The Best Overnight Rafting Trip Near Chattanooga: Adventures Unlimited on the Ocoee River

Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list!

Picture this: Warm sunshine beats down on your sun-kissed skin while your crew floats towards tumultuous rapids. Your knowledgeable rafting guide shouts commands, making sure the group paddles in sync. Excited giggles burst from all sides of the raft as waves splash the smiling faces of your group. 

I can’t imagine a better way to spend a sunny summer day – or a weekend if you have more time – than with the incredible Ocoee River rafting crew at Adventures Unlimited, the best overnight rafting trip near Chattanooga. 

After a weekend of learning and connection at the Women in Travel Summit in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I was welcomed by the Adventures Unlimited family for an overnight rafting trip near Chattanooga. 

Family is the perfect word to describe this welcoming outdoorsy retreat. 

Adventures Unlimited is the ONLY family-owned rafting company that welcomes overnight visitors AND offers a full-service, very quirky bar and grill (The Bus Bar and Grill) to make your Tennessee rafting experience a truly memorable adventure. 

Carlo and Julie, the owners of Adventures Unlimited, made me feel like a part of the family – an extraordinary achievement that few companies can boast. 

With options to book cozy bungalows, family-friendly cabins, or a rugged spot to camp (RV or tent!), Adventures Unlimited is the perfect overnight getaway in Tennessee for families, groups, couples and even solo travelers!

If you’re thinking about river rafting on the Ocoee River, this detailed guide will help you plan the perfect, adventure-thrilled getaway.

Why Ocoee River Rafting Belongs on Your Adventure Bucket List

Journey Down the 1996 Olympic Course

Few people can say they’ve rafted down an Olympic course. I’m lucky to be one of them!

Rafting on the Ocoee River is one of the most popular things to do in Tennessee. Easily accessible from Chattanooga (~1 hour drive) or Atlanta (~2.5 hour drive), this adventure activity welcomes all kinds of thrill-seekers, from I have never done this before to I’m a TOTAL expert!

These dam-controlled rapids formed the canoe slalom course for the 1996 summer Olympics. Today, adventurous travelers get to ride the “wet rollercoaster” for adrenaline-inducing fun.

Adventures Unlimited will make sure you have the best time rafting Class III/IV rapids and stay safe while doing so.

The Perfect Overnight Getaway from Chattanooga or Atlanta

Remember the days when we would set up a tent in our backyard and camp outside our family home for the night, yearning for an outdoor adventure, dreaming of s’mores by the fire pit, and listening for crickets chirping ’til dawn?

That’s EXACTLY what it feels like to stay with Adventures Unlimited for an overnight rafting trip in Tennessee. 

Adventures Unlimited is just one hour from Chattanooga, and two and a half from Atlanta. The perfect Tennessee getaway (overnight or full weekend!) for families, groups, couples or solo travelers. I visited all the way from Colorado – which is also a rafting destination, but requires a wetsuit because the water is ICE COLD – and I loved my adventure at this family-owned rafting company on the Ocoee River. 

Whether you’re coming from Tennessee or Georgia, or traveling from a far away land with an entirely different climate like I did, you’ll enjoy every moment of stay with Adventures Unlimited.

Adventures Unlimited: The Best Overnight Rafting Trip Near Chattanooga

Family-Owned Since 1993

There’s a handful of local rafting companies on the Ocoee River. However, Adventures Unlimited stands out to me as the best rafting company in Tennessee for many reasons. 

Adventures Unlimited is the ONLY family-owned company that offers accommodation and food onsite, giving “resort” a reformed, outdoorsy definition. Founded in 1993, this prestigious company has prided themselves on safe and fun rafting experiences and quality time spent outdoors. 

If you have the chance to cross paths with Carlo and Julie, the “camp parents”, you’ll hear about endless stories of time spent outdoors, be it rafting with a bunch of newbies down the Grand Canyon or spending time on the Ocoee River banks nearby. 

I really enjoyed sharing conversations with the Adventures Unlimited family while eating the BEST banana pudding dessert I’ve ever had (don’t even get me started on the AMAZING chili we had for dinner!). 

No matter the destination, I enjoy supporting locally-owned businesses, and Adventures Unlimited deserves the HIGHEST praise! Add this overnight rafting trip near Chattanooga to your Tennessee bucket list!

The Only Full Resort Campground on the Ocoee River

The are MANY Ocoee River rafting companies, but only ONE offers a full resort campground, restaurant and bar, and live entertainment! Adventures Unlimited caters to the outdoorsy crowd and welcomes adventurous travelers for rafting ages twelve and up, creating a welcoming environment for people to get outside and find peace just minutes from the Cherokee National Forest. 

