About The Sahara Club
a mountain retreat for every adventurer
Nestled in the heart of the Copper Basin, The Sahara Club is a gathering place for travelers, locals, and adventurers alike. Located on HWY 64 in Copperhill, TN, we sit right at the crossroads of some of the Southeast’s most beloved outdoor destinations: whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, the scenic trails of the Cherokee National Forest, the charming shops and restaurants of Blue Ridge, GA, and the mountain town of Murphy, NC are all within easy reach. Whether you’re passing through or planning to stay a while, you’ve found the right place to stop.
What started as a roadside landmark has grown into a full-service destination with something for every kind of traveler. The Sahara Club offers newly renovated motel rooms, a cozy tiny house retreat, RV sites with full hookups, and primitive tent camping all on one property and steps from each other. However you like to travel, we’ve got a spot for you.
At the heart of it all is the Sahara Club Bar & Grill, a family-friendly local favorite serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday breakfast right on the property. Cold draft beers, hand-pressed cheeseburgers, wings, pizza, ice cream, and a full menu of crowd favorites make it the kind of place guests keep coming back to. Pull up a stool, challenge someone to a game of pool, or take it outside to the patio and fire pit when the mountain air is too good to stay inside.
The Sahara Club is more than a place to sleep or eat; it’s a place to slow down, connect, and make the most of everything the Copper Basin has to offer. On-site amenities include a community laundromat, ice vending machine, and plenty of open space to relax between adventures. Pets are always welcome, and so are you. Come as you are, stay as long as you like. This is The Sahara Club.
What We Offer
Bar & Grill
From local draft beer to a full food menu and billiards, The Sahara Bar & Grill is a family-friendly sports bar with something for everyone.
Lodging
We offer fully-furnished and newly renovated Motel Rooms with different layouts and accommodations,
as well as a Tiny House.
RV Park
Full-hookups for 20, 30, and 50 amp, accommodating rigs of different sizes, and bath house access.
Primitive Camping
Camp in the woods without leaving the amenities of The Sahara Club behind. Bath house access, and plenty of private spots to choose from.
Laundromat
3 Washers and 3 Dryers, Open 24/7 to Sahara Guests and the Community
Free Wifi
for all Sahara Guests & Customers
Local Attractions
Click the Boxes to Learn More
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
All aboard for one of North Georgia’s most beloved experiences. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway departs from historic downtown Blue Ridge on a scenic 26-mile journey through the mountains, arriving in the twin towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. The railway runs seasonally April through December — book early, especially on weekends.
Whitewater Rafting
The Ocoee River is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the country and the site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events. Choose from the thrilling Class III-IV Middle Ocoee, the technical Upper Ocoee Olympic course, or a full-day combo of both. Multiple outfitters operate along HWY 64, making it easy to book a guided trip for any skill level.
Shop & Dine on the Stateline
Just minutes from The Sahara Club, the twin towns of McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN straddle the Georgia-Tennessee state line — literally! Follow the famous Blue Line painted through downtown, browse the Riverwalk Shops along the Toccoa River, visit breweries and restaurants, and explore a one-of-a-kind mountain town you can only find here.
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino
About 30 minutes from The Sahara Club in Murphy, NC, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino offers over 1,300 slots, 60+ table games, a Caesars Sportsbook, and onsite dining — all set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. Whether you’re feeling lucky or just looking for a night out, it’s a solid option for an evening adventure.
Brewery Hop
The Copper Basin punches well above its weight when it comes to craft beer. In Copperhill, you’ll find Copperhill Brewery, Tennessee’s only woman-owned brewery, with a riverfront taproom, live music, and spirits from Ocoee River Distilling on site. Just steps away is Buck Bald Brewing, a local favorite with 14 taps and a laid-back atmosphere.
Explore the Trails
The Cherokee National Forest surrounds the Copper Basin with hundreds of miles of trails for every ability level. The Old Copper Road Trail follows the Ocoee River through historic terrain once used to haul copper ore. Benton Falls offers an easy 3-mile round trip to a 65-foot waterfall. For a challenge, Big Frog Mountain delivers panoramic views across three states.
Explore Trails ->