Camping near Trenton, Georgia offers varied terrain with elevations ranging from 650 to 2,400 feet across the region's ridges and valleys. Summer temperatures typically range 8-12 degrees cooler at higher elevation sites compared to downtown Chattanooga, with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 50s even during July and August at Lookout Mountain's upper campsites. Most campgrounds receive between 54-60 inches of annual rainfall, creating seasonal waterfalls and lush vegetation.
What to do
Explore waterfalls and caves: At Cloudland Canyon State Park, the Cherokee Falls trail creates an accessible adventure. "We went right at the next intersection and continued down to Hemlock Falls. A very picturesque and cool area. A lot of scrambling over rocks and high water debris, a lot of picture taking opportunities," notes Shelly S. The park features multiple falls with varying seasonal water levels.
Fish local waters: Marion County Park provides direct river access with designated fishing areas. "My husband caught several large mouth bass in the pond too (catch and release)," reports Lori H. The Tennessee River section near Jasper offers catfish, bass, and crappie fishing opportunities with two boat launches available for lake access.
Hike diverse terrain: Trail systems connect many camping areas with day-use facilities. "The East Rim is home to several cabins, the group lodge, one of the full service campgrounds, and the main trailhead, as well as the ADA accessible overlook trail which is where many of the iconic photographs of this park come from," describes Stephanie J. about Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, which also features on-site cave tours requiring advance reservations.
What campers like
Private campsites: Several campgrounds offer secluded options. "We have camped every GA State Park but four. Hard to beat Cloudland. Large, tons of activities, well-maintained without losing its outdoors credentials... The West Rim campground is VASTLY superior with tons of privacy, tree cover, great terraces at most sites," explains G F. who camped at Cloudland Canyon.
Water access points: Waterfront camping remains popular throughout the region. At Shellmound RV Resort & Campground, "The day use area is very nice, manicured with a swimming area, dock and boat ramp. The water was surprisingly clear and COLD!" according to Shelly S. Many sites include water views or direct shore access.
Bathroom facilities: Recent renovations have improved comfort at several campgrounds. "Bathrooms/showers are very nice…each guest gets a private room with shower, sink and toilet," notes David S. about Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, while Harrison Bay State Park features "one bath house with four separate shower/rest room combos, air conditioned as well" according to Lance H.
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Some campgrounds experience regular train disturbances. At Running Water Creek Campground, "The train comes through very often and it's only a couple hundred yards away so it is LOUD... they always blare the horn right as they are passing the campground, it makes it very difficult to sleep," warns Kyle K. Consider packing earplugs if staying at affected locations.
Seasonal closures: Wildlife management areas have restricted access periods. "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping, but please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March," cautions Raymond H. about Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed.
Site selection considerations: Campground layouts vary widely across the region. "The East Rim campground is the thing of nightmares - sites on top of each other, no vegetation, no trees, right next to road, zero privacy, but next to outlooks," warns G F. about Cloudland Canyon. Researching specific site numbers before booking can significantly improve your experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Harrison Bay State Park Campground provides multiple play areas throughout the property. "Lots of shade and one bath house with four separate shower/rest room combos, air conditioned as well. The tent spaces are large enough for one to two vehicles + your tent/gear," shares Lance H. The park includes swimming areas and SUP rentals just outside the entrance.
Family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with structured programs. "If you're looking for a spot to carry your kids on one of their first trips, this would be the perfect place. They have scout activities, a Junior Ranger program, playgrounds, swimming pools, and plenty of trails to hike," recommends Arden S. about DeSoto State Park.
Field spaces for games: Open areas provide room for children to play. "The campground was about 1/3 rd full so pretty quiet and good privacy. Phone signal one bar, no WiFi," reports Shelly S. about Cloudland Canyon, which offers spaces where children can safely explore while parents relax at campsites.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require careful setup. "We found our second site 25 especially challenging to back into. There are drop off gulleys at the end of sites and maybe experienced RVers think nothing of it, but we thought it was tricky," shares Gerri about DeSoto State Park. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Approach route selection: Mountain roads require planning. "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," warns Gerri about accessing some campgrounds. Larger rigs should verify access routes before arrival.
Hookup availability: Utility options vary widely between parks. "Site 212 sold to us as a deluxe site, at $62/night, which we found no evidence of anything deluxe at our site or in the campground. Site 212 pull-thru was not long enough to keep our tow vehicle connected to our 27ft trailer," reports Napunani about Raccoon Mountain. Call ahead to verify exact hookup placement and site dimensions for larger setups.
