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Best Campgrounds near Dalton, GA

1,533 Reviews

Camping opportunities in the Dalton area include several developed campgrounds and backcountry options throughout the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The Pocket Campground, located in a low area surrounded by steep ridges of Horn and Mill Mountains, offers rustic tent and small RV camping with creek access. Fort Mountain State Park, approximately 20 miles east of Dalton, provides a range of accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and platform camping. Cloudland Canyon State Park and several other mixed-use campgrounds in the region support both tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities.

The camping season in northwest Georgia generally runs year-round, though some facilities like Salacoa Creek Park operate only from April to November. Road access varies across the region, with some forest service roads requiring caution for low-clearance vehicles. "Be prepared for a slightly rough road on your way in sometimes that involves minor water crossings. I've done it before in a Ford Fiesta, but low riding cars should be cautious," noted one camper about The Pocket area. Several campgrounds like Fort Mountain require advance reservations, especially during peak season. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many areas, particularly in the more remote pockets of the national forest, making advance planning essential. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage and awareness.

Many campers highlight the natural springs and creeks as standout features at The Pocket Campground. Water access appears as a consistent theme in visitor reviews, with several sites featuring direct creek access that's popular with families. Hikers appreciate the trail systems connected to many camping areas, particularly at Fort Mountain State Park where both easy and challenging trails offer mountain views and waterfall access. Campers seeking more solitude gravitate toward the dispersed camping options in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. One reviewer described finding "the perfect spot at the end of the road" on Gentry Gap near The Pocket recreation area, mentioning "4 or 5 spots that are perfect for dispersed tent camping, and a small stream across the road for added ambiance." Sites with hookups for RVs are available at several state parks and private campgrounds throughout the region, including options in Calhoun and Chatsworth.

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Best Camping Sites Near Dalton, Georgia (409)

    1. Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Chatsworth, GA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 422-1932

    $14 - $55 / night

    "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."

    "We walked other camp grounds in the park and most of those sites were equally spacious and mostly level."

    2. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    184 Reviews
    Trenton, GA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 657-4050

    $10 - $290 / night

    "Campground Review:East Rim Campground Pro’s: 1-Handicap Accessible, there is a cabin which is also HDA. 2- If your visiting for a get together your right next to the day use area and there is a picnic"

    "Cloudland Canyon State Park is worth the drive. Located between I75 and I59 in Georgia, outside Trenton and below Chattanooga, Tn. The scenery on the way in is breathtaking and varied."

    3. Pocket Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    13 Reviews
    Villanow, GA
    14 miles
    +1 (706) 695-6736

    $15 / night

    "The campsites are first come first serve but all are near a natural spring. The camping area is a short distance from a modest lake and a stocked trout stream."

    "The Pocket Wilderness is one of the best kept secrets in North Georgia. there are hikes for all skill levels including a wonderful Boardwalk leading to a waterfall that hovers over some of the most biodiverse"

    4. Doll Mountain Campground

    22 Reviews
    Talking Rock, GA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 276-4413

    $26 - $100 / night

    "Doll Mountain Campground near Ellijay, Georgia is located on a peninsula stretching into Carter's Lake, and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. "

    "The sites are tucked into the trees, lots of great spots for your hammock! We stayed at a walk-in site, but were still close to a pit toilet and our car."

    5. 411 River Rest Campground

    10 Reviews
    Carters Lake, GA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 972-2681

    $30 - $60 / night

    "It was hard to find a place that allowed 1 night that still had reservations but based on positive feedback on the Georgia RV FB group I found this place."

    "Very close to the highway, but quite and well maintained."

    6. Calhoun A-OK Campground

    13 Reviews
    Calhoun, GA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 629-7511

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Our campsite was okay, with a bit of a slope where the our steps came down. The pull throughs are basically their overnighter sites with no picnic table nor fire pit."

    "Minor sound from adjacent road, other than that very quiet, clean, nice layout with trees, good site spacing, I’ll be back."

    7. Holiday Travel Park

    20 Reviews
    Fort Oglethorpe, GA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 891-9766

    $36 - $105 / night

    "There were pros and cons, so I’ll start with the cons- the campground is surrounded by what looked to be a mobile home community."

    "The gravel site was very level and the utilities were positioned well. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The location is easy to get to from I75/24."

    8. Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 344-6214

    $22 - $28 / night

    "Situated again the bay, the majority of the park is surrounded by water, and as such many campsites have views of the lake."

    "This is a great family campground and Tennessee State Park located on Chickamauga Lake of the Tennessee River. Good playground for the Grandkids and bicycle paths."

    9. Woodring Campground

    14 Reviews
    Talking Rock, GA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 276-6050

    $18 - $28 / night

    "Easy access sites but some are close together with lots of trees on beautiful Carters Lake in the north Georgia mountains."

    "Site 29 is on the peninsula, near the end. It is caddy corner from the beach swimming area and very close walking distance. You cannot see the site from the beach area or vice versa."

    10. Salacoa Creek Park

    10 Reviews
    Calhoun, GA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 629-3490

    "The campground entrance is 10 miles on the right off the Redbud Rd exit. Only con is not a lot of shade in the campsites."

    "The campground is situated on a hill with the campsites tiered one above(or below) the next. Not much in shade or privacy but well kept and clean."

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Recent Camping Photos near Dalton, GA

629 Photos of 409 Dalton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dalton, GA

1533 Reviews of 409 Dalton Campgrounds

  • George K.
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Great Park and campground!

