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Cherokee/Parksville Lake
Overview
Cherokee/Parksville Lake offers a classic mountain escape within the vast Cherokee National Forest in East Tennessee. Known for its historical significance as the oldest lake in the forest system, this destination provides a serene backdrop for RVers looking to disconnect from the frantic pace of modern life. The area is defined by the striking emerald waters of Parksville Lake and the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains, creating a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a more rustic and nature-focused camping experience.
Location & Surroundings
Located just outside of Benton, TN, the park is nestled along the scenic Highway 64 corridor. This area serves as the primary gateway to the Ocoee River Gorge, a world-renowned destination for whitewater activities and mountain scenery. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense hardwood forests and dramatic ridgelines. RVers will find themselves immersed in a lush canopy where the sound of the wind through the trees and the proximity to the shoreline define the daily atmosphere of the park.
Amenities & Park Features
The facilities at Cherokee/Parksville Lake lean toward a traditional camping experience while providing essential comforts for RV travelers. Many sites offer electric and water hookups, though it is important to note that individual sewer hookups are typically replaced by a central dump station. Visitors have access to bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay in the woods. The park features multiple boat ramps and designated swimming areas, making it easy to transition from your campsite to the water in minutes.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away, with the Ocoee Whitewater Center located just a short drive up the road. This site hosted the 1996 Olympic canoe and slalom events and offers excellent hiking and mountain biking trails. For those who prefer the water, Parksville Lake is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing for bass and perch. Additionally, the nearby Benton Springs and various forest service trails provide miles of exploration through the heart of the Tennessee mountains.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for active families and nature lovers who prioritize scenery and outdoor recreation over luxury resort amenities. If you enjoy falling asleep to the sounds of the forest and spending your days on the water or the trails, this is a perfect fit. It is particularly well-suited for mid-sized RVs and camper vans looking for a basecamp to explore the Ocoee region without the distractions of commercial developments or high-speed urban life.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Cheryl
We love coming to Parksville Lake. We take our pontoon boat out and spend a few hours out on the water for those who don’t have about the beach access is nice. You pay the three dollars and there’s plenty of shade of trees and facilities steps leading into the water to get in and out easily.
Mark Gutowski
Nancy the camp host, is the Bomb. She took great care of all our needs and questions. Bathrooms sparkling. No one that doesn’t belong is getting by her. She’s on it. Anything you need from maps to hiking to directions she’s got you covered. Quiet & peaceful park. We originally had site 10 and all the sites that were available for the time we were going to be there she let us know on arrival and we picked the best for us. We chose 4. Great site. There is a double site next to 4 that families usually rent. The water sites are great. They have a high bank so most are hard to get to the water. Loved this park. Yes we will be back. We have starlink and it was spotty.
Dale M
We stayed here for several days in March of 2023. While it could still use some updating, the facility is still kept stocked and clean. The camp hostess was friendly and helpful. This is still one of our favorite areas to visit because the surrounding area is abundant with hiking of all kinds, from easy to difficult. Lots of trails tucked away off the sides of the road. The views in the area are some of the best in the state. The sites are well setup and have enough space to be comfortable. There were actually black bears in the area and lots of pets on-site, be sure to keep yours leashed. Sadly there is a lot of storm damage-downed trees all over the area. It's still beautiful, but it will be some time before it returns to normal. Everything is open and functioning. Be sure to visit Cleveland and Chattanooga, both are close by.
Charlie Mike
We stayed 6 days starting 3/6/23. I've seen complaints of the host, but the couple that were there during our stay were fantastic. They said hello when they saw us, but never intruded. They also gave us some dinner recommendations in town when we asked them and they kept them restrooms/showers pristine. The campsite is great, the perimeter sites have a creek running behind them. The dam is nearby and catching the sunrise on the lake just outside the campground is well worth waking up early.
Eric Schroeder
This is one of the most amazing little campgrounds you will ever find! The hiking/biking trails out of the park lead to waterfalls and beautiful mountain vistas. If you're into road riding your motorcycle, this is a launching point. It is a fantastic ride to the Dragons Tail The campground was able to handle my Class A RV.