The North Georgia mountains surrounding Morganton sit at elevations between 1,800-3,000 feet, creating moderate temperature differences from nearby lowlands. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 75-85°F, while nights can drop into the 50s even during warm months. This climate makes tent and yurt camping near Morganton particularly comfortable during spring and fall, when seasonal foliage changes create distinctive camping experiences.
What to do
Horseback riding access: At Trackrock Campground & Cabins, riders of all experience levels can enjoy guided trail experiences. "My husband lived that there were many mountain bike trails nearby as well as hiking trails. I also got to enjoy a lovely horseback ride on Chubby Checker with Sonya....that was the highlight of the trip for me," reports one visitor. Trail rides typically last 1-2 hours and require advance booking.
Lake swimming options: Morganton Point Campground provides direct access to Lake Blue Ridge. "The lake is extremely clean and the rental shop by the lake 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 a camper. The swimming area includes a roped-off section and small beach.
Winter hiking trails: When temperatures drop, many trails remain accessible at Fort Mountain State Park Campground. A visitor explains, "We visited this park in early/mid November for 10 days. Keith and I hiked and played hard every day here- despite the early winter storm, gusty breezes and freezing temperatures that finally gave way to beautiful crisp days." Most trails stay open year-round, though some facilities close seasonally.
What campers like
Platform camping: For a distinctive yurt camping alternative near Morganton, Georgia, consider the elevated platforms at Fort Mountain. "I'll be honest. I've never slept outside of a tent. I've always wanted to, but never had the guts to do it... The site itself was in a beautiful location, had a hand pump on site, and also had a shared bear proof storage box," explains a camper who tried this unusual accommodation.
Clean bathroom facilities: Vogel State Park Campground maintains exceptional facilities. "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," notes one visitor. These facilities remain operational year-round and include heated options during colder months.
Wildlife viewing: Expect natural encounters throughout the region. "We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though," writes a camper at Fort Mountain State Park. Most campgrounds provide bear-resistant storage and safety information upon check-in.
What you should know
Winter water limitations: Many campgrounds reduce services during colder months. "The lake was pretty low at winter level. A friend of mine who fished still caught some both days. She said the area near the boat dock was rocky and not the muddy mess the rest of the low level lake was," reports a winter visitor to Morganton Point. Expect significant water level changes between summer and winter.
Tent site terrain variations: Prepare for potentially challenging ground conditions. "The ground was hard & pretty level. Make sure you have solid tent spikes," advises a Trackrock Campground visitor. Many sites throughout the region feature compacted gravel surfaces requiring specialized stakes or alternative anchoring methods.
Seasonal pest issues: Be prepared for specific insect activity depending on timing. "One was our first encounter with 'stink bugs'. They were everywhere and you couldn't keep them out of the RV. When we got home to Florida we were still killing them inside the RV for almost 5 months!" notes a camper at Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated youth activities: Amicalola Falls State Park Camping offers specialized recreation spaces. "Nice state park with good amenities. Loved the hike and waterfalls," mentions one visitor, while another adds, "my teens loved it. They found all kinds of insects they had never seen even a Luna moth." The park provides junior ranger programs during summer months.
Creek exploration areas: Several campgrounds feature water features safe for supervised play. At Vogel State Park, "a 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," notes a camper about the walk-in sites. These areas typically feature gentle currents and shallow depths.
Accessible stargazing locations: Clear mountain nights offer exceptional astronomical viewing. A visitor to Chilhowee notes, "The lightning bugs were breath taking!" while another camper shares, "We were here during COVID, so felt a bit nervous about using the park restrooms, but didn't have an option as our site was electric only, and we needed showers everyday after hiking/biking."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Large rigs face specific routing issues throughout the mountain region. "The roads are extremely steep getting to the campground," warns an Amicalola Falls visitor. Another camper at Chilhowee reports, "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."
Site leveling requirements: Be prepared with appropriate equipment. "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," explains a Fort Mountain camper. Most sites throughout the region feature some degree of slope requiring leveling blocks or other stabilization systems.
Dump station accessibility: Plan waste management carefully. A Chilhowee camper notes, "There is only one dump station and it's on the other side of the campground. 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."
