For those who want to get away from civilization for a weekend, but still want the comforts of home, consider renting a cabin for your Athens camping trip. Finding a place to cabin camp in Tennessee is easier than ever. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Tennessee cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. The park encompasses more than 29,800 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30.
In 1937, the federal government began purchasing the badly eroded land around Fall Creek Falls. The following year, the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the forest and constructing park facilities. A few years later in 1944, the National Park Service transferred ownership of the park to the State of Tennessee.
Fall Creek Falls features 30 cabins, 222 campsites, and the 85-room Lodge Fall Creek Falls. Backcountry camping is also available with a permit.
The park is home to a variety of activities suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to the base of Fall Creek Falls. There are two long-distance overnight trails for adventure-seeking visitors while the day-use trails are designed to accommodate recreational and educational activities for all ages. More than 56 miles of trails can be explored.
$8 - $32 / night
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
$30 / night
Fort Mountain State Park is a place of legends. Literally! Home to an mysterious, ancient, rock wall at the peak of a mountain, Fort Mountain’s associated legends include the construction of a Welsh military fort, a honeymoon destination for native newlyweds, and a relation to “moon-eyed people” of Cherokee folklore. Whatever the truth may be, there is no denying that this park’s unique features have made it one of the major draws within the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Located just a short scenic drive off of Highway 52 near the Cohuatta Wilderness, the campground at Fort Mountain State Park hosts 70 campsites for tents and RVs. Campers can bring their paddles to take advantage of all 17 acres of Fort Mountain Lake, or take part in the local rental program for easier travels.
While there is no need to leave the park to find adventure, many campers take a short drive east to a historic site featuring the Chief Vann House. This well-preserved structure was the first Cherokee brick residence and is often referred to as the “showplace” of the Cherokee Nation. Continue your travels to the peak of Fort Mountain where you can take a tour of a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Enjoy panoramic views and marvel at the legendary beauty of Fort Mountain State Park.
$55 / night
Our wooded campground encompasses our 30-acre resort; it’s large and spacious with level sites to accommodate groups of any size. We provide the campsite while you bring your own equipment. Tent camping is primitive; there is no running water or electricity on site. However, the bath house is open 24 hours a day and is equipped with restrooms and hot showers.
Also, we have full hookup RV sites for the more civilized campers. We have 30 and 50 amp hookups to provide electricity and water for each site that can house different types of RVs. We have sites of all sizes to accommodate everyone from the tiny popup camper to the large motorhome. For your convenience, there is a dump station located near the campground for easy disposal.
The Adventures Unlimited campground offers guests the privacy of a secluded area and the convenience of walking to our office and retail shop for whitewater rafting and bath house. We are also located right next to The Bus Bar and Grill which hosts delicious eats, craft beers and cocktails and live music on the weekends.
The Cherokee National Forest is right up the road from us and offers everything from whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, hiking and mountain bike trails and the beautiful Parksville Lake to explore and enjoy
$10 - $45 / night
$45 / night
Guide
This was the second time staying at this campground. We used the camping cabins. The campground is nice. It has many things to do like a pool, cornhole, horseshoes. The cabins are ok. They have three beds. One double and a set of bunk beds. They have ac as well. They are small but do the job. The mattresses suck.
Traveler
Deer Creek properties is located in a secure gated community just minutes from fall Creek Falls State Park. All cabins are fully furnished, provide hall linens and towels, fire pits and many other amenities. We have a community pool and hot tub that is open from memorial day to Labor Day. Our grounds are very spacious and have three ponds available to our guest for fishing. We have a beautiful pasture with horses to pay it and feed.
Legend
Battlefield Campground is an extremely convenient RV park located right of I-75 about 20 minutes south of Chattanooga. It is very easy to get to, but part of that convenience comes with an absence of quiet; the interstate runs directly beside the campground, and is visible from the storage sites across from sites 11-24.
This is an excellent place for long-term campers, and it includes a nice playground, a pool, and a camp store/clubhouse. We could not get close to the pool or playground as they were closed due to COVID-19, which was comforting that they are taking public safety seriously. Sites include 50 and 30 amp full service, and seven tent sites in the middle of the campground that also include electric. There are seven camping cabins spaced throughout the campground that have outside picnic tables and grills, and beds inside as well as electricity.
