Tent Camping near Trenton, GA

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    Tent campsites near Trenton, Georgia provide primitive camping options with varying levels of development across multiple locations. Blue Hole Dispersed in Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers free tent camping with first-come, first-served sites. Sawmill Lake Campsite provides another primitive option with established fire rings near Petty John Cave, while Davis Pond Campsite in Tennessee's Prentice Cooper State Forest features picnic tables and toilet facilities approximately 45 minutes from Chattanooga.

    Most tent campgrounds in the area require campers to be self-sufficient, bringing their own water and supplies. The access roads often present challenges, with several locations requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough gravel roads. A camper at Davis Pond noted, "The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance." Many primitive tent sites lack amenities like running water or trash service. At Blue Hole Dispersed, only two sites have tables, though multiple fire rings are available throughout. Some areas like Sawmill Lake Campsite feature established fire pits and level tent pads. Wildlife management area camping may require permits, with Blue Hole specifically requiring a land pass.

    The primitive tent camping experience in the Trenton area connects visitors to outdoor recreation opportunities including rock climbing, hiking, and cave exploration. Sawmill Lake Campsite positions tent campers near Rocktown climbing area and Petty John Cave, making it popular with climbers seeking convenient basecamp access. Davis Pond provides a spacious meadow setting with multiple tent sites around a small fishing pond. The sites vary in privacy levels, with some areas like Hunter's Check Station offering more exposed camping while others provide greater seclusion. A visitor to Blue Hole Dispersed commented, "I loved it there. So peaceful! A couple of other people there and a little bit of trash, but I picked it up."

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Trenton (50)

      1. Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

      3.9(7)15mi from TrentonTents

      "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables."

      "The designated camping area was recently scorched, so ground critters/excessive shrubbage was minimal. Was easy to find and collect firewood."

      2. Sawmill Lake Campsite

      4.3(6)16mi from TrentonTents

      "It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers."

      "Nice spot, well defined with burn pits and picnic tables. Not too much seclusion with the way the sites are setup as you can see all of you neighbors, but still worth coming to."

      3. Cloudland Canyon State Park Pioneer Campsites

      2.0(1)4mi from Trenton4 sitesTents

      from $60 / night

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      4. Davis Pond Campsite

      3.7(3)15mi from TrentonTents

      "This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables."

      "About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it’s a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."

      5. Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park

      4.3(32)31mi from TrentonTents

      "Things to know: $5 reservation fee, $8-45 per site Amenities: picnic table, fire ring, restrooms, heated shower

      Drawbacks: no electric or water hook-ups. No gas generators allowed"

      "The campground is great for climbers looking to get an early start on all the routes nearby."

      from $18 - $21 / night

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      6. Chickamauga Battlefield Group Campground — Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

      5.0(1)14mi from Trenton9 sitesTents

      from $20 / night

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      7. Back Achers Farm

      2.0(1)12mi from TrentonTents

      from $30 / night

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      8. Wanderland Campground

      Be the first to review6mi from Trenton5 sitesTents, Glamping

      9. Hunter’s Check Station Campground - Prentice Cooper State Forest

      4.0(2)21mi from TrentonTents

      10. Lockhart's Arch Shelter - on the Cumberland Trail

      4.0(1)19mi from TrentonTents

      "The hike in to this shelter is moderate, passing beautiful views at Julia Falls Overlook, and a cool suspension bridge as it crosses Middle Creek."

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    Tent Camping Reviews near Trenton, GA

    1038 Reviews of 50 Trenton 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.

    • W
      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 Trenton

    Multiple tent campgrounds near Trenton, Georgia provide primitive camping experiences with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. The Sawmill Lake Campsite, located close to Rocktown trailhead, offers free primitive tent sites with established fire rings but minimal facilities. Blue Hole Dispersed Camping in Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area provides first-come, first-served tent sites near hiking trails, caves, and natural swimming holes. Cloudland Canyon State Park, approximately 8 miles from Trenton, features developed tent sites with more amenities than the surrounding dispersed options.

    Access roads to tent campgrounds in this region vary significantly in quality and may require high-clearance vehicles. The approach to Sawmill Lake Campsite features particularly rough terrain, with several campers reporting bottoming out even in all-wheel-drive vehicles. Most primitive tent sites lack water sources, toilets, or trash collection. Davis Pond Campsite includes pit toilets, though reviews indicate they are poorly maintained. Campers should plan to pack in all water and supplies and pack out all waste. A Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass is required for camping at wildlife management areas like Pigeon Mountain, with enforcement varying by season.

    Tent campsites throughout the Trenton area serve as bases for outdoor activities including rock climbing, hiking, and cave exploration. The region features multiple tent-friendly areas connected to trail networks, with Lockhart's Arch shelter offering backcountry camping opportunities along the Cumberland Trail. Tree cover varies by location, with Sawmill Lake providing some shaded areas suitable for hammock camping. Many primitive tent sites feature established fire rings and space for multiple tents, though ground surfaces may be uneven. A camper noted, "If you're looking for amazing scenery, this is not the place. It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5-minute drive from the Rocktown trailhead."

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Trenton, GA is Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Trenton, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.