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115 campgrounds and RV Parks near Riceville, TN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
115 campgrounds
5415 campsites
107 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Riceville, TN
Athens I-75 Campground
Athens, TN (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+4
Over-Niter RV Park
Athens, TN (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
The Road Less Traveled RV Park
Delano, TN (12 miles away)
Rivers RV Park Campground
Delano, TN (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
Tennessee Country Campground and RV Park
Niota, TN (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+2
Gee Creek Campground
Delano, TN (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
Hiwassee Ocoee Scenic River State Park
Delano, TN (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+3
Blue Water RV Resort
Dayton, TN (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+6
Bitner's RV Park
Spring City, TN (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(39 sites)
+5
Adventures Unlimited
Tennessee (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(90 sites)
Camp Willow Outdoor Resort
Ten Mile, TN (19 miles away)
Fooshee Pass Campground
Ten Mile, TN (19 miles away)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Tables Showers Internet Grills Toilets Laundry Firewood Dump station General store
Camping near Riceville, Tennessee
Riceville sits in McMinn County in southeast Tennessee, along the I-75 corridor between Chattanooga and Knoxville. The area serves as a practical base for RV travelers heading to the Cherokee National Forest, which stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border and covers roughly 650,000 acres as Tennessee's only national forest. The Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Chattanooga are all within a manageable day's drive.
Private RV parks cluster around Athens and the interstate exits closest to Riceville. Athens I-75 Campground and Over-Niter RV Park offer straightforward overnight and short-stay options for travelers moving through the region, while Rivers RV Park Campground, The Road Less Traveled RV Park, and Tennessee Country Campground and RV Park cater to longer stays with hookups and quieter rural settings.
Public land options require a short drive. Hiwassee Scenic River State Park's Gee Creek Campground sits along the Hiwassee River at the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest, with 47 individual campsites, eight group sites, tables, fire rings, grills, public water, and a bathhouse with hot showers. Starting in the fall, Gee Creek is scheduled to undergo an infrastructure renovation and close until an anticipated spring reopening the following year.
Things to do around Riceville
Water sits at the center of most trips. The Hiwassee is a designated state scenic river popular for paddling and float trips, and the nearby Ocoee River is a well-known whitewater destination with commercial rafting outfits based along US-64. Paddling and fishing are also available on Parksville Lake, just to the south.
On land, the Cherokee National Forest offers hiking, mountain biking, and waterfall trails. The Chilhowee Recreation Area holds approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails and a scenic waterfall, with a popular 1.5-mile out-and-back moderate trail to Benton Falls. Families often add day trips to the Lost Sea in Sweetwater and to Chattanooga attractions like the aquarium and Lookout Mountain, both within about an hour by RV or tow vehicle.
Camping spots and RV parks near Riceville, TN
Seasonal patterns near Riceville
- spring
March - May
68° / 48°F 125 mmPrime paddling season; Ocoee releases begin in March
- summer
June - August
86° / 66°F 105 mmHot, humid; afternoon thunderstorms common
- fall
September - November
70° / 48°F 100 mmPeak leaf color mid to late October at elevation
- winter
December - February
48° / 32°F 135 mmMild for the region; higher forest campgrounds closed
Spring and fall are the strongest windows for RV travel in this part of Tennessee. Daytime temperatures are moderate, humidity is manageable, and both the Hiwassee corridor and the higher elevations of the Cherokee National Forest are at their best for hiking and paddling. Fall color typically peaks in mid to late October at higher elevations and slightly later in the valley.
Summer is hot and humid, with daytime highs in the mid to upper 80s common from June through August and afternoon thunderstorms frequent. Ocoee rafting bookings peak from June through August, with the Middle Ocoee running five days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day and weekends only in spring and fall.
Winter is the quiet season. Cold spells in the valleys near Athens are usually short-lived, with periods of milder southerly flow in between. Many private RV parks near Riceville remain open year-round, but higher-elevation Forest Service sites, including Chilhowee Campground, are usually open from early April to late October and close for the winter.
Top Hosts near Riceville, TN
Darla14 trips - Joined Jul 2022
We opted for delivery and setup to the campsite which was great! When we arrived everything was set up and ready for us to move in. It was great to escape the heat at the event and have lunch and dinner at the camper. They were awesome to work with! We highly recommend them for a rental option!! We would definitely choose them again!!
CYNTHIA S. - Jun 2025
So glad I chose to rent an rv for the first time this weekend, as it rained 2 of 3 days and nights. Communication was smooth, even when a strange fluke occurred and I accidently got locked out. Matt immediately drove out to the site with a spare. It seemed to be a malfunction in the mechanism which I'm sure they will be addressing soon.The camper was clean, well equipped and simple to operate. The bed was comfy and I am particular. So , I was , a happy camper.
