Summerville camping options extend beyond established campgrounds into the Chattahoochee National Forest with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,700 feet. Most dispersed camping spots sit on former logging roads approximately 12 miles north of downtown Summerville. Winter temperatures average 28-45°F while summer ranges 65-89°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms between June and August.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1,000+ steps at Cloudland Canyon lead to Cherokee and Hemlock Falls. "Been going there since i was a kid. Breath taking view!" notes Matthew H. about Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground. The waterfall trail runs almost directly behind cabins 1-5, affecting privacy on busy weekends.
Mountain biking: Technical trails at Fort Mountain require helmets for all riders under 16. The trails feature significant elevation changes and loose gravel. "We have camped every Ga State Park but four. Hard to beat Cloudland... Most trails are moderate to strenuous because of elevation gain and roots/rocks," reports G F. about Fort Mountain State Park Campground.
Fishing: Easy access at Lock and Dam Park where the boat ramp connects to popular fishing spots. "Access to boat ramp and lock & dam which is a very popular fishing area," explains Kasey M. The park includes "views of Coosa river and the mountains in distant" with "two playgrounds one at main park, one next to campsites."
What campers like
Platform camping: Elevated sites for hammocks at Fort Mountain State Park provide wilderness sleeping without a tent. "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," shares Miranda H. who conquered her fears at the "Squirrel's Nest" platforms despite steep inclines and active wildlife.
Walk-in tent sites: Car-free camping zones create peaceful experiences at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground. "I'm always thrilled to find camping areas where I can have the convenience of my car-but can avoid the noise of RVs - and you definitely get that here!" reports Abby M. about Cloudland Canyon's walk-in section, which includes short-distance carries from a separate parking lot.
Privacy between sites: Variable spacing at different parks determines solitude levels. "The West Rim campground is VASTLY superior with tons of privacy, tree cover, great terraces at most sites, with the ones outside ones being the best," explains G F. about Cloudland Canyon. Conversely, "The East Rim campground is the thing of nightmares - sites on top of each other, no vegetation, no trees."
What you should know
Bear activity: Food storage requirements affect several parks in the region. Two couples at Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA "had encounters with a bear the same weekend" according to Miranda H. Fort Mountain provides "bear proof storage box (shared between 2 sites)" at platform camping areas.
Limited internet access: Spotty cell coverage throughout mountain parks. "Inconsistent cell coverage even with a Winegard booster with AT&T and Verizon. Mornings were best reception and evening were not so good," notes Travyl Couple about Fort Mountain. Most campgrounds offer no WiFi, with one bar of cellular signal typical.
Highway noise: Interstate sounds at some parks interrupt wilderness experiences. Red Top Mountain campers will "hear I-75 traffic all night" which serves as a reminder that "while it looks like country, you are not deep in nature... the drone of the highway will remind you," cautions Jeff E. Train whistles can also disturb sleep at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Jumping pillow: Kid-friendly amenity at Chattanooga West KOA provides entertainment. "The coolest aspect of this campground for me was the massive jumping pad they have," writes Stephanie J., who "had to promise my kids we would take an overnight trip here just so they could use it!" The feature is restricted to ages 16 and under.
Yurt camping near Summerville, Georgia: Climate-controlled options at Skyland Ridge Yurt Vacation Rental provide comfortable lodging in a "secluded mountain setting" according to Ashley F. These structures offer modern bathrooms with shower facilities, making them suitable for families with young children.
Family-friendly primitive sites: Cedar Creek offers creek-side camping with playground access. "Our family had a great time camping... The playground was fun for my kiddos although it really wasn't age appropriate for our 3 year old twins very well," reports Jen B. about Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain requires planning and 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 Mike N. about Fort Mountain's site 24, which also had "a telephone pole that is a bit too close on the exit side."
Narrow roads: Campground access difficulties for larger rigs. Red Top Mountain features "heavily wooded sites that are not well maintained. Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes. Not the easiest state park to pull a travel trailer in," according to Brock D. Most sites have limited width for slide-out extensions.
Water pressure considerations: Bring regulators for connections at some parks. "Water pressure was slightly over 40 psi which made my water pump run continuously until I just shut it off," notes Michael about Cedar Creek RV. Most full hookup sites offer 30/50 amp service with water and sewer at established campgrounds.
