The Cohutta area of north Georgia sits at the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 700 to 4,200 feet creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. Camping options near Cohutta include everything from primitive backcountry sites to full-service RV parks, with several locations offering year-round access despite seasonal temperature variations. Many campgrounds provide direct access to hiking trails and waterways without requiring additional travel.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: 3 miles round trip at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground offers one of the most popular day activities. "Hike down to Cherokee Falls and follow the unmarked trail beside it up and around to ANOTHER secret set of falls!" writes Heather S., though she cautions about trail safety.
Mountain biking trails: technical terrain throughout the region attracts skilled riders. Tyler J. notes that at Chilhowee there is "wonderful mountain biking easily accessible from the camp and world class white water rapids within only a few miles drive."
Lake activities: swimming and paddling options exist at several locations. The Fort Mountain State Park Campground has a 17-acre spring-fed lake with multiple recreation options. One camper describes: "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."
Whitewater adventures: Olympic-level rapids can be found a short drive from some campgrounds. At Adventures Unlimited Campground, a visitor shares: "The Ocoee River was the site for the 1996 Olympics whitewater events. There are numerous outfitters for everything you can do on the river."
What campers like
Platform camping sites: unique elevated experience at Fort Mountain creates a distinct glamping option in Cohutta, Georgia. Miranda H. explains: "The site itself was in a beautiful location, had a hand pump on site, and also had a shared bear proof storage box (shared between 2 sites). There is definitely active wildlife here!"
Privacy between sites: varied spacing differs significantly between campgrounds. At Chilhowee Recreation Area, Tracy J. found that "The A&B loops are well spaced and mostly shaded with fairly level gravel pads. Bathhouse was clean and well lit. Roads around the loops were narrow but there were big 5th wheel rigs so its doable."
Entertainment options: on-site activities enhance the glamping in Cohutta experience. Lori H. describes the Adventures Unlimited Campground setup: "This place has two restaurants... And The Bus Bar- this place is a must! They have literally converted two yellow school busses into a bar! The restrooms are in one of the busses and the other is where the actual bar is."
Natural features: geological formations provide distinctive camping environments. Stephanie J. explains that at Cloudland Canyon: "The East Rim is home to several cabins, the group lodge, one of the full service campgrounds, and the main trailhead, as well as the ADA accessible overlook trail which is where many of the iconic photographs of this park come from."
What you should know
Cell service: varies widely across the region. At Chester Frost Park, service is generally good due to proximity to Chattanooga, while Chilhowee Recreation Area has more limited connectivity. One visitor to Chilhowee notes: "There is no WiFi or AT&T cellular signal in this park. However, if you drive to any of the scenic overlooks just outside the park, you will get AT&T LTE signal."
Road conditions: mountain access can be challenging for larger vehicles. Carissa D. cautions about Chilhowee: "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road. The camp sites are distanced well and the entire campground is in the shade."
Seasonal considerations: wildlife activity increases in warmer months. At Fort Mountain, campers frequently encounter local wildlife. "Two other couples at two separate platform sites had encounters with a bear the same weekend I was here," reports Miranda H.
Bathhouse facilities: quality differs between locations. At Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA, Chris Y. notes that "The campground was clean and the people working were very friendly. The sites are very close together so there is not much room to move around or have pets outside."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: designated play areas exist at several locations. At Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA, Barbara C. appreciates the "Nice clean place and pool. Ample camp store if you forgot something. close to many amenities (movie show gasoline and food)."
Swimming options: beach areas provide kid-friendly water access. Chester Frost Park has "a man made beach with a playground and loads of camping lots next to the river!" according to Haley H.
Family-oriented activities: structured recreation enhances the glamping experience in Cohutta for families with children. Roy T. describes the Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA: "Campground was well decorated for Halloween including scheduled Trick or Treating for the kids. Lots of activities for kids at the campground and the surrounding area of Chattanooga and the nearby mountains."
Site selection for families: spacious options matter when camping with children. Stephanie J. recommends Fort Mountain: "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
Leveling challenges: site grade varies significantly between and within campgrounds. At Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, Jason B. found "Some of the roads and RV sites are a little difficult to get into. Our site was on a sharp curve with a decent grade, but after some jockeying around, we got our camper in ok."
RV site limitations: hookup availability should be verified before arrival. At Chilhowee Recreation Area, Mike N. advises: "As someone who uses a camper, here's what you need to know. Coming up the mountain has some steep grades and a few switch backs that you can't see around. There are often oncoming vehicles who are often driving to fast and not considering those of us in large vehicles."
Dump station access: location and design vary between parks. Mike N. continues about Chilhowee: "From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it. My friend who was there pulling a 5th wheel decided not to try it and opted to pay to dump somewhere else."
Water hookups: availability not guaranteed at all sites labeled for RVs. Nathan G. advises about Chilhowee: "NOTE: the RV sites do not have water hook-ups at each site. There is a water hook up to fill your tank as you enter the campsite area. Fill your tank and you are good to go."