Beth R. - May 2025
Charissa5 trips - Joined Jul 2023
Had a wonderful weekend at Fall Creek falls. Charissa was very responsive. No issues with camper.
John P. - Jul 2026
Excellent host. Very responsive. Clean camper. We enjoyed our time utilizing it. Thank you!
Jessica H. - Oct 2024
How to book campgrounds near Riceville
Private parks around Riceville, including Athens I-75 Campground, Over-Niter RV Park, Rivers RV Park Campground, The Road Less Traveled RV Park, and Tennessee Country Campground and RV Park, generally take reservations directly by phone or through their own websites. For interstate stops, calling a day or two ahead is usually enough outside of peak summer weekends.
Public campgrounds use two separate systems. Camping reservations at Chilhowee and other Cherokee National Forest sites are made on recreation.gov, and reservations must be made at least 4 days before arrival or up to 6 months in advance. Tennessee State Parks use their own booking portal, with advance reservations available up to 1 year ahead of the arrival date.
What to expect on the ground
Terrain around Riceville is rolling farmland transitioning to steeper Appalachian foothills to the east. Most private RV parks near the I-75 corridor are level and easy to navigate with a rental RV, with pull-through sites and full hookups common. Cell coverage is reliable along the interstate and thinner in the mountains.
Backroads to forest campgrounds can be narrow and winding. For Chilhowee specifically, GPS directions send drivers up Benton Springs Road, which is not recommended. The Forest Service route is FS Road 77, which climbs about 7 miles up a narrow, winding road to reach the campground. The Benton Springs Access Road is unpaved and considered dangerous for RVs.
Bears are present in the surrounding national forest. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container, a locked vehicle, or a hard-sided camper at all times unless being eaten, prepared, or transported.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Riceville, TN
How much does an RV rental in Riceville, TN typically cost?
RV rental in Riceville is one of the most affordable ways to explore East Tennessee. Travel trailers typically start around $90 to $160 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A rigs sit closer to $250 to $400. Because Riceville is a quiet rural community in McMinn County between Athens and Calhoun, pricing tends to run lower than what you would pay in Nashville or Gatlinburg. To find a cheap RV rental in Riceville, book midweek, travel in the shoulder months of March, April, or October, and consider older travel trailers for the best per-night value. Bundling delivery with a multi-night stay often saves more than chasing the lowest sticker price.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Riceville%2C%20TennesseeWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Riceville, Tennessee?
Good news: a standard driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Riceville. Tennessee does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes or travel trailers, so your everyday Class D license works. To book on RVezy, the primary driver generally needs to be at least 25 years old, and ID verification is completed inside the platform during checkout. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most first-time renters are surprised how quick the verification step is, often under five minutes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental in Riceville covered if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Riceville booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head to the Hiwassee River or the Cherokee National Forest with peace of mind. RVezy offers multiple protection tiers, and you (not the host) choose the level of coverage that fits your trip during checkout. The plan covers most accidental damage to the vehicle, giving you financial protection without arranging separate policies. Do the pickup walkthrough carefully with your host and snap a few photos, that simple habit prevents most post-trip disputes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my Riceville RV trip plans change?
Booking your Riceville RV trip is low-risk. RVezy (not individual hosts) sets the cancellation policy, and every booking includes a money-back grace period right after you book, so if life throws a curveball in the first window, you are protected. Beyond that, refunds scale based on how far ahead of your trip you cancel. You will see the full policy details on the RVezy website before you confirm payment. Book early to lock in the rigs that go fast, especially Smoky Mountains weekends, knowing you have flexibility if plans shift.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Riceville?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental in Riceville is easy to find. Just turn on the Pet-Friendly filter when searching and you will see rigs from hosts who welcome dogs (and sometimes cats). Most McMinn County and Cherokee National Forest campgrounds also welcome leashed pets. Great nearby spots include the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park trails, the John Muir National Recreation Trail, and the open fields around Riceville. Bring vaccination records (some campgrounds spot-check), a tie-out, and a portable water bowl since summer highs climb into the upper 80s. Message the host before booking to confirm pet fees and any breed or weight notes.
tnstateparks.com/parks/hiwassee-ocoeeCan the RV be delivered to my campground near Riceville?
