Dispersed camping around Chickamauga, Georgia covers areas within the foothills of Lookout Mountain, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching the 90s and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most primitive tent campsites near Chickamauga, Georgia require permits or passes purchased in advance, with Georgia Wildlife Management Areas requiring a land pass costing approximately $60 for extended stays.
What to do
Rock climbing at Rocktown: Access this popular climbing destination via Sawmill Lake Campsite, located just 5 minutes from the Rocktown trailhead. "If you're looking for amazing scenery, this is not the place. It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead," notes camper Abigail P.
Cave exploration: Visit Petty John Cave from nearby tent campsites. "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 from Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Hiking on the Cumberland Trail: Backcountry campers can access the Cumberland Trail from Lockhart's Arch Shelter, located 1.8 miles from the southern terminus. "The shelter is after climbing out of Middle Creek Gorge, and follows a spur trail off the CT that is not marked, making this shelter somewhat difficult to find in the dark," warns Stephanie J.
What campers like
Affordability: Many campers appreciate the free camping options. "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping," reports Ava R. about Blue Hole Dispersed.
Proximity to climbing areas: The convenience of camping near climbing spots draws many visitors. "If you came in summer when it's busy, I would recommend going to the first open field when you enter which is to the right," suggests Mitchell M. about camping at Sawmill Lake, noting the area can get crowded during peak seasons.
Secluded camping options: For those seeking privacy, several areas provide isolation. "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables. If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it," explains Sarah H. about Blue Hole Dispersed.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas have challenging access roads. "The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance," warns Tessa B. about Davis Pond Campsite, located about 45 minutes outside Chattanooga.
Permit requirements: Most primitive camping areas in Georgia require permits. "I think you're technically supposed to have a Georgia outdoors permit to stay here (which we did), but we did not encounter a single ranger during our six-day stay," mentions a camper at Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Facility limitations: Toilet facilities at free campgrounds are often minimal or poorly maintained. "While there is a two-station pit toilet, it's a bit of a horror show with a lot of trash accumulating in the structure," notes William S. about Davis Pond Campsite.
Seasonal considerations: Camping conditions vary throughout the year. "Nights turned a bit chilly, so make sure to pack layers if camping in the fall or winter season," advises a Sawmill Lake Campsite visitor who stayed during Thanksgiving.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, select campsites with easier hiking access. "Our 2 and 5 year old walked from our campsite down to the falls and back up easily, and enjoyed having a trail that led to the falls overlook for nightly post-dinner walks," shares Stephanie about Foster Falls Campground.
Avoid busy weekends: Family camping is often more enjoyable midweek when sites are less crowded. "We were there on weeknights so there were very few other campers," notes a visitor to Foster Falls, mentioning that weekend crowds can leave more trash behind.
Check for noise issues: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. "There is a farm nearby with a rooster that spent the better part of the day crowing, which can be distracting when you have a toddler you are trying to get to sleep," warns a Foster Falls camper.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance matters: Many dispersed camping areas require higher clearance vehicles. "The road leading up to the campgrounds is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride," shares a visitor to Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Choose approach direction carefully: When bringing an RV or trailer to primitive tent campsites near Chickamauga, Georgia, plan your route. "If you have a trailer or rv I recommend coming in from the west direction, if you can tell from maps. The east way had 180 degree sharp turns up the mountain, so may be difficult," advises Mitchell M. at Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Watch for falling trees: At some sites, trees pose hazards for larger vehicles. "Trees fall easily so if it's windy be careful where you park," warns Sierra Y., who stayed 13 days at Sawmill Lake in a 23-foot camper.
