Where to Stay Near Ocoee River Rafting: Cabins, Camping & Weekend Itinerary

Your top resource to find Ocoee cabins, Ocoee River campgrounds, the best bar on the corridor, and more! Brought to you by Adventures Unlimited — where the fun doesn’t stop when the rafting ends.

Let’s face it — there’s way too much fun to be had in Ocoeeland to only stay for a day! So, here is all the info you need to soak up the best of what our region has to offer. From baby sloths to mountain-top glider flights, this is your launchpad to explore the hidden gems of Ocoee State Park and beyond.

Why Plan a Multi-Day Trip to the Ocoee River?

Most visitors come to the Ocoee River for the world-famous whitewater rafting, but those who stay a little longer discover there’s so much more to experience. A multi-day stay gives you time to enjoy the river and explore everything that makes this corner of East Tennessee special.

Experience Whitewater Rafting & More

The Ocoee River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the country, attracting adventure seekers from all over. Whether you’re tackling the Middle Ocoee, the Full River, or planning multiple rafting trips during your stay, there’s plenty of whitewater to ride. Beyond rafting, you’ll find swimming holes, mountain biking trails, paddling adventures, scenic overlooks, and family-friendly attractions just minutes away.

Explore Polk County and Cherokee National Forest

Adventures Unlimited is surrounded by some of Tennessee’s most beautiful outdoor destinations. Spend your days exploring the Cherokee National Forest, hiking to waterfalls, driving the scenic Cherohala Skyway, or visiting local attractions throughout Polk County. You will have no trouble finding trails, lake beaches, swimming holes, and hidden gems.

It’s an Easy Weekend Getaway from Atlanta, Nashville, and More

The Ocoee River is an easy weekend escape from many major Southeastern cities, making it simple to trade traffic for mountain views. Located in southeast Tennessee, it’s about two hours from Atlanta, under three hours from Knoxville, and around three and a half hours from Nashville. Whether you’re planning a quick rafting trip, a camping weekend, or a mountain getaway, you can spend less time driving and more time enjoying the outdoors.

Turn a Day Trip Into a Complete Mountain Vacation

Why rush home after your rafting trip? Slow down, relax around the campfire, enjoy live music, and experience the Ocoee region mountain lifestyle with a multi-day stay. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a group, making the Ocoee your getaway basecamp transforms a rafting trip into a complete Tennessee mountain vacation.

Where to Stay Near the Ocoee River

Not to toot our own horn, but Adventures Unlimited is one of the best places to stay near the Ocoee River.

Whether you’re searching for Ocoee River cabins, Ocoee camping, group lodging, or convenient access to rafting adventures, you’ll find everything you need in one place.

Why guests love staying with us:

  • On-site rafting check-in means less driving and more adventure.
  • Multiple lodging options for every budget and travel style.
  • Tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and bungalows all in one location.
  • Live music and great food at The Bus Bar & Grill.
  • Family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of space to relax.
  • Convenient access to local attractions throughout Polk County.
  • Group accommodations for reunions, church groups, scout troops, and corporate outings.
  • Easy access to the Cherokee National Forest and Ocoee River attractions.

Ocoee River Cabins & Bungalows

Looking for comfortable accommodations close to the action? Our Ocoee River cabins and bungalows offer a cozy place to unwind after a day of rafting, hiking, or exploring. Perfect for couples, families, and small groups, our bungalows provide easy access to all the adventures the Ocoee has to offer. For mid-size or larger groups, a cabin is the perfect option.

Ocoee Cabin Rentals for Groups

Planning a family reunion, youth group retreat, bachelor party, or corporate outing? Our Ocoee cabin rentals and group lodging options make it easy to reserve multiple cabins and keep everyone together for rafting and outdoor activities. With a variety of cabin sizes available, group leaders can spend less time coordinating logistics and more time making memories.

Ocoee Camping and RV Sites

If your perfect getaway includes sleeping under the stars, you’ll love our Ocoee campground. We offer Ocoee tent camping and RV sites surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tennessee mountains. Ocoee camping is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors while staying close to rafting, hiking trails, swimming areas, and all the amenities Adventures Unlimited has to offer.

Ocoee Bus Bar & Grill

The adventure doesn’t end when you get off the river. The Bus Bar & Grill has become an Ocoee favorite, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the season. Grab a bite after rafting, enjoy a cold drink with friends, or catch live music on summer weekends. Built from repurposed rafting buses, it’s a one-of-a-kind gathering place with live music events most summer weekends.

The Ultimate Long Weekend Ocoee River Adventure Itinerary

Whether you’re staying in one of our Ocoee River cabins, camping under the stars, or bringing your RV, this four-day itinerary helps you make the most of your Ocoee River vacation. From world-class whitewater rafting to scenic mountain drives and hidden local gems, here’s how to experience the best of the Ocoee region.

Day 1: Ocoee River Rafting & Relaxation

 

Start Your Adventure with Ocoee River Rafting

Kick off your trip with a guided whitewater rafting adventure on the Ocoee River. Home to some of the most exciting Class III and IV rapids in the Southeast, the Ocoee is the perfect introduction to your Tennessee mountain getaway.

