Glamping accommodations near McCaysville, Georgia range from $30-35 per night for tent-only sites to $75-120 for treehouse or cabin glamping options. The area sits at elevations between 1,700-3,000 feet in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing, while summer nights rarely exceed 70°F even during July and August.
What to do
Creek exploration: Rock hunting in the creeks around Morganton Point Campground provides an accessible activity for all ages. "The lake is extremely clean and the rental shop by the lake and rents kayaks and paddleboards. However, it is a little pricey if you plan on doing it. It was $35 for a kayak or paddleboard," notes Jenn B.
Waterfall hikes: Multiple options within 30 minutes of Chilhowee Recreation Area. "We did the Benton Falls hike and it was lovely! 3 miles RT. Fall color was just peaking 🍂," shares Tracy J. The hike features moderate elevation gain suitable for families with older children.
Mountain biking: Technical trails with significant elevation changes are found throughout Fort Mountain State Park. A visitor mentions: "Most of the trails except the Gahuti are multi use and there is a strong community of mountain biking here. We didn't bike the trails here with our hybrid specialized bikes because we felt the trails (other than the lake trail and the park roads) to be too technical for us due to the major elevation changes, loose gravel and rocks."
Whitewater adventures: Olympic-level rapids are available from outfitters near the Ocoee River. "Leon was awesome! He wore a Viking helmet (which looks really cool in our pics!) and had vast knowledge of the river and area, and said he's been guiding for 20 years, so yeah, the best!" writes Lori H. about her rafting experience.
What campers like
Minimal light pollution: Most sites near McCaysville offer excellent night sky viewing. One camper at Morganton Point Campground noted, "Campground is small and quiet; hardly any light pollution at my nonelectric site. Firewood and ice are available for purchase on the grounds, so it is convenient when in a pinch!"
Spacious camping spots: Sites throughout the region provide ample space between neighbors. At Fort Mountain State Park Campground, "The campground consists of large spacious gravel sites that are well maintained. In the winter, you have lost a lot of privacy foliage but still nicely spaced apart. All sites are 30/50 amp with water."
Clean, modern facilities: Many campgrounds feature recently renovated bathhouses. One visitor to Vogel State Park Campground shared, "Bathroom/showerhouses are strategically located in each loop. They are modern, bright, well-stocked and clean! Also provided are individual 'family/unisex' bathroom/shower facilities."
Platform camping options: For a unique glamping experience beyond traditional tents. "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 about Fort Mountain's offerings.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically by location and carrier. At Amicalola Falls State Park Camping, campers report: "We had inconsistent cell coverage even with a Winegard booster with AT&T and Verizon. Mornings were best reception and evening were not so good."
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating steep, winding roads. "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road. The camp sites are distanced well and the entire campground is in the shade," warns one visitor to Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Seasonal water levels: Lakes and swimming areas fluctuate significantly throughout the year. "We stayed in site D [which] would have been waterfront if the lake weren't so low from the drought. It still made for a beautiful and peaceful setting," explains John W. about Morganton Point.
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are common and require proper food storage. A camper reported: "We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Multiple swimming areas offer child-friendly options. A visitor to Chilhowee Recreation Area mentioned, "We even took a dip at the swimming area just a short drive from the campsite and loved that too! The best part was how quiet it all got after dark and the frogs just lulled us to sleep."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several parks feature playgrounds and games beyond hiking. "Two separate children's playgrounds exist, not too far from one another. One near a small kids ball field...the other near a very nice volleyball court, permanent corn hole pit and state of the art outdoor exercise machine area," notes a camper at Vogel State Park.
Creek exploration: Children particularly enjoy wading in shallow streams. "The creek runs right next to them and it was so peaceful and beautiful. The trails along the lake were nice and the dogs enjoyed it," reports Angela M. about the walk-in sites.
Consider tent-only areas: These often provide more room for children to play safely. "Had I known about the incredible tent 'walk-in' sites before arrival, I would've stayed there. They are tucked away on their own loop on a wooded hillside," shares a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Steep access roads: Plan your route and vehicle capabilities carefully. "Coming up the mountain has some steep grades and a few switch backs that you can't see around. There are often oncoming vehicles who are often driving to fast and not considering those of us in large vehicles," warns Mike N. about accessing Fort Mountain State Park Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have significant grade issues. "The site had about a 5 inch difference shopping towards the road. I used rocker blocks maxed out (about 4 inches in height) and still was not level," reports one RVer.
Water hookup availability: Not all sites with electricity offer water connections. At Chilhowee, "The RV sites do not have water hook-ups at each site. There is a water hook up to fill your tank as you enter the campsite area. Fill your tank and you are good to go."
Tight turning radius: Some campground roads have challenging turns for longer rigs. "From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it. My friend who was there pulling a 5th wheel decided not to try it and opted to pay to dump somewhere else."
