Sample Itinerary
3 Days - Adventure & State Park Camping
Beautiful Ocoee Nature Right at Your Fingertips!
The Ocoee River in southeastern Tennessee is packed with fun things to do for all ages! This three-day itinerary is perfect for camping newbies or couples and groups that want camping fun without any headache around gear or setup. It’s also ideal for anyone flying into the area so you can camp without gear taking up all of your carry-on space. You can fly in, get to your fully set-up campsite at the State Park, and then experience three days of the best outdoor activities in the region.
We tested this itinerary out with Little Family Adventure, so we know it’s tried-and-true. You can read about their experience here!
Day 1
Morning: Set Up A Weekend of Easy Camping
Start the weekend setting up your temporary home on one of the stunning campgrounds on the Ocoee Corridor! Gee Creek Campground is a beautiful spot for primitive camping with a fire ring, grill, and table at each of the 47 sites. You have access to water and bathrooms with showers just a stroll away.
Did you know you can camp in Ocoee even if you don’t have a large surplus of camping gear? The Gee Creek Campground Explorer package is perfect for groups and families that want to test out camping without having to permanently invest in expensive equipment.
This package includes several essential camp tools, like a 6-person tent, a canopy, four chairs, a camp stove with propane bottles, a lantern, and firewood. The rangers will set everything up at your reserved campsite and ensure that you know how to use all of the gear. After your trip, they will also break down camp. Keep in mind that you will still need to bring sleeping bags, sleeping mats, an ice cooler, or cooking utensils for your camp weekend. You can learn more about this helpful program here, or reach out to the state park rangers to ask questions and reserve your adventure package.
Afternoon: Cast Out on the Hiwassee River
Once your camp is set up, it’s time to reel in some beautiful fish! Head to the Hiwassee River, one of the best fly-fishing spots in the area, to hook some brown and rainbow trout or some bass in the gorgeous natural surroundings. You can explore the area on your own or set out on the river with a local guide who can show you the ropes (or lines) and take you to the hidden gem spots where you’re sure to get a few bites.
Evening: Enjoy the Campsite
Some of the best memories you’ll build on the Ocoee will happen right at your campsite! Make sure to spend some time enjoying Gee Creek with a campfire, a camp-cooked meal, and some stargazing. Nothing tastes better than food made on a camp grill or over the fire! Gee Creek will give you a front-row view of starry skies and calm forest scenery, all with a quiet symphony of the sounds of nature at nighttime.
If you’re too beat from the day to plan and cook a camp meal, we highly recommend eating a quality burger at Steel Wheel Corner, a classic diner spot in Benton, TN.
Make sure to get some good shuteye because you have a full day of fun tomorrow!
Day 2
Mid-Morning: Rafting the Upper Ocoee River
The main event is here – rafting the Ocoee River! The best way to experience all of the adventures this river offers is by booking a full raft trip that includes the upper and middle sections of the Ocoee. This is about a six-hour trip that is packed with whitewater fun.
The upper section is home to the famous Olympic course that challenged kayak and canoe slalom athletes from around the world in 1996. There are big drops, waterfalls, and exciting twists and turns that give this portion of the river a reputation of inducing a major adrenaline rush.
Early Afternoon: Rafting the Middle Ocoee River
After the high-octane thrill of the Upper Ocoee River, you get to take a breather with a planned lunch on a riverside picnic site. This break is perfect for relaxing in the sun and catching your breath after some serious whitewater fun.
Then, it’s back off to the races to raft the Middle Ocoee! This section of the Ocoee River is home to some of the most popular rafting in the state, because there are almost non-stop rapids from start to finish. You’ll tackle several rapids, stop for refreshing swim breaks, and take in the lush beauty of the corridor. There’s no better adventure for miles around!
Late Afternoon: Paddleboard on Lake Ocoee (Parksville Lake)
Paddleboarding on Lake Ocoee is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure after the river! You can fit in a workout by exploring far and wide in this sprawling lake, or paddle out, find a nice spot and lie down for a floating rest. Late afternoon is the perfect time to float on the river and catch some sun. Lake Ocoee has several park and picnic spots to start from, so you can paddle back to a tranquil patch of grass for a sun-soaked snooze or snack. Check out Parksville Beach for lots of space to spread out and enjoy a still moment during golden hour.
Evening: Ocoee-Style Nightlife
Locals love live music and fun – especially when it’s raft-themed! Head to The Bus Bar and Grill on a weekend evening for great food, cold drinks, live music and a next-level atmosphere. This outdoor beer patio lives up to its name with giant school buses-turned-bars and has tons of space for dancing. It’s a great place to make some fast friends for raucous card games. Grab a beer and let loose for a couple of hours!
After some social fun, you get to head back to your campsite for an evening of campfires, stories, and a cozy sleep with the stars are your night light.
Day 3
Morning: Zipline Over the Ocoee Corridor
Move over coffee; nothing wakes you up quite like soaring over the treetops! A morning zipline tour is a great way to start your third and last day on the Ocoee River Corridor. There are several zipline companies along the corridor that can give your group a fabulous adventure flying over lush greenery. It takes about 3 hours to finish the course, so if you start at 9am, you can be done by noon. Once you settle back on the ground, head to Ocoee Coffee Joint for a celebratory cup of coffee or your favorite midday treat.
Afternoon: Grab Lunch at the Ocoee Dam Deli
For a convenient and delicious lunch, you have to try Ocoee Dam Deli and Diner. Right off the US-64, the Ocoee Dam Deli and Diner is chock-full of charm with walls covered in raft and fishing decor. This spot celebrates local history by featuring wall hangings of whitewater rafting throughout the ages, starting back when it gained popularity in the 1970’s. Not to mention the awesome sandwiches, burgers, and southern diner specials you can enjoy!
Finale: Hike to Gee Creek Falls
You’re packed up, the camping gear is waiting for a pickup from the rangers, and you have one more chance for stunning Ocoee views before you finish up your trip. So fill it with a beautiful and ever-popular hike on the corridor. You can start at the State Park office and visitor center for an educational overview of the area, and even take a ranger-led hike. You will get tons of context and history about the area, and may even get to see some wildlife up close.
Gee Creek Falls is a moderate 2.5-mile hike that is the perfect way to get your body moving without committing to an hours-long trek. And, of course, it has multiple beautiful waterfalls along the trail (as the name suggests). You can even take a small dip in a swimming hole less than a mile in to cool off during the hike. The lush foliage, dense trees and sun-dappled forest floor will make for a magical hike and a perfect way to close out a perfect getaway on the Ocoee Corridor.
After a full three days of fun, you can fly or drive home knowing you saw and experienced the best of the Ocoee Corridor.