Yes, RV delivery in Riceville is one of the smartest ways to start your trip, especially if it is your first time renting an RV. Many local hosts will drive the rig directly to campgrounds like Parksville Lake Campground in the Cherokee National Forest or Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park, or even to a private property in Athens, Etowah, or Calhoun. They can level it, hook up water and electric, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Delivery fees are usually based on round-trip mileage from the host's home base. Filter listings by Delivery and message two or three hosts, you will often find one already heading near your destination.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039285234-What-is-RV-deliveryHow far can I travel on a Riceville RV trip, and what road trips are popular?
You have great range from Riceville thanks to its location between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Popular RV road trips from Riceville include Great Smoky Mountains National Park (about 75 miles via Pigeon Forge), Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain (about 65 miles), the Ocoee River whitewater area (about 40 miles), Asheville, NC via the Cherohala Skyway (about 130 miles), and Nashville (about 175 miles). Each host sets their own mileage policy, with some offering unlimited mileage and others including 100 to 150 free miles per day plus a small per-mile fee beyond that. If you are chasing the Smokies plus Asheville, look specifically for an RV rental with unlimited mileage to keep your budget predictable.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106494-Mileage-and-generator-usageWhat are the best campgrounds near Riceville for RV camping?
You have great choices for RV camping near Riceville. Top picks include Parksville Lake Campground in the Cherokee National Forest near the Ocoee River (electric hookups, lakefront, about 45 minutes east), Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park near Delano (about 20 minutes), Harrison Bay State Park near Chattanooga (full hookups and marina, about 50 minutes), Chilhowee Recreation Area in the Cherokee National Forest, and Thunder Rock Campground in the Ocoee Ranger District. For the best campgrounds near Riceville on summer weekends, book at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead, especially anything on the water.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2725When is the best time to rent an RV in Riceville, TN?
The sweet spot for a Riceville RV trip is mid-April through late October, with two standout windows: late April to early June (wildflowers, 70s, low humidity) and late September through October (fall foliage in the Cherokee National Forest and Smokies). Summer in July and August is warm and humid with highs in the upper 80s and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but campgrounds are lively and lake swimming is great. Winters are mild compared to much of the country, with highs typically in the upper 40s to low 50s, so off-season rentals can work well. Time your trip for mid to late October to catch peak fall color along the Cherohala Skyway.
weather.gov/mrx/I've never driven an RV before. Can I really do this?
Yes, and Riceville is actually a great launching pad for a first time renting an RV. Rural roads, light traffic, and gentle terrain around McMinn County give you space to get comfortable before tackling anything bigger. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup: they will walk you through the dash controls, leveling, water systems, propane, slide-outs, and dump procedures, and you can record it on your phone for reference. If you are nervous about driving, choose a smaller Class C motorhome or a campervan rental in Riceville rather than a 35-foot Class A. Do a short shakedown run to Athens or Etowah on day one, you will feel like a pro by the time you point it toward the Smokies.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if I have a breakdown or problem during my trip?
You are never alone on the road. Every motorhome rental in Riceville booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and mechanical breakdowns. If something goes wrong on US-11, I-75, or deep in the Cherokee National Forest, call the roadside line and they will dispatch help to your location. RVezy customer support is also available before, during, and after your trip through the Help Center. Save the roadside number and your host's number to your phone before leaving the driveway, the I-75 corridor through Athens has spotty cell coverage in a few stretches.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106554-Roadside-assistanceCan I take my RV rental across state lines or into Canada from Riceville?
Cross-state travel is no problem and one of the joys of an RV road trip from Riceville. You can travel into Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, or Virginia without extra paperwork, and your protection plan travels with you across US state lines. Cross-border travel to Canada may be allowed depending on the host and the protection plan selected, so confirm directly with the host through the listing's message button before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Popular multi-state routes from Riceville include the Smokies-to-Asheville loop, the Ocoee-Chattanooga-Lookout Mountain swing, and a Bourbon Trail run up through Lexington, Kentucky.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on an RV trip from Riceville?
Fuel is the biggest variable on any RV road trip from Riceville, but it is easy to plan for. Class B campervans typically get 18 to 22 MPG, Class C motorhomes average 10 to 14 MPG, Class A rigs hover around 7 to 10 MPG, and a truck towing a travel trailer usually lands at 9 to 12 MPG. Tennessee gas prices tend to run below the national average, and you will find convenient fuel stops at the Pilot and Love's travel centers along I-75 near Athens and Niota, both with high-clearance pumps that fit larger rigs. Fill up in Tennessee before crossing into North Carolina or Georgia, where prices can be higher.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book campgrounds near Riceville?
