animals sightings |
| Water Sports | Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River |
Spending time at Tumbling Creek, you get those simple outdoor moments that make camping in Tennessee special.
Directions
If you’re heading to Tumbling Creek Boondocking in Copperhill, Tennessee, start at the Ocoee Ranger Station. Turn left onto Highway 64 and drive about 10.9 miles until you reach Ocoee Power House Number 3. Take a right, cross the bridge, and follow the signs straight to the campground entrance. The signage is decent, so you shouldn’t get lost.
The address is 398 Messer Drive, Copperhill, TN 37317—plug it into your GPS for a smoother trip.
If you get stuck, call 423-338-3300 for help or more info.
Roads are usually fine, but if it’s pouring or you’re driving at night, go slow. Better safe than sorry.
Vehicle Access
You’ll want to plan your ride before making the trip. The main route from Ocoee Ranger Station takes you down Highway 64 for about 11 miles, then you cross a bridge near Power House Number 3. That stretch is paved, so most cars are fine.
But once you get close to the mountaintop campsites, things get rough. You really need a 4×4 or AWD vehicle for those spots—roads get steep and bumpy. If you try it with a two-wheel drive, you risk damaging your car, and there’s a $100 property damage fee. Ouch.
Once you’re there, parking’s easy. Each site allows up to two vehicles, and you can park right at your spot, which makes unloading a breeze.
Don’t forget: there’s no water or restrooms nearby. Bring what you need, or show up with a camper or trailer set up for boondocking.
| Vehicle Type | Access Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4×4 or AWD | Full access | Needed for mountaintop sites |
| 2WD | Limited access | Risk of damage, $100 fee |
| Standard Car | Up to bridge area | Paved road only |
Your vehicle choice really does decide how deep into the campground you can get. Plan ahead so you don’t run into trouble.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
Tumbling Creek Boondocking in Copper Hill, TN works best for smaller RVs and travel trailers. You’ll find eight campsites, all close to the creek, which gives the whole place a peaceful, outdoorsy vibe.
Most sites are basic—limited amenities is an understatement. No hookups for water, electricity, or sewer, so you’ll need to show up ready for dry camping or boondocking.
Here’s what you need to know about RVs and trailers:
| RV/Trailer Type | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Trailers | Suitable | Best if under 25 feet for easier maneuvering |
| Small to Mid-size RVs | Suitable | Can handle tight spaces but no hookups |
| Large Motorhomes | Less Ideal | Limited space and no full facilities |
You’ll need to be self-sufficient—bring water, power, and a plan for waste. There aren’t any picnic tables, restrooms, or showers, just the creek and the woods.
It’s smart to bring your own firewood and supplies, though sometimes you’ll find friendly campers willing to share. This place is perfect if you want to keep things simple and focus on the outdoors with your RV or trailer.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Tumbling Creek Boondocking in Copper Hill, TN, you’ll find most campsites are free. There are eight established spots along the creek, and you won’t need to pay to use them. That makes this area a popular pick for boondocking and budget camping.
If you want more amenities or want to guarantee yourself a spot, you can check out some of the paid campgrounds nearby. A few private campgrounds close to Cherokee National Forest charge fees and may ask for reservations. They usually offer stuff like electricity, water hookups, and restrooms—pretty handy if you want a few more comforts.
You won’t find any official permit-only sites inside Tumbling Creek Boondocking itself. But if you’re thinking about camping somewhere else in Cherokee National Forest, some dispersed camping spots might need a permit. It’s smart to check the local Forest Service rules before heading out to camp beyond the designated areas.
- Tumbling Creek Boondocking sites are free to use.
- You don’t need permits for the main campground sites.
- Paid campgrounds with extra services are close by.
- Some forest spots may need permits for dispersed camping.
If you’re planning to wander beyond Tumbling Creek, it’s probably best to call the Cherokee National Forest office and double-check the permit situation. Better safe than sorry, right?
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Near Wate | Tent Camping Small RV Parking Biking Fishing Swimming Hiking Wildlife Viewing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links:
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