    We spent 3 nights at CL. The campground is well maintained and has all amenities needed. The park itself has several hiking trails of different difficulty levels.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Quick fall foliage trip

    The park is absolutely beautiful, great scenery and hiking trails. The visitors center is nice, but the helpfulness of the staff was hit or miss. The campsite is nice, quiet, clean bathrooms and warm showers. We camped in a tent and the ground was hard, almost like cement which made staking the tent down difficult. Other than this, we loved it and would come back again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Red top mountain state park

    Plenty of campsites, some on the lake. RV, tents, yurts. Spaces 1-12 are especially nice since they are spacious and can handle class A and 5th wheelers. All 12 have water electric and sewer. We have a class C and prefer 1-12 because there is plenty of space between sites.

  • William B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Marion county park Tennessee

    Nickajack Lake

    While I don’t know everything about this campground, I am really impressed. All sites have a view of the lake and a lot are right on the water. There is a boat ramp on site. There is water and electricity available at the sites and a dump station is there if you need it. The view is magnificent. I highly recommend this place if you are in the area.

  • paul Z.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    Great place even with unlevel sites

    We had a great stay here. Luckily I brought extra leveling blocks after reading other reviews. Loop C site 26 was a great spot listed as water view but the lake was right there. Might as well have been called waterfront. Had to block up the rear wheels on our class A to get level but we brought those with us. Had our Canoe in the water right behind us and plenty of room for the car and dolly. Awesome hiking trails and a great little seasonal restaurant at the marina. We will come back here again

  • Liz M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Rough Creek Dispersed

    Only 2 Sites

    Gorgeous area at the end of the road. Only 2 sites and one intense drive to get here. It takes about 35 minutes to go 4 miles. Ground clearance and off road tires needed

  • Liz M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Little Gassaway Creek

    1 Campsite off 4 x 4 Road

    Found this site on the way to another. Only one campsite and requires either off-road tires or 4 x 4

  • George M.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mulky Campground

    Great location for fishing

    A lot of the campsites are right on the water, so it's super easy to fish. But if you want something more private, there are also some secluded spots up the road.

Guide to Dalton

Camping near Dalton, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are lots of short trails to amazing vistas," making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced hikers.
  • Waterfalls: Check out the stunning waterfalls at DeSoto State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "We saw 4 waterfalls and so many amazing rock formations," highlighting the park's natural beauty.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the lake at Harrison Bay State Park Campground. One camper said, "There is plenty of lake access for boating, kayaking, and swimming," perfect for a hot summer day.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained amenities at Vogel State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The campground is very clean and well maintained," which is a big plus for families.
  • Privacy: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites at Fort Mountain State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The sites are nicely spaced and private," making it a peaceful place to unwind.
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground is a highlight for many. A camper said, "The staff was wonderful, and it was quiet," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Chester Frost Park mentioned, "This campground is a very busy place though," so plan your trip accordingly.
  • Limited Cell Service: If you're planning to stay at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping, be aware that some areas have poor cell reception. One camper noted, "We could get enough to check messages at other places within the park."
  • Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds, like Red Top Mountain State Park Campground, have narrow roads that can be tricky for larger RVs. A reviewer advised, "The roads are a little confusing and tight."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Harrison Bay State Park Campground, where one camper said, "There’s a beach you can hang out and swim at which is beautiful and is great for kids."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of nearby attractions. A family at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground enjoyed the "wonderful trails leading down to the valley and views of waterfalls."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A camper at DeSoto State Park Campground mentioned, "It also has an open area that you could play numerous games (cornhole, football, frisbee, etc.)."

Tips from RVers

  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially at Vogel State Park Campground. One RV traveler said, "If you are even slightly considering staying here, just go ahead and book it."
  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground noted, "Getting into site 77 was seriously challenging."
  • Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for a more comfortable stay. A camper at Fort Mountain State Park Campground appreciated the "W/E only, dumpsite outside the campground."

Camping around Dalton, Georgia, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Dalton, GA?

Fort Mountain State Park Campground is a top choice near Dalton, offering cooler temperatures due to elevation and private wooded campsites perfect for escaping Georgia's summer heat. The park features spacious, mostly level sites with good hiking opportunities nearby. Another excellent option is Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground, which offers breathtaking scenery, handicap-accessible facilities including a cabin, and is conveniently located between I-75 and I-59. The East Rim Campground area is particularly convenient for group gatherings as it's adjacent to the day-use area with picnic facilities.

Are there any good fishing spots at campgrounds near Dalton, Georgia?

Pocket Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest offers excellent fishing opportunities with a modest lake and a stocked trout stream just a short distance from the camping area. This free, first-come-first-served campground features extremely clean and quiet sites near a natural spring. Doll Mountain Campground is another great fishing destination located on a peninsula stretching into Carter's Lake. Managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, this campground provides direct lake access, though be prepared for steep hills and switchbacks when entering the property.

How much does camping cost at Dalton, GA campgrounds?

Camping costs vary around Dalton. Battlefield Campground & RV Park in nearby Ringgold offers affordable options with convenient access just off the highway exit behind Georgia Winery. Morganton Point Campground near Blue Ridge provides reasonably priced sites with picturesque lake views. For budget-conscious campers, Pocket Campground in the Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest is completely free with first-come-first-served sites. State parks like Fort Mountain typically charge $30-45 per night for developed sites with hookups, while more basic tent sites run $25-35. Many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays or during off-peak seasons.

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