Most of the sites here are nicely wooded, and as the area is slightly hilly there are elevation changes between several rows of sites which allows for a little more privacy than many RV parks offer.
Downsides to this park are the highway noise, and the campground roads are paved but in need of maintenance; the road is eroded in a lot of places.
Upsides are the sites are shady and well landscaped, and there are great amenities for families looking to stay here for extended periods of time, as well as the proximity to Chattanooga, Chickamauga Battlefield, and Ringold/Ft. Oglethorpe.
Scout
Absolutely love this RV Park. Been here about a half dozen times since 2020. Super clean, level spots (choice of pull in or back in paved or gravel spots), very friendly staff, sewer hookups at all camper sites, decent WiFi and cable also included. Also has store with camping supplies, pool, cabin rentals, propane, super clean shower and laundry facility too. Close to downtown Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge Lake, and Blairsville. Four lane highway all the way to the park from Atlanta. The highway noise can be a little much for those looking for an outdoor camping experience, but for glampers and regular Travel Trailers, this site is fantastic.
Legend
The park offers several campgrounds than can accommodate RV's, tent camping and primitive campsites. There are water and electrical hookups at all sites except the primitive. There are bathhouses and even cabin rentals for those who prefer that. You can purchase ice, firewood and food at the camp store on property and there is also a place to do your laundry for a small fee. Each site offers a table and grill. All are drive up except the primitive sites. This park has the highest free falling waterfall (256 feet) East of the Mississippi River! There are plenty of activities and hiking to explore just visit the parks website for more information!
Legend
Located just barely on the Georgia side of the GA/TN border, Holiday Travel Park has a community feel with its many full hook-up sites, most of which are extremely close together.
We are tent campers and there is not much here if you are not in an RV--they are nestled into the back of the campground, and have the benefit of a large grassy area so kids can run and stretch their legs, but quiet and privacy are still lacking. There is also 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--which is the perfect time to use the pool! Unfortunately due to COVID-19 both the pool and playground are closed at the time of this review, but it is good to know they are there once public spaces can open again.
This campground has two sides; to the right of the main entrance is decidedly more shady while the side to the left gets more sun, and it seemed as though the shady side hosted many campers who were there long term. We even saw one set-up where it looked like someone had a couple of tomato plants growing in containers! These sites are all very close together but still had a peaceful vibe under the shady trees. The sunnier side (sites in the 100s) is where the playground, tent sites, and large grassy field are, so while the sites are still very close together there is a little bit more public space for larger groups or families.
There are three camping cabins that rent to groups of 2 people, and two camping cottages; a loft for groups of 4, or a one bedroom for groups of 6. Cabins and cottages have beds (you must bring your own linens), electricity, running water, grills, picnic tables, and the loft has a small kitchen.
This is a great stop for campers who want to see the Chattanooga/Chicakmauga area, and it has great amenities for families. However this is not a campground for those looking for a relaxing experience in nature due to proximity to the interstate and surrounding neighborhoods, and the small sites and lack of privacy from fellow campers.
LegendThis park is huge! Friends and family encouraged us to visit this park numerous times and finally we found a weekend to get away. The large waterfall was impressive. There were lots of lodging choices- camping, a lodge, cabins, and backcountry camping. The nature center had really impressive programs that a family would love. This park had a lot of visitors when we were there, but due to it's size it didnt seem too busy.
Legend
Cumberland Mountain state park was a great place to visit. Located in. Crossville, not too far from I40, and really close to town so if you need to get anything, it’s an easy trip. The park was larger than I expected. I brought my bike and I was glad, as it made exploring the park easier. There’s several playground throughout, plus the lake has kayak, paddle boat, canoe, and paddle board rentals, so there’s a lot to do! There’s also a small aviary, and most of the birds were visible when I stopped by. My site was in loop 3, #86, and it was perfect! Plenty of space, and we didn’t feel like we were on top of each other. We had water and electric, but no sewer hookups. I noticed the sites in loop 1 had sewer hookups, but loop 3 did not. They have really nice looking cabins for rent also. The section for cabins is near the lake. They had multiple sizes too. The campground was full, but surprisingly quiet, except for the cicadas at night! Very peaceful. We really enjoyed our time at Cumberland mountain, and will definitely return!
