Cabin camping accommodations near Lyerly, Georgia occupy a unique geographic position along Lookout Mountain's eastern slopes. The region's elevation ranges from 700-1,300 feet, creating moderate temperatures throughout camping seasons with crisp fall nights in the 40s. Winter cabin rentals remain popular despite occasional freezing temperatures at higher elevations, with many properties maintaining accessibility on paved roads year-round.
What to do
Hiking at Desoto State Park: Trek the yellow trail past the swimming pool to follow the river with challenging rock scrambling sections. "Our favorite hike was starting at the swimming pool (closed for the season) and following the river past the Lodge. It was on the yellow trail and we reached a point where it was getting pretty iffy - just scrambling over rocks at the river's edge," notes one DeSoto State Park visitor.
Cave exploration: Tour Crystal Cave at Raccoon Mountain with guided tours requiring advance reservations. "We all loved that Crystal Cave was right on site and enjoyed the guided tour. (Advanced reservations are required.) We also loved the guided tour just down the road at Ruby Falls!" shares a family who visited Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground.
Seasonal lake activities: Utilize Fort Mountain State Park's 17-acre spring-fed lake for fishing and paddling in warmer months. "The lake area - a small 17 acre spring fed lake is here for your fishing, paddling and swimming pleasure. The area also has putt putt, the only playground, seasonal concession and rentals, beach area and a super nice walking trail for everybody," explains a reviewer familiar with the park's offerings.
What campers like
Private platform tent sites: Experience Fort Mountain State Park's unique elevated camping option with dedicated camping platforms. "The platform sites are a short walk from a parking area near the lake so you can make multiple trips to the car if necessary, while the backcountry sites are up to a 3 mile hike in, so all gear, food, and water will need to be packed in," explains a camper at Fort Mountain State Park.
Secluded cabin rentals: Book wood cabins at James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park for additional privacy with nature views. "The entire park and campground is very shady, quiet, and relaxing. You have two lakes to fish or boat on, and several trails to hike. The bath house is very clean with washer and dryer, and your site trash is picked up daily," notes a visitor at James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park.
Smaller campgrounds with personal attention: Experience dedicated owner service at family-operated cabin facilities. "The husband and wife duo that owns this took us in and treated us like royalty. They looked after us and even stayed up all night to help everyone watch the weather during a tornado watch," shares a grateful guest at Tranquility Campground.
What you should know
Winter accessibility: Prepare for mountain road driving conditions during colder months. "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," advises a DeSoto State Park camper about mountain access.
Internet reliability challenges: Expect variable connectivity based on specific cabin locations. "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," explains a remote worker who stayed at Cloudland Canyon State Park.
Wildlife awareness: Secure food properly when staying in cabin areas or platform sites. "Be mindful of wildlife as well, even in March we saw a copperhead near the creek by Platform 1," warns a Fort Mountain State Park visitor, while another adds, "Two other couples at two separate platform sites had encounters with a bear the same weekend I was here."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Plan for recreational amenities beyond hiking trails. "There is a nice little pond to fish and a few little trails around the park. You can easily get to Desoto falls by foot (.85 mile) with spectacular views," recommends a visitor to Tranquility Campground, noting its proximity to other attractions.
Junior Ranger opportunities: Participate in educational programming available throughout the region. "Friendly staff, with the Jr ranger program still going with the help of adult campers during covid. Still so much fun and so clean and beautiful!!" shares a parent who visited Red Top Mountain State Park with children.
Playground access: Consider campsite proximity to play areas when booking. "Sites 4-9 are well spaced from each other and great for tent campers and families who want their kids to have room to play, and while site 37 does not have as much privacy being in the center of the loop, it does have one of the most perfect climbing trees I have ever seen in a public campground," notes a Cloudland Canyon visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Research campsite positions and access before booking RV sites. "The last couple of miles had me a little worried w/my big rig but it went very well. The road is nicely paved and the trees are cut back. No major curves or turns. Plenty of room," advises an RV owner who visited Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA.
Winter temperature considerations: Prepare for variable mountain temperatures with appropriate heating systems. "We went in December and the weather was a little cool and damp but the views were great when the fog lifted. They're great scenic hikes in the park. Bathrooms were clean with very hot water," reports a winter visitor to Fort Mountain State Park.
Delivery services: Utilize local food delivery options for convenience during longer stays. "We do recommend trying the local Mr. T's Pizza & Ice Cream. It was great & they deliver right to your site!" shares an RV camper who stayed at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground during their three-night visit.
