Summer in Southeast Tennessee is best when you have somewhere to come back to at the end of the day. Bigfoot Outfitters sits on 35 acres along the Ocoee River in Benton, with cabins and lodge rooms, private river access, and enough on the property and nearby to fill a long weekend. You raft, hike, fish, and float during the day, then settle in by the river at night. Here is what a summer stay looks like.
Cabins and lodge rooms by the river
The heart of a summer trip here is a comfortable place to stay. Our cabins mix rustic character with the things that actually matter, real kitchens, room to spread out, and river access a short walk away. Lodge rooms work well for smaller groups and simpler trips. Check in and check out are easy with no hassle, and there is a two night minimum so you get a real weekend rather than a rushed overnight. Morning coffee on the river and a sky full of stars at night come standard. Browse the full lineup on our cabins and lodging page, or look at the lodge rooms if you are keeping it simple.
Private river access on the property
One of the best parts of staying here is the water. Guests have private access to the Ocoee directly on the property, so you can swim, wade, fish, or put in for an easy float without competing for a public access point. On a hot July afternoon, that cold Ocoee water is the whole point.
Whitewater rafting nearby
The Ocoee is a world class whitewater river, and the Middle and Upper sections run all summer. You book those trips through reputable local outfitters, and staying here puts you minutes from the put in. Our Ocoee River whitewater rafting page covers the sections, the difficulty, and how to plan a trip.
Tubing and easy floats
Not every day needs Class IV rapids. The Lower Ocoee and the nearby Hiwassee are made for tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding at an easy pace. See the options on our tubing, kayaking, and SUP page, and use our private take out to keep the logistics simple.
Hiking and waterfalls
The Cherokee National Forest starts right outside the door. Benton Falls, a 65 foot cascade reached by an easy trail from the Chilhowee area, is a local favorite and stays cool and shaded even in July. More trails and overlooks are on our hiking page.
More to do without leaving
There is a nine hole disc golf course free for guests, good fishing on the Ocoee and nearby Parksville Lake, scenic drives like the Cherohala Skyway, and easy places to grab food. Start with our things to do page, the fishing page, and the disc golf page.
A relaxing family weekend
The mix is what makes it work for families and groups. Whitewater one morning, a lazy float the next, a hike, a fire pit, and a disc golf round to burn off the extra energy the kids brought with them. Adventure when you want it, quiet when you do not.
Plan your summer stay
Summer weekends and holidays fill up early in the Ocoee corridor. If you want cabins for a summer trip, book ahead. See availability and reserve on our cabins and lodging page, and make it a two night stay so you have time to do this right.
