Parksville Lake in Tennessee

by  gfarlow

A self-supported trip created by gfarlow

Trip Overview

This is a beautiful lake on the Ocoee River backed up by a TVA dam. There are several nice creeks feeding the lake surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. The National Forest allows paddle in or walk in camping to a number of primitive camp sites. There is a developed campsite at Greasy Creek on the North side of the lake, also several swimming areas and boat ramps on Highway 64.

If you like a little more excitement you can white water on the Ocoee River upstream from the lake. This was the venue for the 1996 Olympic Canoe & Kayak whitewater slalom competition. Hiking and mountain biking are also popular activities in the area. We like to canoe the lake during the week when the motor boat traffic is lighter. Fishing on the lake is good too.

Accommodations:

Parksville Lake has a marina with a restaurant and motel. National Forest Campsites nearby. Numerous white water rafting outfitters along Hwy 64 and just off 64. Once you pass the marina there are no stores or gas until you get to Ducktown. NFS campgrounds have permanent non-flush toilets, no showers.

Fees:

NFS public use areas including boat ramps and swimming area parking lots charge $3 per day. NFS Camp grounds charge $8 per night.

Directions:

From I-75 in Cleveland just north of Chattanooga take exit 20 to Hwy 64. Follow signs off the 64 bypass around Cleveland to Hwy 64 toward Benton & Ducktown. You can stay on 64 to several boat ramps on the main lake or take a right on Cookson Road to the King Slough Boat Ramp (follow the signs toward the YMCA Camp)

Contact:

Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce

Tennessee Valley Authority

Resources:

The Forest Service has a good map of the Tellico/Ocoee River area.

Trip Details

  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: Flat/Sheltered Water

Trip Location