RangerReally neat geology throughout. Waterfalls cascade down gorges surrounded by grey layered rocks (shale?). Tons of hiking options (some moderate) and lots of accessible overlook areas too, something for everyone. Good water activities (rentals on site), mountain biking, wildlife. This is a pretty popular area so some of it is kind of touristy (like the zip line and gift shops). Also a hotel and cabins on site. Camping sites are not too large nor private and pretty kid friendly. I've only been in the fall when it's less crowded, I'd probably avoid it in the summer! Nice basic amenities at the camp site, as expected with a State Park.
Ranger
The campground offers cabins and the cabin was pretty nice. It slept ten people. However, there is only one bathroom in the cabin. The toilet wasn’t working well. Aside from that the cabin was nice and fully stocked. It had a front porch with rocking chairs and a swing. It also came with a grill and fire ring. We had a group there for the white water rafting. We could walk down from the cabin to check-in for white water rafting excursion. There is a campground store at the check-in, as well. Then, there is also a super cool bar & grill in the campground. The Bus Bar offered live music on the weekends which was a ton of fun. We could walk back to the cabin after a few drinks. They also offer tent camping and RV hookups. The white water rafting trip was a blast.
Guide
I stayed this past weekend in the Butterfly Patch cabin. The cabin was spotless and comfortable The picnic table, fire pit and park style grill were all well maintained. Owners were friendly and responsive. We were up the hill (steep one) from the bathroom facilities. I'd stay here again.
Guide
Cabin - treehouse was very nice. Everything you need is there. Just bring food and clothes (jacket, toboggan etc… for cold nights). Warm gas fire place in cabin and outhouse / bathhouse. Shower was nice and hot as well. Outside movie screen with hammock chairs. Quiet and peaceful. Will definitely go back. Owners did a great job!!!
RangerRolling hills, lakes, rivers, lots of falls, and beautiful forests make this a classic TN landscape with lots of extras. Take the tours if you can! Lots of hiking, some areas are extremely steep but do have steps. Trails are about half a mile to 13 miles long, and you can mix and match them to get whatever length trail you want.
Yay: lots to do besides hike, swim, and kayak, including zip line/ropes course/obstacle course, scenic drive, sports courts, golf, restaurants, nature center. Campground is spacious and green with a lot of different camping areas to choose from, including cabins and backcountry (less than 5 miles from the car). If you can’t do the hikes you can still see a lot of beauty here (some vistas are wheelchair accessible).
Nay: crowded, bathrooms not super clean, bugs, extra activities are quite expensive.
Surprise: even if you’ve seen 100s of waterfalls you will love seeing the ones here. Kayak rentals on site!
LegendThis is literally my favorite place I have ever stayed anywhere in the world! I’ve done my fair share of camping and traveling and I have yet to find anywhere I would rather stay! The attention to detail in the cabin/treehouse and greenhouse bathroom is like nothing I’ve ever seen! Everything from the books/games on the shelves, artwork on the wall to the Jack Daniels barrel vanity in the bathroom is thought out and perfect for this place. The owners/builders Mitch and Lori were absolutely amazing to work with and made sure we had everything we could ever want and more available to us on the property. This is such a peaceful place to get away and perfect for those who aren’t a big fan of your typical camping experience of “roughing it.” My wife and I already have our next visit scheduled! Do yourselves a favor and book your trip to this property ASAP! I promise you will not be disappointed!
Scout
Nice bathrooms. Great sites, cute cabins great location.
Legend
RV tents Cabins
Electric 30 - 50 amp
Fees: $40.00 RV
$30.00 Tent
$60.00 Cabin (bring your linens)
Campground is nicely laid out and has a catch and release fishing pond with some sites along side the fishing pond and are so peaceful. Most sites are pull thru. There is a shower/restroom house. Nice trees and nice shade. Please leash your pets. There is fire wood for sale and a camp store. Very quiet and well maintained.
LNT
BTYFI
Travel safe
RangerThis is a larger state park that includes a restaurant, golf course, pool, etc. but also some nice trails to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The Cumberland State Scenic Trail is the local long trail, which can be access from the park. This park is close to town, the highway, and some other natural areas. The campground includes a number of similar loops, all wooded, nice and modern with the typical state park amenities. Cabins are available too They also have a moderate backpacking trail that we didn’t try, but would be perfect for first-time backpackers (since you can shower and eat at a buffet afterwards).
