Lindale campers have access to both mountain and lakeside camping spots within 40 miles of town. The region sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 600-1,500 feet throughout nearby camping areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F while winter nights often drop to the 30s, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons with daytime temperatures between 65-75°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park features several trails including the Marble Quarry hike. "The Marble Quarry hike. Falls were flowing great due to all the rain we had before. Trails around the lakes are nice and easy accessible," reports Liz H. at James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park.
Waterfront activities: Cedar Creek offers kayak rentals and shuttle service. According to Robert C., "Kayaking is one of the main activities. Kayak rentals and sales. Friendly staff" at Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center. The outfitter provides everything needed for paddling trips.
Wildlife observation: Rocky Mountain Recreation Area provides opportunities for squirrel watching near the shore. "Our littles loved the beach and all the little rascally squirrels were fun to watch," notes Jen B. about her experience at Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area.
Fishing access: Many campgrounds offer direct lake or river access for fishing. At Mckinney Campground, Robin M. shares, "We love to fish and we always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cedar Creek offers tent areas with good separation from RV sections. Chris C. mentions, "While the RV sites aren't very private, there is plenty of space to escape your neighbor. The nice gurgling stream bounds the campground to the east and is a nice walk through a mowed/maintained field."
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, most campgrounds maintain their bathroom facilities well. Jane B. from Mckinney Campground reports, "There was a very clean, well-equipped sanitary dump station," and mentions the bathrooms were exceptionally clean.
Shaded campsites: Most camping areas near Lindale feature wooded sites. At Red Top Mountain State Park, a camper notes, "Heavily wooded sites" provide natural shade, though they "are not well maintained" according to Brock D.
Seasonal decorations: James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park offers special Halloween events each year. Brian P. shares, "Every fall break James H. 'Sloppy' Floyd SP puts on a stellar Halloween haunted campground. The decorations are worth the short drive from Chattanooga, TN."
What you should know
Off-grid experience: Several campgrounds have limited connectivity. Jen B. warns about Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area: "There was no phone service and no WiFi so unless you bring your own this is a great place to figure out why a weather radio would come in handy!"
Road conditions: Access roads to mountain campgrounds can be challenging. At DeSoto State Park, Gerri cautions, "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."
Site selection process: Some parks have unusual reservation systems. Stephanie J. explains about Cloudland Canyon: "There are no reserve ahead sites, only reserve ahead choice. Once you check in you go pick a site. So no telling where you may end up only that you will have a site for the night."
Seasonal water flow: Waterfall viewing varies by season. Michelle D. reported about Cloudland Canyon: "Waterfalls were dry, which was disappointing but the hike to them from the West Rim Trail was quite pretty."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Nikki H. from James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park highlights "Great pull through spots and great playground for kiddos..... very clean!"
Junior Ranger programs: Some parks offer educational activities for children. Cheryl C. from Red Top Mountain notes, "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!!"
Beach areas: Several lake campgrounds have swimming areas. Jen B. from Rocky Mountain Recreation Area shares, "Our littles loved the beach," making it ideal for families with young children who enjoy water play.
Wildlife awareness: Campers should secure food properly. One reviewer at James H 'Sloppy' Floyd warns, "Beware of the raccoons. They are very clever. I spent a little time raiding their trash stash."
Tips from RVers
Site surface challenges: Tent campers should bring appropriate stakes. At Red Top Mountain State Park, Jeff E. notes, "The tent pad was large but extremely hard to drive tent stakes into... smaller stakes worked better."
Campground road navigation: Several RV-friendly parks have challenging internal roads. Brock D. cautions about Red Top Mountain: "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."
Water pressure issues: Check water connections when setting up. Michael from Cedar Creek RV reports, "Water pressure was slightly over 40 psi which made my water pump run continuously until I just shut it off."
Electric hookup location: Some tent sites have inconveniently placed electric. Jeff E. points out at Red Top Mountain, "There is no electric near the tent pad, the electric pole is 150+ feet away near the parking area. You probably could run 175 feet of electric extension cord."
