Camping cabins near Lookout Mountain, Georgia offer shelter amid the region's diverse terrain ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 feet in elevation. The area experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Cabin sites at most locations include outdoor fire rings or grills where permitted, though several properties restrict open flames during dry summer conditions.
What to do
Cave explorations: 30-45 minute tours. At Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, visitors can explore underground formations. "Crystal Cave was right on site and we enjoyed the guided tour. (Advanced reservations are required.)" notes a reviewer who stayed in a 40-foot class A motorhome.
State park hiking trails: 2-6 mile options. Several trails at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground connect to waterfalls. "The West Rim camping loop has a total of 48 tent/RV sites with 30 or 50A hookups, water, gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. This loop is far more wooded and offers a greater variety of site size and privacy," writes one camper.
Disc golf course: Free access. Marion County Park offers an 18-hole course along the waterfront. "Swimming, soccer, baseball, boating, disc golf, para course all right here. Water and electric at site and dump site," mentions a visitor highlighting the recreational amenities.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Walk-in camping. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground features secluded tent areas. "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."
River access: Multiple launch points. Marion County Park offers waterfront camping with boat ramps. "We had a large site. Picnic table and fire ring. Easy access to water from site and had two boat launches. Building a second bath house while we were there," reports a visitor who gave the location five stars.
Kid-friendly amenities: Playground and jumping pad. The Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA features unique recreational areas. "The coolest aspect of this campground for me was the massive jumping pad they have, and I had to promise my kids we would take an overnight trip here just so they could use it! It is restricted to ages 16 and under."
What you should know
Varying shower quality: Check recent reviews. Some campgrounds have updated facilities while others are more basic. "Bathrooms/showers are very nice…each guest gets a private room with shower, sink and toilet," notes a guest at Lookout Mountain KOA.
Flooding concerns: Request high sites. Several campers mention water issues at multiple properties. "Would most likely stay again, but would ask for a site with no standing water. Major drainage problem," advises a Holiday Travel Park visitor.
Firewood availability: $5 per bundle average. Many campgrounds sell firewood on-site. At Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, "Campground sells fire wood and delivers to site. $5 for 5 large pieces," according to a reviewer.
Tent site locations: Research before booking. At some campgrounds, tent sites are positioned less favorably. "If you stay in an rv site, you probably won't notice this, but the tent with electric sites are on the outer loop, so we noticed, and heard commotion from the road and community well into the night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options. Holiday Travel Park and several other campgrounds feature play areas. "Kids loved the pool and jumping pillow. Very rocky throughout campground," notes one family.
Treehouse accommodation: Premium option. Treetop Hideaways offers unique elevated cabin structures. "Inside, you'll find amenities that are far more luxe than rustic, like velvet sofas, walk-in showers, and fluffy rugs. It's very Instagram worthy and magical, with twinkle lights, comfy beds, and beautiful floor and wall finishes."
Junior Ranger programs: State park education. DeSoto State Park Campground offers structured activities. "If you're looking for a spot to carry your kids on one of their first trips, this would be the perfect place. They have scout activities, a Junior Ranger program, playgrounds, swimming pools, and plenty of trails to hike."
Seasonal considerations: Plan for weather. Different seasons offer various experiences for family trips. "I've lived here most of my life and each season offers something different. Summertime you can swim, Spring has full waterfalls and beautiful flowers, Fall has colorful leaves, and the winter gives just enough bare trees and icicles for great pictures."
Tips from RVers
Internet connectivity: Limited in most areas. Work-from-camp options are restricted. "I work remotely and internet was a challenge. I have phones with Verizon and T-mobile service as well as AT&T and T-Mobile hotspots. The verizon phone was the only service that got any signal at all, and it was spotty."
Site selection strategy: Research layouts. Some sites are more challenging than others for larger rigs. "Site 212 sold to us as a deluxe site, at $62/night, which we found no evidence of anything deluxe at our site or in the campground. Site 212 pull-thru was not long enough to keep our tow vehicle connected to our 27ft trailer."
Access routes: Choose carefully. Mountain roads can be difficult with trailers. "First, be careful to take Desoto Parkway up. Google tried to send us on an alternate road that had a big sign saying ABSOLUTELY no trucks - and from other reviews we gather that's the more trecherous one."
