Camping cabins near Chatsworth, Georgia provide access to the Cohutta Wilderness area, which encompasses over 36,000 acres of protected forest with elevations ranging from 949 to 4,200 feet. Most cabin rentals maintain accessibility year-round, though winter visitors should check road conditions when temperatures drop below freezing. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some cabins offering private creek or lake frontage.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 425+ steps at Cloudland Canyon State Park lead to spectacular waterfalls, requiring good footwear for metal grate steps. "This is a workout for sure wear your good shoes, A LOT of metal grate steps to get down to the falls! We went right at the next intersection and continued down to Hemlock Falls," notes a visitor.
Mountain biking: Technical trails feature significant elevation changes and loose gravel throughout the region. At Fort Mountain State Park, "most of the trails except the Gahuti are multi use and there is a strong community of mountain biking here. We didn't bike the trails here with our hybrid specialized bikes because we felt the trails to be too technical for us due to the major elevation changes, loose gravel and rocks."
Group camping experiences: Pioneer sites accommodate larger groups with shared facilities. "For our camping group, this place was amazing. We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though. The views here? Amazing. Camping? Amazing! The trails are great, and everything feels spread out."
What campers like
Platform camping: Elevated sites at several parks offer a different experience than traditional tent camping. A first-timer at Fort Mountain reported: "I looked up information on the platforms (also called Squirrel's Nest) on the state park website. It looked doable to me! The site itself was in a beautiful location, had a hand pump on site, and also had a shared bear proof storage box."
Fall color viewing: October-November brings dramatic foliage changes throughout the region. "If you love twisty roads and beautiful views, this is the place. We went in December and the weather was a little cool and damp but the views were great when the fog lifted. They're great scenic hikes in the park."
Swimming opportunities: Lake access at Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp and other locations provides relief during summer months. "The lake area - a small 17 acre spring fed lake is here for your fishing, paddling and swimming pleasure. The area also has putt putt, the only playground, seasonal concession and rentals, beach area and a super nice walking trail for everybody."
What you should know
Steep access roads: 25% grade approaches to some campgrounds require appropriate vehicles. One Amicalola Falls camper noted, "I read a lot before my trip, so I knew to except the 25% grade incline going up to the campground. I wasn't however expecting the challenging parking in the campsite."
Active wildlife: Bear sightings are common at several parks, requiring proper food storage. "There is definitely active wildlife here!! Two other couples at two separate platform sites had encounters with a bear the same weekend I was here. Needless to say, I did it! I slept outside of a tent!!"
Spotty cell coverage: Service varies widely between campgrounds and even sites within the same park. At Holiday Travel Park, "the campground is clean and quiet, bathrooms are great. However if I am paying to stay and you advertise wi fi and then it doesn't work all weekend don't tell me it's because of the trees."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Beach areas provide swimming and play spaces at several parks near cabin rentals. At Chester Frost Park, "this place is definitely somewhere you wanna bring your kids they would love it! There is a man made beach with a playground and loads of camping lots next to the river!"
Playground locations: Limited options mean planning for kids' activities. "The campground is in a great location. It sits on the same grounds as a rafting company and an outdoor bar/pub called The Bus. You can travel about 15 minutes and you are in Cleveland just north of Chattanooga."
Site selection for privacy: Location matters for families needing space to play. "Sites 4-9 are well spaced from each other and great for tent campers and families who want their kids to have room to play, and while site 37 does not have as much privacy being in the center of the loop, it does have one of the most perfect climbing trees I have ever seen in a public campground."
Tips from RVers
Elevation considerations: Steep approaches at Fort Mountain and other locations require planning. "After picking our tent site (there are no reserve ahead sites, only reserve ahead choice. Once you check in you go pick a site. So no telling where you may end up only that you will have a site for the night) which took some perusing for good trees."
Site leveling challenges: Bring blocks as many sites require adjustment. "We stayed creekside at site 24. The site had about a 5 inch difference shopping towards the road. I used rocker blocks maxed out (about 4 inches in height) and still was not level."
Winter camping preparation: Limited services during off-season require advance planning. At Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA, "arrived after hours. Check in paperwork was waiting by the office door. Easy to follow map to the site. Never disappointed when I stay at a KOA."
