Best Tent Camping near Cohutta, GA

Several tent campgrounds near Cohutta, Georgia provide access to the surrounding wilderness areas, with options ranging from established sites to primitive backcountry camping. Tent campers can choose from locations like Hickey Gap in the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area, which offers creek-side tent sites, or explore the more remote tent camping areas in Big Frog Area within Cherokee National Forest. Both locations provide access to hiking trails and natural features, though amenities vary significantly.

Most tent camping areas near Cohutta have minimal facilities and require preparation for primitive conditions. Hickey Gap provides vault toilets, picnic tables, and bear boxes for food storage, while dispersed tent sites in the wilderness areas typically offer no facilities. The access roads to many tent campgrounds require careful navigation, as several campers noted challenging road conditions. According to one visitor at Hickey Gap, "The road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail. There were a few hairpin turns." Some tent sites require high-clearance vehicles to access, particularly after rain.

The tent camping experience in this region centers around natural beauty and solitude. Creekside tent sites are common, offering convenient water sources and pleasant ambient sound. One camper observed that Hickey Gap has "a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas." Most tent campgrounds in the area provide good tree cover for shade and hammock camping. Wildlife sightings are frequent, with visitors reporting everything from chipmunks to copperheads. Fall offers cooler temperatures and spectacular foliage, making it an ideal season for tent camping, while summer provides better water access but brings higher temperatures and more insects to contend with at tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Cohutta, Georgia (61)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Cohutta, GA

1184 Reviews of 61 Cohutta Campgrounds


  • Melissa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2017

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    This park was really nice. We stopped while passing through. The only sites available were walk in tent sites. This isn't a huge big deal but it wasn't ideal for us at that particular time. We had a hard time identifying our site number as they really weren't marked but it wasn't far from the parking lot. There was a tent pad and fire ring but no picnic table. Not the end of the world as we arrived late and were really just sleeping there for the night. The sounds were amazing, owls for a good part of the night. We did have an issue with noise, there was a large group somewhere that was very loud well in to quiet hours and without a camp hose or attendant in the walk in sites, nothing was done about it and the noise started back up first thing in the morning as well. The park did acknowledge other complaints but without knowing which site they were in, it was hard to correct the situation. We did decide to explore the park before driving on and hiked to two waterfalls. Both hikes contained many stairs which is a good workout. The falls were really pretty and well worth the walk with a toddler.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Your Toccoa River Cove

    Beauty and Seclusion at Toccoa River Cove

    "Is there water to play in?" 

    This is a question my kids ask about almost every campground we go to. Before this trip I told them, "yes!" But once we got to the Toccoa River Cove, all of us realized that "yes" really meant, "this is a phenomenal wonderland we will never want to leave." 

    I want to say this is a "goldilocks" campground, but only because it has something for everyone, not because it falls into an average category. With 12 acres of woodland and the freedom to pitch a tent anywhere (provided you honor LNT principals about where to set up camp!), you can camp right next to the car, set up a camping hammock, or explore the forest and find a secluded area in the trees for a backpacking tent. There is a spring you can drink straight out of, and streams criss-crossing the entire area if you want the rugged feeling of purifying your own water. There's a large shelter stocked with a table, chairs, lanterns, and a two-burner camp stove for the glamping crowd, with plenty of floor space to throw down a sleeping bag for thru-hikers nostalgic for AT shelters. The campsite also has a huge fire ring (and a shelter with lots of cut wood), a picnic table, a bench, lots of bridges over the water, a few established trails, a privy that is obviously cleaned regularly, and most importantly, a total immersion in nature as only one group can book this site at a time. 

    Things to note for planning:

    -The driveway down to the shelter is very steep, and does not allow much space to turn around. RVs or larger trucks will not fit, and per the owner only one vehicle may park at the base of the driveway at a time--all others should park just past the gate once you first turn onto the driveway 

    -Water is available from two natural springs, but there is no filtered or piped water

    -There is no electricity at all at this site

    -The closest town is Copperhill/McCaysville on the TN/GA border. You can get provisions here, or use the campsite as a basecamp to explore the breweries and restaurants the town has to offer.

