The landscape surrounding La Grange offers diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 300-500 feet and oak-hickory forests that provide natural shade at many campsites. Summer temperatures frequently reach above 90°F between June and August, making early morning or evening activities preferable during peak season. Winter camping is available at several parks, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Wall Doxey State Park Campground has an 18-hole course that winds through pine forests. "The disc golf course the winds through the pine forest" is a highlight for many visitors, though one camper warns to "be ready to pick ticks off of everyone" if visiting during warmer months.
Fishing opportunities: Chewalla Lake Recreation Area offers multiple fishing spots with two piers plus a boat launch. A visitor notes, "Chewalla Campground has a lake for fishing and a beach area. Very quiet and roomy during the week."
Hiking trails: The region features several interconnected trail systems of varying difficulty. One camper at Big Hill Pond State Park Campground shares, "We did some backcountry hiking and camping here, hike was awesome, very peaceful and great for just getting away for a few days."
What campers like
Boardwalks and observation areas: Big Hill Pond State Park features unique elevated walkways. "The boardwalks and observation deck were really fun for the kids," reports one visitor, while another recommends, "Go to the tower!"
Secluded campsites: Many campgrounds offer sites with adequate privacy. At Chickasaw State Park Campground, "The campsite was located right on Lake Placid in the middle of almost 15,000 acres of state forest," creating a sense of seclusion even when the park is busy.
Water activities: Several parks feature swimming areas and boat rentals. A Chickasaw visitor enthuses, "This is a great place to go RV camping, tent camping or even wrangler camping. It is a quiet park with hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, swimming, and much more."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility conditions can fluctuate between parks and seasons. At Cherokee Landing Campground, cabin visitors note, "Bring your own sheets, towels, and food, they had basic cookware and dining ware." Meanwhile, at Chewalla Lake, one camper reports, "Bathrooms are not kept up, dirty and no lights in the showers."
Reservation systems: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. "We got cabins for the family, they were very nice," shares a Cherokee Landing visitor, indicating the importance of securing accommodations ahead of time.
Seasonal considerations: Shoulder seasons offer more availability and milder temperatures. A Wall Doxey camper explains, "We came during the halloween get together at the park. And we had no idea it was such a big deal... Every camp site had wonderful decorations and the kids had such a blast."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play equipment for children. At Wall Doxey State Park Campground, "Other activities include frisbee golf, hiking trail, two playgrounds, volleyball and a large day use area."
Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for children. One camper describes Chewalla Lake as having "a lake for fishing and a beach area," though at some parks like Chickasaw, a visitor cautions, "The water was BROWN. Very dirty."
Dog friendly campgrounds near La Grange: Most parks welcome pets with specific guidelines. A camper at Chickasaw State Park Campground reports it's "a great place to go RV camping, tent camping or even wrangler camping," noting the pet-friendly atmosphere throughout the grounds.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. At Agricenter RV Park, a visitor notes it's "a good location to see all the sights in Memphis or to stay a night or two," but warns, "it is not a campground you stay at for its amenities."
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face access limitations at some parks. Big Hill Pond State Park is described as "not for RV's over 26 feet," while having "great hiking" opportunities for those with appropriately sized vehicles.
Pet-friendly RV options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near La Grange accommodate RVers with dogs. Cherokee Landing provides "Lots of open spaces" though some visitors note there are "Many overgrown spots and less than level sites" that can challenge larger rigs.
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