Best Campgrounds near Fort Oglethorpe, GA

Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences across northern Georgia and southern Tennessee. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground, approximately 30 minutes south, offers accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to fully equipped cabins and yurts. The region includes several established campgrounds with RV hookups, including Battlefield Campground & RV Park in Ringgold and Holiday Travel Park near the Tennessee-Georgia border. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and designated fire rings, while Prentice Cooper State Forest offers more primitive dispersed camping options for those seeking a more secluded experience.

Seasonal variations affect camping conditions throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating year-round but experiencing heaviest visitation during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Many developed sites require reservations, particularly during weekends and summer months. The terrain varies from relatively flat areas near Fort Oglethorpe to more challenging, elevated sites in nearby mountain regions. Drainage issues appear at some locations, particularly after heavy rainfall. Access to most campgrounds is straightforward via paved roads, though dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "Would most likely stay again, but would ask for a site with no standing water. Major drainage problem."

Camping experiences in the Fort Oglethorpe area benefit from proximity to historical sites, including Chickamauga Battlefield, part of the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. Most established campgrounds provide clean facilities and well-maintained grounds. Several reviews highlight the convenience of campgrounds in this region for exploring both natural and historical attractions. "Great place to spend the night if you are visiting Chattanooga and just need a place to stay close by," wrote one visitor. Family-friendly amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and dog parks are available at select locations. Proximity to the interstate means some campgrounds experience road noise, though sites farther from highways tend to be quieter. Mixed-use campgrounds offering both short-term and extended-stay options are common in the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia (272)

    1. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    183 Reviews
    Trenton, GA
    17 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."

    2. Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground

    43 Reviews
    Lookout Mountain, TN
    12 miles
    +1 (423) 821-9403

    $55 - $56 / night

    "Despite this, they were nothing but accommodating every step of the way. We were led to our site, the staff offered to help me back in, and gave us a brief rundown of planned events for the weekend."

    "Again located in close proximity to several beautiful places like Rock City and Ruby Falls ."

    3. Holiday Travel Park

    20 Reviews
    Fort Oglethorpe, GA
    3 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."

    4. Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    18 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."

    5. Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA

    26 Reviews
    Trenton, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 661-7655

    "We went on this trip to see the leaves changing in northern Georgia. The employees were so friendly and helpful, they brought the firewood right to us."

    "Quiet campground tucked away on Lookout Mountain, with super friendly and helpful staff."

    6. Chester Frost Park

    35 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 842-0177

    $21 - $30 / night

    "Tons of room to walk and play. Great swimming and fishing. Boating is huge here Bc there are docks all around the campground to pull up to. Playgrounds everywhere."

    "They have a frisbee golf course, playgrounds, walking trails, beach, easy access to the water and fields to start up any activity you desire. We read about uneven campsite but ours was pretty flat."

    7. Battlefield Campground & RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Ringgold, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 937-4166

    "Battlefield Campground is an extremely convenient RV park located right of I-75 about 20 minutes south of Chattanooga."

    "Convenient access to the winery at the entrance!"

    8. Marion County Park

    27 Reviews
    Jasper, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 942-6653

    "Try to get a campsite on the lakeside, because the view is very nice and it makes it easy to get your boat in the water. They advertise a beach but we never found one."

    "Tent camping along the edge of the river. Fire pits or grills, picnic tables, clean bathroom, and hot showers. If you are a light sleeper, the traffic noise from the highway might be disturbing."

    9. Hawkins Pointe RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Fort Oglethorpe, GA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 820-6757

    $60 - $63 / night

    "Close to everything. Racing just down the street. That’s a positive or negative. On the nights they are racing you hear I’m the cars at the track."

    "Does have very nice place to walk, dog park/wash,corn hole, fire pit with two chairs to use. We loved it there. Check the price. Pull thru sites with picnic table."

    10. Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Signal Mountain, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 658-5551

    "We drove for what felt like 20 miles down a well kept unpaved road from the entrance but I think it reality was only 5.5 miles."

    "You can definitely get lost driving around or hiking. If you're looking for a quiet place to camp near Chattanooga this is it."

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Recent Reviews near Fort Oglethorpe, GA

1234 Reviews of 272 Fort Oglethorpe Campgrounds


  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.

  • Bobbi Jo P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Hickory Gap

    One of our favorite places!

    Nice small campground with 5 sites. Fills up during hunting season. Can't beat the peaceful sounds of the creek and nature at its finest!

  • K
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Campville LLC

    Close to Interstate 75

    This camp ground is amazing. Especially if you have kids. Indoor pool. Pickleball courts. Amazing game room. The host is very hospitable!!

  • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Marion county park Tennessee

    Hospitable spot to overnight with great fishing

    Spent the evening of the 9th Sept at Marion County Park near Chattanooga, right on the water, along Hwy 41. Fantastic hosts…Lots of fishing going on all around us. Good camping spot…level, water and electricity for $38.00. Bathhouse was older but clean with lots of hot water. Downside, only one shower stall had a bench for changing and there was no counter at the bathroom sink. The other downside was the traffic noise across the beautiful water from I-24. Very welcoming spot just off of I-24

  • Katrin M.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    Campground on the lake

    We camped here over the weekend, bc we participated in a dog event near by. At first we booked site B31. The tent pad was super small, there was no way for 2 bigger tents to fit. It's definitely better, if you have a camper. We changed to site A9 and that was much better. We had to set up the tents on concrete, which was awesome, because it rained all Saturday. The bathhouses were kinda outdated, but always clean. The park itself is ok. It's nothing spectacular there. The campsites directly on the water were very nice. All the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I don't think, I would camp here again. The park was very clean, it has just not really anything nature wise that would catch my interest.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Beautiful park, great hiking

    Cloudland Canyon is one of Georgia’s prettiest parks. There are 2 campgrounds. West Rim campground has more privacy, with the sites in the trees. Sites in The East Rim campground are closer together, and is noisier.. There are also backcountry campsites. The West Rim Loop Trail, considered one of the top 10 hikes in the United States, according to Backpacker Magazine starts in the West Rim Campground. There is also a strenuous waterfall trail into the canyon. The campground was water and electric sites. There are no full hookup sites, but there is a dump station. Modern showers and bathrooms.

  • b
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Campville LLC

    Great stay

    Super clean campground with great amenities!! Only a mile from 75 but doesn't feel like it's located by the interstate. Highly recommend checking the place out!

  • dolphmike The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Quite

    Quite at night, but the primitive camping area is overgrown, and I have seen a lot of trash in the woods. Stayed one night just to hike the trail the next morning.


Guide to Fort Oglethorpe

Camping near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From stunning views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The park is beautiful with a nice modern campground. The views of the canyon below are breathtaking."
  • Waterfalls: Visit Amicalola Falls State Park Camping to see the stunning falls. A reviewer said, "Beautiful area with hiking trails and plenty to do in general."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the lake at Chester Frost Park. One camper noted, "We enjoy this campground. There is plenty of lake access for boating, kayaking, and swimming."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. A visitor at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground said, "Our spot was near the bathroom and the area was clean."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many families enjoy the activities available. One reviewer at DeSoto State Park Campground mentioned, "This is one of our favorite state parks in Alabama to camp at and is amazing when you visit in the spring."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the picturesque landscapes. A guest at Fort Mountain State Park Campground shared, "The sites are very nice. The bathroom and showers are very new and well-maintained."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground noted, "The sites are very close together here and you can expect it to usually be booked up."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground mentioned, "The sites are tight. You're right on top of each other."
  • Seasonal Access: Some parks have specific seasons for camping. For example, Chester Frost Park is open from April 1 to October 30.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A parent at DeSoto State Park Campground said, "There are also so many great places to swim when it gets hot including DeSoto Falls."
  • Plan Ahead: Make reservations early to secure good spots. A reviewer at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground advised, "Plan ahead to get a good site."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes and hiking gear. A visitor at Foster Falls Campground mentioned, "The area was perfect for the 6 of us with plenty of family-friendly hiking."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities do Fort Oglethorpe campgrounds offer?

Fort Mountain State Park Campground provides water and electric hookups, a dump station, and spacious, private wooded campsites ideal for tent camping in Georgia's summer heat. The park features several hiking trails and activities nearby. At higher elevation, it typically offers cooler temperatures during hot months. Doll Mountain Campground near Ellijay sits on a peninsula stretching into Carter's Lake and is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The campground has steep access roads with switchbacks, so larger rigs should proceed with caution. Other campgrounds in the area typically offer basic amenities like restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables, with RV parks providing full hookups for electricity, water, and sewer connections.

Where are the best camping sites near Fort Oglethorpe?

The Fort Oglethorpe area offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground is a standout choice with breathtaking views, hiking trails, and both tent and RV sites. Located below Chattanooga off I-59, it's worth reserving in advance, especially for the cottages. Another great option is Battlefield Campground & RV Park in nearby Ringgold, which offers convenient access right off the interstate behind Georgia Winery. While it has many long-term guests, its proximity to Chattanooga makes it ideal for exploring the area. Other nearby options include Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground and Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, both offering easy access to area attractions.

Is the Fort Oglethorpe swimming pool available for campers?

There is no dedicated swimming pool at Fort Oglethorpe campgrounds mentioned in camper reviews. However, nearby camping options offer swimming alternatives. Holiday Travel Park on the Georgia/Tennessee border has a community feel with full hook-up sites, though swimming facilities aren't specifically mentioned. Pocket Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest in northwest Georgia offers natural water features rather than pools. For swimming options, you might consider nearby state parks like Cloudland Canyon which has seasonal swimming, or check with specific campgrounds directly about their swimming facilities. Many campgrounds in the region focus on natural water features rather than swimming pools.