I did more than just whitewater rafting during my getaway at Adventures Unlimited: I enjoyed craft Tennessee beer at The Bus Bar, gobbled down AU’s famous chili (I still dream about it!), and even hula-hooped while Madelyn Tallent, a rising star and America’s Got Talent performer, sang from the outdoor stage. 

Can you tell I had an awesome weekend at Adventures Unlimited?

Amazing Rafting Guides

Beyond the cozy bungalows, family cabins, and rugged camp spots, Adventures Unlimited prioritizes safe rafting experiences on the Ocoee River. 

Anyone ages twelve and up can raft with Adventures Unlimited, and this family-owned company makes sure your experience is safe and fun. Guides are comprehensively trained in Whitewater Rafting Safety, and are CPR/First Aid Certified. My incredible rafting guide, Holly, made my Tennessee rafting experience SO MUCH FUN!

Ocoee River Rafting Guide: Tips for First-Timers

Best Time of Year to Go

Rafting on the Middle Ocoee River typically runs from April through early October, however the schedule is entirely dependent on the Tennessee Valley Authority’s water release schedule. Your rafting company will know more about this release schedule and will offer rafting trips that fit the schedule. 

The Middle Ocoee River, the most popular part of the Ocoee River for rafting, has water release scheduled five days a week during the summer season (June through early September). The river is not open for rafting on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, therefore most rafting trips will be available to book Thursday through Monday. 

In Spring and Fall (March and April, September and October), the Middle Ocoee is only available for rafting on the weekends. There’s one exception in the fall season: during the last week in September the river is available for rafting everyday. This is the Ocoee’s “Week of Water”!

My rafting excursion with Adventures Unlimited happened in early June, the perfect time to plan an Ocoee rafting trip when the weather is still warming up for summer. We journeyed down the Middle Ocoee under partly cloudy skies and the river was pleasantly warm which made for fun moments to float.

Half Day vs. Full Day Ocoee Rafting Experiences

Adventures Unlimited offers two kinds of rafting packages: the Middle Ocoee raft trip and the Full Ocoee raft trip. Both rafting excursions are suitable for beginners ages twelve and up. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each experience offers:

Class III/IV Rapids Experience

Whitewater rafting assigns “thrill levels” (difficulty level) to rapids from level I to level VI to help guide companies and rafting groups understand the challenges to rafting and kayaking on specific rivers. 

Class I/II are generally “float friendly” with small waves. 

Class III/IV rapids will take you on a ride on a “wet rollercoaster”, with waves from 4-5 feet tall and narrow passageways that require expert level experience for precise maneuvering. Trained guides are required for class III/IV adventures. 

Class V rapids are very challenging to navigate and not recommended for beginners. These rapids have more opportunities for the boats to flip.

Class VI is the highest category of whitewater rapids and are generally not recommended for anyone, even the most experienced of kayakers and rafters!

The Ocoee River has a stretch of Class III/IV rapids that make this adventure the perfect activity for all skill levels. No matter how much rafting experience you have, your guide will make sure you have a safe and fun trip down the river! 

Ocoee Rafting for Families: Things to Consider

For families wanting to plan an overnight Ocoee rafting trip, Adventures Unlimited is the perfect option! 

Daring travelers ages twelve and up can enjoy a rafting excursion, and get outside your comfort zone while experiencing Tennessee’s beautiful nature. 

If you’d rather stay dry, Adventures Unlimited has a collection of fun activities at The Bus Bar and Grill, including mega Jenga and other games, hula hooping, and live music. 

Family cabins or private bungalows are the perfect way to unwind and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

What to Wear for Ocoee River Rafting

For your Ocoee River rafting adventure, I recommend wearing a swimsuit and clothes you don’t mind getting soaked (activewear is typically the best, however I wore a t-shirt and shorts).

You’ll need secure shoes like an old pair of tennis shoes or camping sandals with a strap (flip flops not allowed!). Prepare to bring lots of sunscreen, especially for the all day rafting tip, Tennessee in the summer gets quite hot and sunny!

Additionally, if you want to bring a phone to take photos and videos on the raft, you’ll need a dry bag with a strap to keep it from flying out of the boat. I recommend leaving your phone at Adventures Unlimited while you raft, photos and videos will be available for purchase after your adventure!

The Perfect Ocoee Overnight Itinerary

Head to Adventures Unlimited in the early afternoon. If you’re driving from Chattanooga, it takes approximately one hour to get there. From Atlanta, about two and a half hours. 

Upon arrival at Adventures Unlimited, you’ll be greeted by one of the friendly staff members (and maybe the welcoming owners, Carlo or Julie!) and given your key to your bungalow or cabin.