    -There is a community area a short drive from the campsite that offers swimming and fishing; access is included in your reservation

    I cannot see any tent campers this site would not be perfect for. While there are neighboring houses so loud parties are not permitted, this site allows up to 10 guests, with plenty of room to spare if you are looking to get out with friends. Single campers or couples will appreciate the privacy, and families will find the amenities that make camping with kids easier, accompanied with the space to allow kids freedom to explore.

    I feel like I am always on a quest to find a campsite that blends the ability to carry gear for every possible contingency, with the beauty and privacy of the backcountry. After staying here, I can say that quest is over. This is it.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Mountain Glen RV Park & Campground

    Ranger Review: The Dyrt Reservations at Mountain Glen RV Park & Campground

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am occasionally compensated for staying at and reviewing campgrounds. I was given the opportunity to stay at Mountain Glen RV Park and Campground in order to test the new reservation system through The Dyrt. The reservation system works extremely well--it is fast and efficient, and save the trouble of using a third party reservation system after finding a campground you like on The Dyrt. I look forward to more campgrounds joining TD's network!

    Mountain Glen is a new campground, located about an hour northwest of Chattanooga, and it is absolutely beautiful. There are a total of 8 tent sites and 41 RV sites, set next to a lake and a gorgeous view of a farm. Amenities include picnic tables, a playground, fishing, horseshoes, corn hole, a game room, a camp store, and laundry facilities, showers, and flush toilets with electricity (and heat!). It is also a short drive to Fall Creek Falls State Park, for anyone looking to enjoy the hiking near the falls without the overnight crowds the state park brings in. 

    The RV sites occupy most of the campground, and accommodate trailers ranging from 60' to 90'. All sites have electric and water hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and most have small grassy areas for dogs, kids, or even grown ups to stretch out and rest. RVs are also available to rent.

    Tent sites 1-3 are listed as “primitive” sites and have no electricity or water, however it is a short walk to the office where water is available. The road is visible from these sites, however there is a grassy meadow both between the sites and the road, and the sites and the lake, with woods bordering site 3. 

    Sites 4 and 5 are located closest to the picnic shelter, with a clear view of the lake. Sites 6-8 are next to the office/bathrooms. Site 6 is the smallest and 8 is the largest. All tent sites are fairly hilly, and accommodate small tents better than large based on limited flat space—though hammocks would work well!

    There is a trail that winds around the lake, and passes a beautiful spillway on the end opposite the office which is great for getting some shade, and a chance for kids to splash in some water. This end also has a picnic table for day use. I would love to see this area eventually become a walk-in campsite as it is definitely the most beautiful area of the entire campground!

    The owners here are extremely nice. We were greeted warmly on our arrival, and spent some time talking with them our second day. It is obvious they care about the campground and want campers to enjoy themselves and feel comfortable. We are tent campers and I was wary of staying somewhere more geared towards RVs, but what tent camping here lacks in privacy and wilderness, it more than makes up for in beauty, peace, and a feeling of home-away-from-home.

  • A
    Sep. 5, 2016

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Walk-in sites

    Love the tent-only serenity of the walk-in sites. There is a separate parking lot at the back of the park for the walk-in sites, which are a short distance away (easy to haul your gear). The sites have a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring, and lots of privacy as the sites are very far from each other. The bath house has showers and running hot water. the long hike around the canyon and down into it provided amazing views! I'm always thrilled to find camping areas where I can have the convenience of my car-but can avoid the noise of RVs - and you definitely get that here!

  • M
    Sep. 10, 2016

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    Memorial Day Weekend was Awesome..