Yay: kayak and boat rentals. Something for everyone. Love the bridge over the water.
Nay: parts can be a little crowded, a little expensive.
Surprise: the on site restaurant is quite fancy---we went to an elegant wedding here and stayed for camping. They have a weekend buffet with rather fancy food and great quality. Also check out nearby Rock Island State Park for surreal waterfall swimming.
Scout
We stayed in one of there cabins. We were on motorcycles. Could t have ask for better!!
LegendCamping and Cabins Cabin Rate: $118.00-$279.00 Rates are based on date and availability Reservation fee:$5.00 non refundable
Camping sites: 145 tent and RV with hook ups
Nice spacing with pads not level and 30-50 amp service and there are accessible sites Picnic tables, grills, bathhouse, trash, dump station, firewood for sale There is an overnight backpacking campsite on the eight mile back packing trail, you can reach by hiking the Byrd Creek Trail. Beautiful location with wonderful mature trees. During winter some camp loops are closed. You will find a golf course and a restaurant but you need to check the open hours.
LNT
BTYFI
Travel safe
Traveler
This campground was quite open and in addition to RV sites there are some little cabins for sleeping very nice people and inexpensive I will stay there again.
ScoutI live in the area and have stayed both in our RV and in the Loft Cabin. Super convenient to everything. Nice facilities all around.
Traveler
I stayed at this campground in 2013 (3 days) and I have scheduled to go there again for a week in May 2019.This is a KOA and even though I normally am not a fan of KOAs this place is very different. It is small and heavily treed so the campground does NOT look like a parking lot. There seemed to be amble space between sites. There is an awesome gold-bearing creek alongside the camp which is too cool. The place is pet friendly, the owner is awesome, the price is reasonable. There is an acre field for dogs to be off leash and run, you can tube in the creek, they have nice cabins. The bathhouse was older when I was there but from what I understand it has been remodeled in recent years….but I don't go camping to explore the bathrooms so I don't really care about them. This is a great family site and it is fairly quiet, so if you are like me and you camp to GET AWAY from noise and drama, then this is the place!!
Scout
My boyfriend and I just returned from our 2 night stay at Crawford's, and we're already saying how we can't wait to get back! This was my second time using them, and they have been wonderfully kind and courteous every step of the way. They have plenty of camping options- we opted for one of the cabins since it was raining our first night, and we loved it. They are very small, with beds and air conditioning and heating units. The facilities are very nice and clean, and the view is fantastic(see attatched pic of said boyfriend, this was directly in front of our cabin). I will absolutely be using them again!
TravelerLoved spending a short time here. I wish it was longer but def want to come back and we are recommending to family and friends. Such a sweet place with nearly every comfort of home yet slightly rustic for a def glamping feel. Nearly everything you can think of is provided. They have a propane oven and propane stoves. Refrigeration is a cooler with ice that held our one night. Camp fire was going when we arrived with stacks of wood nearby and roasting sticks and a grate for cooking over the fire if you wish. Outdoor projector under the cabin with two one person hammock seats suspended by a car spring. The bed was great. The decor was awesome. Air worked great. Truly a refreshing place. Nice romantic getaway. We used it to launch to fall creek falls maybe 25 min away but there’s all kinds of places within an hour of there. There’s not a ton of places very close but a dollar general not too far. Pretty much just bring clothes and food. They even have tea tree shampoo soap and conditioner. It was such a cute spot. They even baked brownies for our birthday celebration.
Traveler
Nice clean and quite. Perfect spot for a long term stay. They have tent and RV sites as well as a couple of cabins. Very friendly staff.
Guide
Unreal and must visit Smoky Mountain destination. Awesome automobile loop scenic drive and several other hiking paths we took. All sort of wildlife and abandon cabins and farm houses.
ScoutSseveral sections to choose from anything from hotel, cabins, tent, camper, or RV sites. Plenty of Hiking trails and a few and swimming spots. Fun for families, friends or couples.
Cabin camping near Athens, Tennessee offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, allowing visitors to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Athens, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Athens, TN is Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 144 reviews.
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