Tent camping around Lookout Mountain, Georgia offers diverse options on both public and private lands. Located along the Cumberland Plateau, the area's elevation ranges from 1,700-2,400 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Free dispersed camping areas typically don't have water sources, so campers must bring their own supplies or plan filtration from creeks when available.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Foster Falls Campground at South Cumberland State Park serves as an excellent base for climbers. As one camper noted, "Campground was clean. The waterfall is awesome. It is a very short drive and short rocky hike to the water fall. You can see the falls from a distance if you don't want to hike down."
Spelunking opportunities: Sawmill Lake Campsite provides primitive camping just minutes from caving locations. "This is a nice 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. The permit was 15 dollars to access Rock Town and the Caves," explains one visitor.
Waterfall hiking: South Cumberland State Park offers multiple waterfall access points from various camping areas. A camper described their experience: "Fairly large campsites with easy access to Foster Falls and the Fiery Gizzard trail. Clean bathrooms + showers, and lots of trees (perfect for hammocking!)."
Trail connectivity: Several campgrounds provide direct trail access to longer routes. At Davis Pond Campsite, "There's a gravel parking lot with a trail map and sign in sheet right next to the camping area," allowing campers to plan day hikes directly from camp.
What campers like
Free camping options: Blue Hole Dispersed in the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers no-cost camping with minimal amenities. "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. If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it," shares one camper.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature generous spacing between sites. At Foster Falls, "Foster Falls Campground has 26 sites, most of which are very large and spacious. The outer loop sites have more underbrush between them providing a buffer. Sites 17-26 all have relative privacy from each other."
Swimming holes: Natural water features provide cooling options during summer months. "Camping was easy and bathrooms were clean. Really beautiful scenery on somewhat strenuous hikes to waterfalls, some good sport climbing, and a few trails that will take you really high up so you can look down at the beautiful green canopy. Beautiful spot any time of year but we like to go when it's warm enough to swim in the waterfall."
Group camping potential: Several areas accommodate larger gatherings. At Chickamauga Battlefield Group Campground, campers report "Very clean and quite and everyone was so quiet" with "Very friendly people and helpful" staff.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many camping areas require navigating rough forest roads. At Sawmill Lake, "The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times."
Bathroom facilities: Maintenance varies widely across different sites. At Hunter's Check Station Campground in Prentice Cooper State Forest, facilities are basic but functional: "Has toilet facility," notes a camper, while others mention "Most of the camp spots are littered with peoples leftovers (clothes and trash). Not a quiet camping area lots of road noise and traffic."
Reservation requirements: Some areas require advance planning. The popular Foster Falls Campground has temporarily changed status: "The campground is closed until further notice," according to recent visitor reports, highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before traveling.
Permit systems: Wildlife Management Areas often require land passes. At Blue Hole Dispersed camping, "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted," and at Sawmill Lake, "You do need a land pass to be here, the website is on the sign coming in and it was around $60."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for privacy: Choose outer loop sites when possible. At Foster Falls, "The sites in the center of the loop--especially sites 1-13--are very open, with little privacy between sites, although they are still shady due to the extremely tall trees."
Short hiking options: Some campgrounds offer kid-friendly trail access. One family at Davis Pond said, "On arrival there is a huge meadow area. Tons of spots to pitch a tent or park vehicles. 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."
Insect preparation: Standing water near some sites increases bug activity. A Davis Pond camper noted, "The little pond is a breeding ground for lots of bugs, but it's peaceful and pretty to look at."
Wildlife awareness: Animal encounters are possible in this region. "After I set up my tent I noticed that some hornets were flying into a nearby dead tree. I quickly moved to another spot but luckily noticed it before it got dark."
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Forest roads demand vehicles with adequate ground clearance. At Sawmill Lake, one RVer advised, "I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain. Trees fall easily so if it's windy be careful where you park."
Directional approach: Some camping areas have challenging access from certain directions. As one camper at Sawmill Lake recommended, "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."
Generator policies: Check if power generation is permitted. At Blue Hole, "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."