    We spent Memorial Day weekend at Fort Mountain and it was awesome. We camped in a Pioneer campsite #2 which is a 3 sided pavilion that would easily sleep 8-10 people if you were only using bed rolls and sleeping bags. Pioneer camping has its challenges, but each site has an outhouse and a picnic table and prebuilt fire ring. There is an original fire tower on top of the mountain at the end of the trail. A Great Lake for kayaks and fishing with Jon boats, paddle boats, and canoes avaialble for rentals. Lots of cool lake side tent sites and trailer sites are also avaialble. We have camped several times with our scout troop. Lots of cool trails surround the park. There were fireworks in neighboring towns a short,15 min drive both nights. The towns near by have stores and food if your not I the mood to cook. The history is well documented on displays all around the park. And the there is a station that broadcasts at the end of one of the public service roads.

  • Michael H.
    Oct. 15, 2020

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    Great Campground

    We love camping at Fort Mountain. Its usually a good bit cooler due to the elevation, and the private wooded campsites make tent camping in Georgia’s summer heat much more enjoyable. Good hiking and things to do nearby.

  • Heather W.
    Jul. 3, 2019

    Chilhowee Recreation Area

    Great place during lightning bug season!

    This campground is great! It has clean bathrooms with showers, fire rings with grill grates, lots of hiking, hike to a beautiful waterfall, huge lake to swim or float on a raft, and the lightning bugs were breath taking!!

    We stayed at site #39. Next to the trail that leads to the lake. Next to rest room, trash bin, and water spout. This specific site has the driveway and then stairs to the fire/table/tent pad. We set our large tent on the tent pad and a smaller tent on the driveway next to the stairs.

    Pros: No reservation needed. Warmish showers. Hiking. Lake to swim in. Beautiful waterfall. Perfect to see millions of lightning bugs. Easy payment (put money in slip and put in bin, and yes they do check). Pets allowed.

    Cons: we had the WORST neighbors I’ve ever experienced while camping! The staff warned them about quiet hours but never came back to in force it. Fire ring grill topper was broke off.

    DON’T drive up the dirt path, we made that mistake. Take the regular rode. GPS sends you automatically to the dirt road.

    Over all I’m defiantly going to camp there again. Well kept and overall has a lot to offer

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2020

    Pocket Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    Nice overnight

    The Pocket in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Another beautiful place we've never been before! Nice tent camp spot, not sure I would stay several days but we really enjoyed the weekend. This was our last chance since the camp closes on Nov. 9 this year. The sites along the creek are nice but the rest is well laid out with fire rings, lantern poles and tables. No showers but the restrooms were clean and in good order. Cell service is totally nonexistent in the whole area.

  • Michael T.
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    A lot offered in a well kept site

    This is a great park with a lot to offer and more in the near vicinity. 

    Cell reception (T-Mobile) was non-existent in the site. However, there was reception at the trading post and possibly elsewhere. 

    They're installing Bear Boxes in tent sites back and front country (as I understood it) and are clearly paying attention to what people want and how to improve visitors experiences. 

    A lot of the sites are RV orientated. But the walk in tent sites are really close to the parking area. Also, nearby backcountry platforms and sites can be easily accessed. 

    If you want walking access to the trails, it's probably best to choose a site near the lake as that's where most trails are accessed from.


Guide to Cohutta

Dispersed camping options near Cohutta, Georgia range from primitive backcountry sites to remote drive-in campgrounds tucked in the Cherokee National Forest. Most tent campsites near Cohutta sit at elevations between 1,500-4,000 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between seasons. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing at night, while summer brings average highs of 85°F with high humidity.

What to do

Creek exploration: At Lost Creek Campground, campers can wade in the adjacent creek for cooling off. "There are spots that you can swim around in," notes Scott E., who camped creekside. The campground connects to multiple hiking trails, providing easy access to nature walks.

Caving adventures: The Blue Hole Dispersed area offers access to Ellison Cave and other geological features. "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. We were never bothered and it's right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail," reports camper Ava R.

