Cabin camping near Chattanooga, Tennessee offers options across northeastern Georgia and southeastern Tennessee. The region sits at elevations between 650 and 2,400 feet, creating moderate temperature changes between valley accommodations and mountain rentals. Typical cabin rentals in the area operate year-round with peak season rates from June through October when temperatures average between 70-90°F.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 5 miles of trails lead to multiple falls at Fall Creek Falls State Park, approximately 60 miles from Chattanooga. "So many trails, so little time. One of the best hiking parks I've ever been to. Miles and miles of trails; short, long, loops, overnights. This place has it all. 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," shares Myke C.
Cave exploration: 45-minute guided tours available at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground. "The caverns and tour are awesome! Campground is meh, nothing spectacular but not terrible, kind of average. The pool is decent, playgrounds are old but still fun," notes Greg S. Tours cost $19.95 for adults and require advance reservations.
Lake activities: fishing and boating at Chickamauga Lake from Chester Frost Park. "One of the best places to be able to camp and boat. We were at Chester Frost for July 4th. Love staying on the lake front and watching the sun set," mentions Doug H. The park provides multiple fishing docks and boat launches for visitors with their own equipment.
What campers like
Private, spacious campsites: At Cloudland Canyon State Park, the West Rim camping area offers more secluded options than East Rim. "The West Rim camping loop has a total of 48 tent/RV sites with 30 or 50A hookups, water, gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. This loop is far more wooded and offers a greater variety of site size and privacy, and has an extremely quiet and peaceful vibe to it," explains Stephanie J.
Clean facilities: Many cabin rentals include modern bathroom facilities. "The bathhouse has showers and running hot water. The long hike around the canyon and down into it provided amazing views! 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.
Wooded settings: Tennessee Wall Camp offers primitive cabin experiences surrounded by forest. "We really enjoyed our night tent camping here. There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water, then sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing. Plenty of firewood to collect on site," notes Suzie K.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. At Holiday Travel Park, "Contactless check in. Online reservation. We brought our dogs along, and everybody had a dog here with them. You do have a little bit of yard in front of your camper but your neighbor is a little bit close," advises Sarah.
Cabin amenities vary widely: Some include full kitchens while others offer only basic sleeping accommodations. "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," explains Stephanie J.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some cabin locations. "Avoid areas with interstate noise. The interstate runs directly beside the campground, and is visible from the storage sites across from sites 11-24," warns Stephanie J. about Battlefield Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for cabins near playgrounds and pools. "Kids wonderland! This place is definitely somewhere you wanna bring your kids they would love it! There is a man made beach with a playground and loads of camping lots next to the river!" shares Haley H. about Chester Frost Park.
Educational opportunities: Schedule cave tours that engage children. "Staff were awesome, helping us turn our 2 sites into buddy sites. Small little stop off because not a ton to do on site except cave that is a hidden gem," notes Nicole R. about Raccoon Mountain Caverns.
Space for activities: Choose cabins with open areas nearby. "We were at site 87. Not a horrible place to spend the week. A lot of long term older campers on site. Nicely kept. Pool is nice," reports Ginger G. about staying at Battlefield Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request level spots away from common areas. "We have a 40' class A and flat tow a Jeep. We stayed in site 203 for 3 nights. While we really enjoyed the campground, this site was not ideal for an RV our size. We weren't able to put our awnings out or comfortably sit outside. Next time, we'll see if it's possible to stay in site 226," advises Jen O. about Raccoon Mountain.
Connectivity considerations: Many cabins offer reliable internet access. "Cellular service for AT&T and TMobile were both excellent. The park is full every night and has lots of people in and out daily," shares Laura H. about Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA.
Local amenities: Stock up before arrival at nearby stores. "Gold camp sites. Big swimming area bath houses need work done," notes Constance about Chester Frost Park, which has a Walmart and other shopping options within 5 miles.