Unwind at Your Cabin or Campsite

After your rafting trip, head back to Adventures Unlimited and settle into vacation mode. Relax in a hammock, gather around the campsite, or enjoy some downtime at your cabin, bungalow, RV site, or tent campsite.

Evening at The Bus Bar & Grill

End your day with great food, cold drinks, and live music at The Bus Bar & Grill. Built from repurposed rafting buses, this one-of-a-kind Ocoee destination serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and hosts live music throughout the summer season.

Adventure Unlimited - Ocoee White Water Rafting

Day 2: Full River Rafting & Family-Friendly Attractions

 

Take on the Full Ocoee River

Ready for more adventure? Experience the Full Ocoee River: a 10-mile rafting trip that combines the Middle and Upper Ocoee into one unforgettable day. Midway through your adventure, enjoy a riverside BBQ lunch prepared by The Bus Bar & Grill team.

Visit Ocoee Riverside Farm

Spend the afternoon meeting some of the area’s most unique residents. Ocoee Riverside Farm offers animal encounters featuring sloths, zebras, kangaroos, camels, horses, and more. It’s a favorite stop for families and animal lovers.

Cool Off at Local Swimming Spots in and Near Ocoee State Park

  • Parksville Beach & Mac Point Beach: Located on Parksville Lake, these public beaches offer swimming, picnic areas, and beautiful mountain views.
  • Upper Ocoee Swimming Holes: When water is flowing, it’s one of the best places to watch whitewater action. During non-release periods, visitors often enjoy exploring the riverbed’s natural rock slides and pools.
  • Hiwassee State Park: Located just 12 miles away, this peaceful park features hiking trails, scenic river access, and opportunities to cool off in the Hiwassee River.
  • Sugarloaf Play Area: A great family stop with a riverside playground, picnic areas, and plenty of room for kids to burn off energy.

Day 3: Hiwassee River Adventures, Glider Flights & Wine Tasting

 

Paddle the Scenic Hiwassee River

For a slower-paced day on the water, head to the Hiwassee River. Rent a raft, kayak, or inflatable kayak and enjoy a self-guided float through one of East Tennessee’s most beautiful river corridors. The gentle rapids and mountain scenery make it perfect for all experience levels. We recommend an inflatable kayak (A.K.A. a Duckie) for kayaking beginners!

Soar Above Cherokee National Forest

Just minutes from Adventures Unlimited, the Chilhowee Gliderport offers breathtaking tandem glider flights above the Cherokee National Forest. It’s one of the most unique experiences in the region and provides incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

Visit Savannah Oaks Winery

Cap off the day with a relaxing wine tasting at Savannah Oaks Winery. Sample locally produced wines and enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the Tennessee countryside. Pair it with artisan cheeses from Sweetwater Valley Farms (psst… the Garlic Veggie cheese is our fave!)

Day 4: Cherokee National Forest Exploration & Scenic Mountain Drives

 

Mountain Biking at the Ocoee Whitewater Center

The trail system surrounding the Upper Ocoee River Area offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails for all skill levels. Ride through forests, along creeks, and across scenic ridgelines in the heart of Cherokee National Forest.

Drive the Cherohala Skyway

One of the most scenic drives in the Southeast, the Cherohala Skyway winds through the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, offering panoramic overlooks, waterfalls, hiking trails, and incredible views around every turn. Be sure to fuel up before heading out, as services are limited along the route.

Explore Copperhill & McCaysville

Before wrapping up your trip, spend some time exploring the charming twin towns of Copperhill, Tennessee and McCaysville, Georgia. Browse local shops, visit art galleries, grab a coffee, or enjoy a meal overlooking the river.

Bonus Activities Near the Ocoee River

If you have extra time, consider adding:

  • A picnic along the river at the Ocoee Whitewater Center
  • Hiking in Cherokee National Forest
  • Pontoon boat rentals on Parksville Lake
  • Sunset walks and scenic overlooks throughout Polk County

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning an Ocoee River Multi-Day Getaway

Adventures Unlimited offers several cabin options located just minutes from Ocoee River rafting launches, making it easy to maximize your time on the water.

Adventures Unlimited offers tent camping and RV camping at one of the area's most convenient Ocoee campground locations.

Adventures Unlimited is a great destination for group camping trips, family reunions, church groups, corporate retreats, and special events, with lodging options ranging from tent camping and RV sites to cabins and bungalows.

Midweek Ocoee River rafting trips often offer smaller crowds, greater availability, and the same world-class whitewater experience that makes the Ocoee one of the most popular rafting rivers in the country. Important note: the Ocoee River doesn't run on rafting trips on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan your timing of activities accordingly!

Most visitors stay between two and four days to enjoy rafting, hiking, swimming, local attractions, and nearby mountain towns.

Yes. Families can choose from cabins, bungalows, RV sites, and tent camping options depending on their needs and budget.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, wineries, animal encounters, paddling the Hiwassee River, swimming holes, and glider rides. See more Ocoee activities here!

Your Ocoee River Rafting Trip Starts Here! 

Whether you stay two days or stretch it into a longer escape, Adventures Unlimited is your launchpad for epic Ocoee memories. Book your Ocoee River cabin, campsite, or rafting adventure today and start planning your perfect mountain getaway.

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