Your Base Camp in the Copper Basin
Tent sites with shade, space, and everything you need, right on HWY 64 in Copperhill, TN.
Tent Camping Sites
Bring your gear and settle into the rhythm of the mountains at The Sahara Club’s primitive campsites in Copperhill, TN. Each site is tucked beneath mature shade trees with a dedicated fire pit, free WiFi, and access to a clean, central bathhouse with showers. Everything you need, nothing you don’t. When you’re ready to explore, hiking trails wind behind the park, and the surrounding Copper Basin offers whitewater rafting, scenic railways, and the charm of the Copperhill-McCaysville stateline just minutes away.
Back at the property, The Sahara Bar & Grill is a short walk from your tent with cold drinks and a full menu, plus an on-site laundromat, ice vending machine, and extra vehicle parking near your site. Leashed pets are welcome with a small fee. Whether you’re rolling through on an adventure or lingering a little longer, The Sahara Club is the kind of place that makes roughing it feel pretty good.
Local Attractions
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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.
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