Cabin camping near Apison, Tennessee offers varied terrain with elevations ranging from 750 to 950 feet, creating distinct camping microclimates. Located just 15 miles east of Chattanooga, the area experiences mild winters and warm, humid summers with approximately 54 inches of annual rainfall. Most cabin properties in this region maintain open reservations year-round, though fall foliage season from mid-October through early November sees highest demand.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 3-mile trail system at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground features multiple cascades accessible via moderate terrain. "Make sure you do three things while you're there: hike to the bottom of the big waterfall, swim in the cascades next to the nature center, and stand on the edge of the bluff at Buzzard's Roost," advises one visitor.
Cave exploration: 45-minute guided tours at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground take visitors through underground formations. Tours operate daily from 9am-5pm at $19.95 per adult. "We loved that Crystal Cave was right on site and enjoyed the guided tour. Advanced reservations are required," notes a family who stayed in the campground.
Mountain lake activities: swimming, fishing, paddling options available at Fort Mountain State Park's 17-acre spring-fed lake. The park maintains a swim beach with seasonal lifeguards and boat rentals from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "They have a man made beach with a playground and loads of camping lots next to the river," reports a camper about the family-friendly setup.
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Chester Frost Park receives consistent praise for well-maintained bathhouses and campsites. "From when we first started camping there Chester Frost has completed a major update from the campsite to remodeling some of the bathroom facilities. They have spent a lot to improve an already great place to visit," shares a repeat visitor.
Cabin interiors and furnishings: Many cabin rentals around Apison feature comfortable amenities not typically found in rustic settings. "The loft has a small kitchen" at Holiday Travel Park, while at Cloudland Canyon "Georgia State Park cabins really cannot be overstated; they are well appointed, well maintained, and absolutely beautiful."
Proximity to attractions: Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground positions visitors within easy driving distance to regional highlights. "About 45 minutes from Chattanooga, it is a must-see for anyone traveling from out of state who want to add adventure to their tour of the city," explains a reviewer who appreciates the park's strategic location.
What you should know
Reservation timing matters: Many cabin properties fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Chester Frost Park, "You do NOT need a permit or notify park office to hike the mountain bike trails anymore," but for camping, "you must get there before the guard station opens because the line starts to form early."
Varied cabin classifications: Adventures Unlimited Campground offers distinct cabin types with different amenities. "The campground offers cabins and the cabin was pretty nice. It slept ten people. However, there is only one bathroom in the cabin," notes a visitor who appreciated having a "front porch with rocking chairs and a swing."
Wildlife awareness: Several properties report regular animal encounters, particularly at higher elevations. "We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though," mentions a Cloudland Canyon visitor, while another camper at Fort Mountain observed that "Two other couples at two separate platform sites had encounters with a bear the same weekend I was here."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Holiday Travel Park offers dedicated recreation areas for children, though position may affect comfort. "There is a dog park located at the campground entrance so the four legged kids can run freely, and a playground next to the dog park, however it is in full sun so will be hot during the summer months."
Swimming options: Look for properties with dedicated swimming facilities to keep children entertained. "The pool is decent, playgrounds are old but still fun. Not much in the way of shade, so kinda hot in July," notes a visitor to Raccoon Mountain, suggesting morning or evening swim times during summer months.
Site selection strategy: Families should research specific site numbers when booking. At Battlefield Campground, "Sites 4-9 are well spaced from each other and great for tent campers and families who want their kids to have room to play, and while site 37 does not have as much privacy being in the center of the loop, it does have one of the most perfect climbing trees."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment to safely position RVs. At Fall Creek Falls, "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," while visitors to Battlefield Campground noted their site was "not very level at all."
Long-term stay options: tiny HOUSE CAMPGROUND provides spacious sites suitable for extended visits. "Private wooded 1+ acre lot with only two separate RV campsites. Water, Power, Sewer, Trash Pickup & Lawn Care are all included in price. Circle driveway pull-through," offering rare privacy compared to more densely packed options.
Highway proximity considerations: Some properties trade convenience for noise levels. At Battlefield Campground, "the interstate runs directly beside the campground, and is visible from the storage sites across from sites 11-24," though the reviewer noted the "sites are shady and well landscaped" which helps mitigate the sound intrusion.
