Grapevine

Giving a campground a rating solely based on amenities is unjust. Some people want all the amenities. Some want solitude. Based on what I want, I would give this campground at least four or five stars. However, it does not have drinking water, flushable toilets, electricity, wifi, sewer hookups, a swimming pool, or any of those other amenities. What it DOES have is solitude and a peaceful co-existence with nature. It is beside the Chatooga River and you can hear the peaceful sounds of water all night long. 

The site I stayed at had a fire pit and a lantern hanger. A pit toilet and bear-proof trash receptacles were close by. Although there was some trash on the ground, there was not as much as I have seen at some other primitive camping areas. Maybe the reason is because you have to drive 2.3 miles down a curvy, bumpy, hilly forest road. You could probably drive an RV or pull a travel trailer to this campground, but it is not recommended. One thing that surprised me was that there were handicapped signs for access to the river, so I guess you could consider the campsites to be handicap accessible… maybe. 

The campsite itself was level. There were other campsites that were also level, but with the rain, you will have to negotiate big puddles. The pit toilet is cleaned on a regular basis. I know this because there was a checklist on the door of the toilet. 

I do recommend this campground because it is well maintained for a primitive area and it is peaceful.

I have enjoyed my stay here multiple times. Anytime friends or family come to visit and want to camp, this is the place I come. It does it pretty busy during the weekends, summertime, and holiday/long weekends. It is right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming and fishing. I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day. Here are some things I liked:

1. River close by- We brought some great floaties and hung out in the water during the day. Definitely gets busy.
2. Great hiking nearby! I always enjoy doing the nature loop. It is great for all ages. My favorite time of year to come is late spring/summer when all the flowers are in bloom. (See pictures attached- I love taking pictures of flowers! I cant help it).
3. Spacious campsites (they have  small picnic table and fire ring).

One thing I don't like is that there is only 1 bathroom and it is a porta potty and very old. I like to say "rustic." Bring your own toilet paper! Lots of great trees that provide shade in the summer, and great for hanging your hammock and relaxing. Easy to find, and at the end of a gravel/dirt road about 2 miles in.