Book sooner than you think, but it is still very doable. For Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds like Elkmont and Cades Cove (about 90 minutes from Riceville), reservations open up to 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov and summer weekends can sell out within hours of release. Tennessee State Parks like Hiwassee/Ocoee and Harrison Bay take reservations through TNStateParks.com up to 11 months ahead. Cherokee National Forest sites including Parksville Lake and Thunder Rock also book through Recreation.gov. For private parks near Riceville, 2 to 4 weeks out is usually fine outside of holidays. Lock in your campground before you finalize your RVezy booking so your dates line up perfectly.
recreation.gov/What are the driving conditions like around Riceville?
Driving conditions around Riceville are some of the friendliest in the Southeast for RVs. US-11 and TN-30 are mostly flat, two-lane rural roads with light traffic, and I-75 between Chattanooga and Knoxville is a wide, well-maintained interstate with generous shoulders. The stretches to plan for are the climbs up US-64 toward the Ocoee Gorge and the curvy Cherohala Skyway toward North Carolina, both scenic but slow-going in a big rig. Summer afternoons can bring sudden thunderstorms, and occasional winter ice events can briefly close mountain passes. Avoid driving through Chattanooga on I-75 between 4 and 6 p.m. on weekdays, traffic backups near the Georgia line are the worst in the region.
smartway.tn.gov/trafficWhat hookups and amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Riceville?
You will find a mix of campground options around Riceville. Full-hookup parks like Harrison Bay State Park offer 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer right at the site, plus bathhouses with hot showers and dump stations. Cherokee National Forest sites such as Parksville Lake typically offer electric only, with a central dump station and potable water fill near the entrance. Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds (Elkmont, Cades Cove) are mostly no-hookup but have dump stations and potable water. The Pilot Travel Center along I-75 in Athens has RV-friendly facilities for a quick stop. Always carry a 25-foot fresh-water hose and a 30-to-50-amp adapter, just in case.
nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htmWhat's included inside a typical RV rental in Riceville?
Most RVs you rent in Riceville come fully equipped and ready to roll. Expect a queen or king bed in the main sleeping area, convertible dinettes and sofas that add 2 to 4 more sleeping spots, a kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, propane stove and oven, and a wet bath or full bathroom with shower and toilet. Class A and C motorhomes typically include a generator, roof air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and seatbelted travel seats. Many hosts add Wi-Fi hotspots, outdoor speakers, and bike racks as paid add-ons. A campervan rental in Riceville offers a more compact setup, ideal for couples chasing the Cherohala Skyway. Ask your host which kitchen and bedding items are included so you only pack what you need.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in Riceville offer a range of add-ons that can transform your trip. Common extras include camp chairs and tables, propane refills, generator-use packages, bike racks, kayaks (great on the Hiwassee River), bedding and linen kits, and outdoor grills. Mileage policies vary by host: some offer unlimited mileage within Tennessee, while others include 100 to 150 free miles per day with a per-mile fee beyond that. Pickup is usually at the host's property in Riceville, Athens, Calhoun, or Etowah, with delivery available for an additional fee based on distance. For a family RV trip in Riceville with kids, the bedding kit and camp-chair add-on is often cheaper than buying gear and saves packing time.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106494-Mileage-and-generator-usageHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and fully handled through the RVezy platform, so you never hand cash or a check to the host. When you book, your card is charged for the rental total, taxes, and any selected add-ons, with the security deposit pre-authorized (not charged) closer to your trip start. Deposits typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig's value, and the hold is released after the host confirms the RV came back in good shape, usually within a few days of return. To avoid deposit issues, do a thorough walkthrough with photos at both pickup and dropoff, return with a clean interior, and refill propane and fuel as your contract specifies. Communicate any small bumps or spills right away through the RVezy app, transparency keeps everything smooth.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat's a local insider tip for visiting Riceville?
Here is a local move many visitors miss: spend an afternoon at Sunshine Hollow Bakery and Gardens in Riceville, known for fruitcake, jam, and excellent cinnamon bread, then pair it with a stop at Mayfield Dairy Farms in Athens for an ice cream tour. From your basecamp, the Hiwassee River is about 15 minutes east for tubing and kayaking, and the Ocoee River whitewater area is about 40 minutes away. Visit on a Saturday in October for fall color plus events at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum.
mcminncountyliving.com/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Atlanta, GANashville, TNChattanooga, TNKnoxville, TNDallas, GAAthens, ALBlairsville, GATyrone, GADunean, SCFarragut, TNVilla Rica, GAFlowery Branch, GAPleasant View, TNBuford, GALoganville, GAMarietta, GAWilliamson, GAJackson, GAClarksville, TNShackle Island, TNFairmount, GATravelers Rest, SCCarrollton, GAGreensboro, GA