Mountain biking: The forest roads around tent campsites near Cohutta provide excellent terrain for mountain biking. Chris D. from Lost Creek notes: "Many places to explore on bike or hiking. Super remote area, ride were in decent shape, I could see them being bad after a heavy storm. Gravel 7 miles to here."

Wildlife viewing: The camping areas around Cohutta are home to diverse wildlife. Isabella H. observed at Sylco Campground: "We saw tons of chipmunks around, they were definitely after our food both at our campsite and hiking. We also really enjoyed doing some bird watching and trying to figure out what birds were which."

What campers like

Remote location: The isolation of Hickory Creek Trail Backcountry Campground appeals to backpackers seeking solitude. "This is one of many campgrounds along the Hickory Creek Trail in the Cohutta Wilderness of North Georgia," notes Asher K. The remoteness provides an escape from crowds common at more accessible campgrounds.

Amenities at primitive sites: Despite their remote setting, some campgrounds offer practical facilities. Gregg G. describes Lost Creek: "The campground offers concrete picnic tables, lantern post, a pit toilet and bear safe trash receptacles. There is no potable water available from a spicket and no Verizon cell reception."

Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-cost sites. Brittany S. shares about Lost Creek: "This campground is incredibly clean + quiet—and completely free. It's in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access (some sites are right beside the creek)."

Swimming opportunities: The natural water features near camping areas provide recreation. One camper at Big Frog Area notes: "One of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Went up there when it was snowing and it was white and just absolutely gorgeous the views are spectacular."

What you should know

Road access challenges: Many campsites require driving on unpaved forest roads. Chris D. explains about Lost Creek: "Gravel 7 miles to here." Road conditions can deteriorate after rain, making high-clearance vehicles necessary for some locations.

Limited facilities: Most tent campsites near Cohutta feature minimal amenities. Rayley P. describes Lost Creek: "It's a free campsite so it's first come first serve and everyone we've met so far there have been the friendliest of people. There's a drop toilet which are pretty still smell though. Each campsite has a concrete table, fire pit, and tent platform."

Bear presence: Bears are active throughout the area. According to Julia B. at Hickey Gap: "My girls group and I wanted to do a quick weekend glamping trip. One long rocky road and an active bear warning later we were rocking it by the creek."

Bugs can be problematic: Insect activity varies by season. Asher K. notes about Hickory Creek Trail: "This area definitely could be beautiful in the right time of year and if there weren't so many trees over the trail but we didn't get to experience that. The other issue with the bugs though is most likely due to it being right along a stream."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with water features: Creeks provide natural entertainment for children. One camper at Fort Mountain State Park Backcountry Campsites reports: "I had a wonderful time at backcountry site #4 this past Sunday - Monday. A small creek flows through the site for easy water access (but I was told that it doesn't flow all year)."

Plan for variable weather: The mountain elevation creates unpredictable conditions. Heidi T. from Big Frog Area warns: "It is however in the middle of nowhere and there are no bathrooms or facilities or running water so it's not a good place to have like small small children and watch out for bears."

Select campsites based on hiking distance: Some backcountry sites require significant hiking. Meaghan G. explains about Fort Mountain: "The hike to the site is downhill from the stone wall parking lot, so it was pretty easy to get to at only 1 mile. The site is private and pretty large. There were plenty of trees for hammocks and a few flat spots for small tents."

Be aware of hunting seasons: Hunting activity can affect camping experience. Scott E. from Lost Creek notes: "We apparently went during hunting season. Had to have been a dog sport. Too many dogs running around and barking throughout the night."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all dispersed camping areas accommodate RVs. Sarah H. explains about Blue Hole Dispersed: "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. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you."

Generator considerations: Some areas allow generators, providing power options for RVers. Ava R. mentions bringing a generator to Blue Hole: "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator."

Road clearance requirements: Forest roads often require careful navigation. Charles H. from Lost Creek notes: "This is a great spot in the river. Picnic tables, fire ring, pit toilet and all you hear is the river at night. No cell service and its first come first served for a spot."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 61 tent camping locations near Cohutta, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.