Camping at Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park - Memorial Day!

This is a car camping, paddling, hiking, biking and just chill out weekend.
We have not visited Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park but think it's about time. This is an absolutely stunning area with lots of hiking, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and more. The campground is 5.5 hours from the Dayton, Ohio area.

THE PADDLES
Scheduled paddles are TBD. We have 3 rivers to choose from in this area. The Hiwassee, Tuckasegee and the Nantahala rivers. We will not be running the Ocoee. For those that do not have white water boats, we recommend renting a duckie with an outfitter. Duckies are a blast! We will be kayaking mostly class I & II rivers with an occasional class III a possibility. Highly encourage the use of a helmet unless your head is harder than a rock. For recreational boaters there are lakes in the area. Will post more on that later.

THE CAMPING
The Hiwassee State Scenic Rivers’ Gee Creek campground is a haven and a home-away-from-home to many river users. Campsites are more tent-friendly than most. Some of the campsites are close enough to the river you can be lulled to sleep each night by the sound of rushing water. An easy walk will lead you along the river's edge for fishing, nature walks or a brisk dip in the cold waters.

Gee Creek primitive campground has 47 sites, each with a table, fire ring and a grill. There is a fee for their use and the stay limit is two weeks. Public water and a bathhouse containing sinks, commodes, and hot showers are located near the center of the campground. The bathhouse is available to campers at no additional charge.

Since this is a holiday weekend, act quickly to secure your campsite! If you prefer to share a site, please post on the event discussion area and coordinate this on your own.

MAPS

• Directions to the campground

TRAILS
Many miles of trails meander through the Hiwassee and Ocoee areas and Cherokee National Forest. The John Muir State Scenic Trail also crosses this region in Reliance.

• Best trails in Gee Creek Wilderness
• John Muir National Recreation Trail: Hiwassee River Segment
• Oswald Dome Trail via Lowery Cove Trail

PETS
Permitted on your personal site. Please do not bring your pet to the group gatherings.

GRUB
Let's do a chili dump dinner Saturday night. Please bring a quart of your favorite chili to dump into the pot and a dish to share. You are on your own for all other meals.

ACCOMMODATIONS
You are on your own for finding and securing accommodations for this event. Most of us are camping at the state park. You can make reservations through this link. Direct phone line: 1-888 TN PARKS - Daily 8am to 6pm Central.

ADDITIONAL LINKS

• Brochure
• Ocoee River Corridor
• About the park
• Hiwassee Outfitters (duckie and raft rentals)

ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Your yes RSVP and by attending this event acknowledges that you have read and agree to my accident waiver and release of liability. With this in mind, please remember that I am not your guide. I am a fellow paddler that is offering notice of a group of friends that are gathering to share in ride-share to enable a fun day on the water for all. I love you guys, but I love my family more.

CANCELLATION
The paddle will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather or unsuitable river conditions. IMPORTANT: Check this MEETUP event page on Friday morning for last minute details and watch your email for additional updates.