If you’re camping, you’ll be accompanied to your camp spot. I really enjoyed walking around the Adventures Unlimited property before dinner, discovering the whimsical names of the bungalows and cabins, and gazing upon the different tents and campers on the property – I’m just starting to get into camping and backpacking, so I love to see all the fancy gear!

The Bus Bar and Grill is the perfect place to hangout for the night. Not only do they serve mouthwateringly delicious “family” dinners, buffet style with options for vegetarians, this quirky bar is actually made out of a school bus (hence the name!). The Bus Bar and Grill is a family-friendly hangout that caters to all ages: adults can enjoy craft beverages made in Tennessee and beyond, and kids can enjoy sodas or sweet treats from the mini fridge.

At The Bus Bar and Grill, I had some of the BEST vegetarian chili I’ve ever had. Casey, if you’re reading this, you NEED to enter a chili cook-off ASAP! There’s a trophy with your name on it. 

Ocoee’s best bar, The Bus Bar and Grill, also offers live entertainment and events throughout the summer, the perfect way to get outside and enjoy some live music. During my stay, the incredible Madelyn Tallent, a rising star and America’s Got Talent singer, serenaded us with her sweet country voice and beautiful melodies. 

At sunset, I ventured back to my abode for the night, the Firefly bungalow, which was perfectly cozy for a relaxing evening in Ocoee, Tennessee. 

After a peaceful night sleep in your cabin or camp spot, it’s time to unleash your adventurous side. Fuel up for rafting with breakfast at The Bus Bar and Grill, which offers breakfast on the weekend from 8am to 11:30am. Then choose between a half or full day of rafting with Adventures Unlimited and experience the Ocoee River’s thrilling rapids!

Your rafting adventure doesn’t just start at the Ocoee River! You’ll start with a briefing at Adventures Unlimited where you learn a little about your rafting guide, the types of rapids you’ll experience, and pick up your life vest and helmet for the adventure.

All aboard a school bus, reminiscent of the bar where you enjoyed your camp meals, to make the beautiful drive to the Ocoee River! Once you arrive at the river, you’ll learn more about paddle commands, what to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe on the river.

And so the rafting adventure begins! Spending the day rafting with my awesome guide Holly and other WITS (Women in Travel Summit) attendees was an experience I’ll never forget. If you have the chance to “ride the bull” – balance on the front of the raft while navigating the intense rapids on the Ocoee – you should take it!

After the river rollercoaster, you’ll head back to Adventures Unlimited to return your gear, get changed and enjoy the rest of your stay with Adventures Unlimited!

Where to Stay: Overnight Options at Adventures Unlimited

Bungalows for Couples or Solo Travelers

When I visited Adventures Unlimited for my overnight rafting trip near Chattanooga, I was lucky to stay in the Firefly bungalow! These peaceful bungalows sleep up to four people, making them the perfect accommodation for small groups. The Up the Creek Bungalow offers the same whimsical outdoor retreat, but offers a queen bed rather than two double beds, making it the perfect option for couples or solo travelers. 

Cabins for Groups or Families

In addition to the small bungalows, Adventures Unlimited also has two larger cabins, the Bear’s Den (sleeps 10 guests) and the Beehive (sleeps 9 guests). These cabins are secluded, cozy escapes for families or large groups. 

Adventures Unlimited Tiny Home for Friend Groups

The newest addition to the Adventures Unlimited collection is the Tiny Home: a modern tiny home that offers a luxury glamping experience while still allowing guests to feel immersed in the Tennessee wilderness. The Tiny Home sleeps up to four people and has a charming porch for relaxing after a day of rafting. A two-night minimum stay is required!

Tent and RV Camping for Outdoorsy Travelers

Cabins and bungalows are not the only accommodation options at Adventures Unlimited! This camping resort also has tent and RV spots for guests who want the rugged outdoor experience. 

Why Stay Overnight at Adventures Unlimited?

Few places in Tennessee can boast about offering rafting AND a full resort campground with the quirkiest bar & grill (with the best chili you’ll ever have, I MUST add!)! Adventures Unlimited excels at everything they offer.

Adrenaline-inducing rafting with incredible guides? YES. Cozy abodes and peaceful camp spots? YES. The perfect “third space” to enjoy craft beverages and home-cooked meals? YES. I can’t think of a better place for an overnight rafting trip near Chattanooga! 

Final Thoughts AND Discount Code!

This is your sign to book your overnight Ocoee rafting trip!

Traveling to Tennessee for the first time, I had no idea what to expect. However Tennessee brought the Southern charm, especially in Ocoee where I was welcomed by the Adventures Unlimited crew as if I was part of the family. If you’re searching for your next bucket list adventure, make it an overnight rafting trip in Tennessee at Adventures Unlimited!

Frequently Asked Questions

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