Best Tent Camping near Chatsworth, GA

The Cohutta Wilderness Area surrounding Chatsworth, Georgia offers several primitive tent camping options for those seeking backcountry experiences. Hickey Gap Campground in the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area provides five tent campsites situated alongside a creek, with basic amenities including pit toilets and bear boxes for food storage. Fort Mountain State Park, located directly in Chatsworth, features backcountry tent sites accessible via hiking trails, with site #4 situated approximately one mile from the stone wall parking lot. These tent-only areas provide varying levels of seclusion while maintaining proximity to natural features like streams and scenic overlooks.

Access to many tent campsites requires preparation for rugged conditions. The road to Hickey Gap involves navigating dirt and rock surfaces with steep drop-offs and hairpin turns, followed by a challenging steep driveway that may require momentum to ascend when departing. Tent pads at backcountry sites often feature uneven terrain, with campers reporting limited flat spots at some locations. Most primitive tent camping areas include fire rings but lack potable water, requiring visitors to either filter from nearby streams or pack in their own supply. Bear activity is common throughout the region, necessitating proper food storage in provided bear boxes or by hanging food bags away from sleeping areas.

According to one camper who visited Fort Mountain State Park, "The site is private and pretty large with plenty of trees for hammocks and a few flat spots for small tents." At Hickey Gap, a visitor noted the "peaceful sleep next to a creek" despite the challenging access road. Tent campers frequently use these sites as basebases for day hikes, with Fort Mountain offering sunset views from nearby overlooks. The primitive nature of these sites appeals particularly to backpackers seeking solitude, though seasonal considerations are important. One reviewer of Hickory Creek Trail Backcountry Campground suggested visiting "in late fall or early spring" to avoid summer insects while still enjoying streamside camping.

Best Tent Sites Near Chatsworth, Georgia (66)

    1. Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA)

    4 Reviews
    Crandall, GA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 695-6736

    "This was a beautiful little spot next to a creek. There are 5 sites in all. It was a Monday in August, and there were two spots available."

    "Very nice CG with picnic tables, pit toilet and trash can. I saw 3 copper heads at the creek."

    2. Fort Mountain State Park Backcountry Campsites

    1 Review
    Chatsworth, GA
    5 miles
    +1 (706) 422-1932

    $12 / night

    "There were plenty of trees for hammocks and a few flat spots for small tents. A small creek flows through the site for easy water access (but I was told that it doesn’t flow all year)."

    3. Ridgeway

    2 Reviews
    Carters Lake, GA
    14 miles
    Website

    4. Bear Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Cherry Log, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 297-3000

    "Be advised that this campground is located off a dirt road, requires a stream crossing to reach and further hiking from the parking area to the dispersed camping area."

    5. Big Frog Area

    5 Reviews
    Ocoee, TN
    20 miles

    "About 1.5-2 mi in at the intersection of Rough Creek trail and Big Frog I saw a grassy patch with a fire ring and set up camp."

    "Disclaimer: Did not camp here On my hike up Big Frog trail this weekend I came across this great site."

    6. Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    1 Review
    Ellijay, GA
    14 miles
    +1 (706) 334-2248

    $10 / night

    "I love that this was a tent only camping site (no RVs). The sites were a bit smaller than I would have liked but as it was just the 10 sites on the road, the kids could safely play in the road."

    8. Long Creek Falls Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Ellijay, GA
    22 miles

    "This is a walk in/drive to campground off of an unpaved forest service road. There are no amenities. If you drive in, keep your food in your car."

    "Campground Review:

    is a nice flat section of the Appalachian Trail that can be accessed by forest road 42 and offers an easy 1 mile hike in the the falls."

    9. Hidden Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Calhoun, GA
    24 miles

    "We went out and found this place and setup our campsite very nice secluded and away from people very few people out here and there are a few big potholes in the road to watch out for but there is also"

    "A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle."

    10. Sylco

    2 Reviews
    Cisco, TN
    20 miles
    Website
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Showing results 1-10 of 66 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Chatsworth, GA

1398 Reviews of 66 Chatsworth Campgrounds



Guide to Chatsworth

Tent camping near Chatsworth, Georgia offers a variety of scenic locations for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from well-equipped sites to more primitive experiences, there's something for everyone.

Explore Local Hiking Trails

  • The Big Frog Area provides access to stunning views and hiking trails, perfect for those seeking adventure in a remote setting.
  • Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA) features trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls and swimming areas, making it a great spot for a day hike.
  • For a more challenging trek, the Long Creek Falls Appalachian Trail offers a scenic hike along trout streams, ideal for fishing enthusiasts.

Amenities for Tent Campers

  • At Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA), you'll find picnic tables and pit toilets, enhancing your camping experience while still enjoying the great outdoors.
  • The Bear Creek Campground offers a picturesque setting with access to trout-filled streams and fire pits for evening gatherings.
  • Hidden Creek Campground provides a peaceful atmosphere with ample space for tents and the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding wilderness.

Unique Features of Each Campground

  • Cottonwood Patch Campground is designed for horseback riders, making it a unique choice for those looking to combine camping with equestrian activities.
  • The Creekside Camp offers flat campsites next to a beautiful creek, perfect for those who enjoy the sound of flowing water while they sleep.
  • For a more primitive experience, Hickory Creek Trail Backcountry Campground provides spacious sites along a stream, ideal for those seeking solitude in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chatsworth, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chatsworth, GA is Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA) with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Chatsworth, GA?

TheDyrt.com has all 66 tent camping locations near Chatsworth, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.