Best Tent Camping near Fort Oglethorpe, GA

Tent campsites near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia range from established locations within Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park to primitive dispersed sites in surrounding wildlife management areas. Blue Hole Dispersed in Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA offers free tent camping with basic amenities, while Chickamauga Battlefield Group Campground provides reservable tent sites within the historic military park. Several primitive tent options can be found within a 30-minute drive of Fort Oglethorpe, with most sites requiring minimal fees or permits.

Access conditions vary significantly across tent camping areas. Many primitive tent setups in the Pigeon Mountain area require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough forest roads with significant potholes. As one camper noted about Sawmill Lake, "The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out." Most tent campgrounds near Fort Oglethorpe have established fire rings but limited amenities. The Blue Hole Dispersed area requires a Georgia land pass for overnight stays. Toilet facilities range from rudimentary pit toilets at Davis Pond to completely undeveloped areas where campers must practice leave-no-trace principles. Water is not available at most sites, requiring tent campers to bring adequate supplies.

Places to tent camp near Fort Oglethorpe offer varied experiences based on location and development level. Sites at Davis Pond provide access to a small fishing lake and multiple hiking trails, while camping areas in the Pigeon Mountain WMA connect directly to rock climbing destinations and cave systems. Sites typically feature natural clearings with space for multiple tents and established fire rings. The Lockhart's Arch shelter along the Cumberland Trail offers a backcountry camping option for hikers seeking more remote experiences. Tent campers frequently encounter wildlife and enjoy the natural setting away from developed areas. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "The campground was beyond capacity" during peak seasons at Blue Hole, suggesting reservations or weekday visits may be preferable for popular tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia (69)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Fort Oglethorpe, GA

1121 Reviews of 69 Fort Oglethorpe Campgrounds


  • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2022

    Greeter Falls Campground

    New campground

    We only checked out the primitive sites while passing through the area. The sites had picnic tables and fire rings, but they were pretty overgrown. It doesn’t look like this section of the campground is getting much use yet. They have a couple of portable toilets on site with garbage cans next to the toilets. There is a water spigot at the exit that can be used for filling tanks/containers. Also, there is a community fire pit area near the exit and a small camp store building near the entrance. Closed when we drove thru. To be honest, other than sites being marked with a site number, I couldn’t tell where the sites were actually at or where tents were supposed to be set up at.

    We did not drive they the yurts or RV sites, so I cannot speak for those, but the pictures on the website look nice.

    Rating this a 3 based on location to Greeter Falls Waterfall and also because it is new and still an ongoing work in progress, I didn’t want to rate too low.

  • 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.

  • Katrin M.
    Mar. 7, 2021

    Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park

    Nice rustic getaway

    We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground has 26 rustic campsites that need to be reserved in advance. Each site has a firepit and a picnic table. It is probably better for tent camping since there are no electrical hook ups. There are also no generators allowed. Some of the sites are very close together like mostly the ones on the entrance. We camped at #19 and it was very private and spacious. The bathrooms were ok. Unfortunately they were never cleaned over the weekend. It was pretty noisy on Friday night and there is nobody to enforce a quiet time. Be aware... roosters are nearby and they start crowing at 4am. Some of the sites are very well shaded. There is no firewood sale in the campground or the visitor center (which is about 17 min away) but locals have it available near by. The landscape is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. Foster Falls is just a short walking distance away and so beautiful. In the summertime it's a popular swimming hole. It is also a paradise for rock climbers. South Cumberland has many spread out entrances. We visited Stone Door and Denny Cove. It was so beautiful. We would camp here again but probably not in the summertime because it can get very crowded.

  • 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.


Guide to Fort Oglethorpe

Tent camping near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia offers access to the Cumberland Plateau with elevations reaching 1,900 feet at Pigeon Mountain. Most primitive sites sit on sandstone formations that drain quickly after rain but can become dusty during summer months. Seasonal closures affect some areas during hunting season from October through January.

What to do

Rock climbing access: Several tent sites at Sawmill Lake Campsite provide direct access to Rocktown, a premier bouldering destination. "A free, 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," notes camper Lisa.

Fishing opportunities: Davis Pond offers a stocked fishing lake suitable for casual anglers with shoreline access. "Down a long and winding (and dusty) gravel road into the WMA is the Davis Pond camp site, a real gem with shady trees and a fishing pond," reports William S.

Hiking trail connections: Foster Falls Campground serves as a gateway to the Fiery Gizzard Trail system. "Site 8 has a trail running directly behind it that takes you to the falls overlook, and to the trailhead to walk down to the falls themselves. Our 2 and 5 year old walked from our campsite down to the falls and back up easily," writes Stephanie J.

What campers like

Natural swimming spots: The Blue Hole area provides swimming options during warmer months. "I loved it there. So peaceful! A couple of other people there and a little bit of trash, but I picked it up. Leave it better than you found it right?" reports camper Sav about Blue Hole Dispersed.

Spacious group camping: Many sites accommodate larger groups with multiple tents. "If you are coming with a group this is an awesome spot. We counted 5 fire pits but you could literally fill the meadow with dozens of tents easily," notes Tessa B. about Davis Pond.

Solitude options: For those seeking quieter experiences, backcountry sites provide more seclusion. "The shelter is very small, covered on three sides, with enough room to fit 2-3 adults. It has a small shelf to store gear, and a few nails to hang bags on," explains Stephanie J. about Lockhart's Arch Shelter.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many access roads to primitive camping require high-clearance vehicles. "The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance," warns Tessa B. about Davis Pond.

Permit requirements: Several areas require permits for overnight stays. "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free," explains Sarah H.

Bathroom facilities: Most primitive sites lack maintained facilities. "I took off a star because the bathroom looks like an actual third world country, covered in trash and bugs and who knows what else," notes a Hunter's Check Station Campground camper about the limited amenities.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly hikes: Select campsites with shorter trail access for young children. "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 a Foster Falls camper.

Safer camping options: Covenant View Camp and Retreat offers more structured camping with maintained facilities, drinking water, and electrical hookups suitable for families with young children.

Noise considerations: Some sites experience unexpected noise disruption. "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 visitor.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Most primitive tent camping areas near Fort Oglethorpe have limited RV access. "I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain. There were a few people that stayed in a tent for a night or two here and there, but I didn't see any other RV/Campers so every spot was open," shares Sierra Y. about Sawmill Lake.

Road approach direction: Consider your route carefully when bringing an RV. "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.

Generator restrictions: Most tent camping areas prohibit generators, making them better suited for self-contained units. "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," notes Ava R.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fort Oglethorpe, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fort Oglethorpe, GA is Chickamauga Battlefield Group Campground — Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 69 tent camping locations near Fort Oglethorpe, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.