2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cottonwood Patch Campground provides specialized accommodations for equestrian campers in the Cohutta Wilderness area near Chickamauga, Georgia. The campground features dedicated horse corrals with level spots and picnic tables. While not directly situated on the river, water access is available for horses. Primarily designed as a launching point for horseback riding in the wilderness, the campground attracts riders with its proximity to numerous trail systems. The facilities include maintained pit toilets and ample parking for horse trailers. Equestrians appreciate the campground layout which allows them to keep horses nearby while camping. The area sees regular use by horse owners but remains accessible to all campers regardless of whether they bring horses.
The surrounding trail network connects riders to multiple destinations within the Cohutta Wilderness. Several trails designated specifically for horse use begin directly from the campground area. Jacks River Fields Campground, another equestrian-friendly option in the Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest, offers creek-side camping with separate areas for horse camping. These campgrounds provide strategic access points to extensive bridle trails throughout the wilderness area. Horse owners should note that water access points for animals exist at creek crossings along the trails. The campgrounds remain relatively quiet and uncrowded even during peak seasons, with midweek visits often resulting in complete solitude. Riders typically bring their own feed as there are no on-site supply facilities. Both locations serve as excellent basecamp options for day rides or longer equestrian excursions into the surrounding wilderness.
"There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water, then sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing."
"You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits."
from $2 - $38 / night
"It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers."
"This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking."
"This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables."
"About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it’s a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."
from $25 - $30 / night
"Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."
"The site is surrounded by trees and connects to the nature trail which goes down to the Hiwasee, so there can be some mild foot traffic nearby. It's simple, with a firepit and maybe picnic tables."
Available this weekend
"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."
"There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!"
"It is also at an easy access point to the falls as well as the other trails in the area. The site has easy access to water most of the year and can provide space for over 10 tents."
"Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon."
"Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."
"A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained."
Available this weekend
from $8 / night
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
GuideHopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
GuideAbsolutely beautiful. Took a couple of rounds of trial and error to find the spot, which is just a pro for me personally. Once we got there, the place was beautiful. Logging is going on right now, so we were woken up around 6:30 am by the beautiful sounds of machinery and whatnot. Did not catch anything in the pond unfortunately. That’s to be expected when you’re only armed with a Barbie fishing pole and no patience. I have saved the spot and will always be returning whenever I visit Chattanooga!!
GuideThe road to get to the sites is long, bumpy, and very curvy (so you’ve got to go slow). The sites themselves were full of trash, graffiti, and a homeless camp. We elected to not stay.
RangerWe stayed here 5/15- 5/17 and had a wonderful time. The bathrooms were great & the playground was a huge hit with all the kids. They also loved catching little minnows in the streambed of the boat launch. There is a trail that surrounds camp that's great for little adventures or even a short mountain bike
GuideYou take a sometimes single lane road to get there. Very windy at points. There is a parking lot to hold 4+ cars. You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits. There is one private site past the marked site if you keep going you will find a large level gravel lot with a single fire pit that would be much better for van or truck camping. Past this point it turns back into residential.
GuideBeautiful spots down Jacks river directly and conveniently on the water. Remote but could see being busy during warmer seasons. We loved it.
TravelerI’m not a planner so I tend to find spots late in the day and just take what I get. I was so pleased when I pulled into the park at sunset to find only one other camper! The park is beautiful and very well kept. A ranger drove by while I was having coffee the next morning and was very laid back and completely unbothered that I had arrived after hours. This was a Monday morning and he told me they were packed over the weekend and I was floored because it was so clean! The restroom is huge with showers and was older but clean. Absolutely recommend.
The Chickamauga, Georgia area offers equestrian camping in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 700-1,200 feet. The Cohutta Wilderness contains over 40,000 acres of protected forest with an extensive network of horse trails crossing multiple creek systems. Most horse campgrounds remain open year-round but experience peak usage during spring and fall when temperatures average 65-75°F during daylight hours.
Creek swimming spots: Near Hickey Gap Campground, visitors can enjoy natural swimming areas. "There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!" reports John B. The creek offers relief during warmer months.
Fishing opportunities: Tennessee Wall Camp provides access to multiple fishing spots along waterways. "We really enjoyed our night tent camping here. There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water," notes Suzie K. The fishing areas remain accessible even during low water conditions.
Spelunking adventures: The cave systems near Sawmill Lake Campsite attract those interested in underground exploration. "This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking," shares Lisa, highlighting the proximity to cave systems.
Privacy between sites: At Jacks River Fields Campground, campers appreciate the seclusion. "We love this campsite! The first time we camped here, we were the only ones at the whole site. The most recent time, there were just two other couples so it was still very low key," reports Liz B. The campground rarely fills to capacity even during weekends.
Fire pit availability: Multiple established fire rings allow for proper containment of campfires. "Great sites with fire pits," notes Lakisha D. about Tennessee Wall Camp. At Sawmill Lake Campsite, Mitchell M. mentions, "There are several man-made fire pits, and plenty of wood and brush lying around to scavenge for fire-making."
Level camping areas: Horse owners particularly value the flat terrain at many sites. "Level spots with picnic tables. Not directly on the river but is accessible. A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can," writes Bob P. about Cottonwood Patch Campground. The level ground makes setting up camp easier for both tent campers and those with horses.
Road conditions: Many access roads require vehicles with adequate clearance. Abigail P. notes about Sawmill Lake Campsite: "The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times."
Trail signage limitations: Some trail markers can be confusing or difficult to follow. At the Walls of Jericho, Aaron S. warns, "The trail is full of switchbacks. There are tree markers on the trail to mark the turns but at times they are easy to lose. There are also some random trees marked that are not on the trail."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. Nathan T. mentions regarding Mountain Cove Resort: "It is absolutely beautiful! The most beautiful I've stayed. There are not a lot of amenities but the beautiful site of those mountains. Be warned... There is no cell service and no Wi-Fi. Off the grid."
Playground accessibility: Certain campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Mickey L. notes about Gee Creek Campground: "Very friendly staff. Clean facilities and nice playground. Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool."
Wildlife watching opportunities: Kids can observe local fauna in natural settings. During spring months, frog and salamander populations flourish near creek edges. "We saw a couple go out on an inflatable boat," Tessa B. mentions regarding Davis Pond, indicating opportunities for wildlife spotting from the water.
Bathroom facility considerations: Restroom conditions vary widely between campgrounds. Tessa B. observes about Davis Pond: "I took off a star because the bathroom looks like an actual third world country, covered in trash and bugs and who knows what else." Plan accordingly with sanitation supplies when visiting more remote areas.
Clearance requirements: RV access can be challenging on certain forest roads. Sierra Y. advises about Sawmill Lake Campsite: "I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain. There were a few people that stayed in a tent for a night or two here and there, but I didn't see any other RV/Campers so every spot was open."
Limited hookup availability: Most equestrian campgrounds prioritize space for trailers over hookups. Horse-focused sites like Cottonwood Patch Campground lack electrical connections but provide adequate space for larger vehicles and trailers.
Weather considerations: RVers should monitor forecasts closely. "Trees fall easily so if it's windy be careful where you park," warns Sierra Y. about camping at Sawmill Lake Campsite. The combination of mountain terrain and seasonal storms can create hazardous conditions for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chickamauga, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chickamauga, GA is Tennessee Wall Camp with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chickamauga, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Chickamauga, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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