Glamping accommodations near Lookout Mountain offer access to both Tennessee and Georgia wilderness areas with varied camping terrain. The area features a mix of state park campgrounds and private facilities, with elevations ranging from 650 to 2,400 feet above sea level. Campsites in this region experience temperatures ranging from 45°F to 85°F during peak camping season from April through October.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: At Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground, multiple trails lead to impressive waterfalls with swimming opportunities. "Gold camp sites. Big swimming area bath houses need work done," reports a visitor at Chester Frost Park. Another camper noted, "Great State Park. Quick getaway for some hiking fun. East Rim campground has the most access to hiking but the road can be busy for all the hikers/visitors."
Cave exploration tours: Register for guided cave tours near glamping accommodations. "The Cave tour is a must, but prepare to get dirty," advises a recent visitor to Cloudland Canyon. Tours typically require advance registration and appropriate footwear.
Lake recreation activities: Multiple camping areas provide water access for fishing and boating. Marion County Park offers "swimming, soccer, baseball, boating, disc golf, para course all right here," according to one reviewer. Another camper mentioned, "We woke up to the most gorgeous view over the water! Friendly people, very clean bathrooms and showers, great hookups, and quiet!"
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Marion County Park offers waterfront camping with ample space between sites. "We had a large site. Picnic table and fire ring. Easy access to water from site and had two boat launches," notes one reviewer. Another camper shares, "Clean, and well maintained. Tent camping along the edge of the river. Fire pits or grills, picnic tables, clean bathroom, and hot showers."
Resort-style amenities: Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA provides full-service camping with recreational options. "It has many things to do like a pool, cornhole, horseshoes," mentions a visitor who stayed in the camping cabins. Another camper reports, "Nice campground right off the highway, but remote enough to feel like you're out in the sticks. Tons of trees and lots were large with plenty of parking."
Seasonal activities: Fall foliage and spring wildflowers enhance the camping experience. "Our next trip here will be in the fall," writes a Cloudland Canyon visitor. The changing seasons provide different outdoor experiences throughout the year.
What you should know
Site selection strategy: Different camping areas offer varied experiences within the same park. "The West Rim campground is VASTLY superior with tons of privacy, tree cover, great terraces at most sites, with the ones outside ones being the best," advises a Fall Creek Falls State Park camper. Another adds, "If you're looking for a small spot to pitch your tent and spend some time in silence, keep going."
Off-season advantages: Lower crowds during non-peak months provide a different experience. "Despite being there for the 4th of july, it was quiet," reports a Cloudland Canyon visitor. Winter months offer lower occupancy but limited water recreation.
Primitive camping considerations: Backcountry options require preparation but provide enhanced privacy. "One of my favorite campgrounds in Georgia is at Cloudland Canyon State Park. A small hike from the parking area, there's plenty of space in these woods for a quaint and quiet stay," writes a backcountry camper. Plan for extra time to transport gear to walk-in sites.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Chester Frost Park offers specific features for children. "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!" writes one visitor. The park maintains dedicated recreational zones for younger campers.
Multi-activity options: Parks with diverse facilities keep children engaged. "Jumping pillow for children" and "saltwater swimming pools" are available at several locations. "Kids loved the pool and jumping pillow," notes a camper at Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences with ranger programs. Fall Creek Falls offers "hiking, to swimming, waterfall gazing, rock climbing, ziplining, and much more." A visitor adds, "There's a game room for the kids as well as a heated pool."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA has terrain challenges for larger rigs. "Small sites and will flood when rains... Very rocky throughout campground," notes one RVer. Another mentions, "Some of the roads and RV sites are a little difficult to get into. Our site was on a sharp curve with a decent grade, but after some jockeying around, we got our camper in ok."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow approach roads. "The last couple of miles had me a little worried w/my big rig but it went very well. The road is nicely paved and the trees are cut back. No major curves or turns," shares an RVer at Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA.
Utility hookups: Water and electric connections vary by campground. "RV Sites are mostly level, there were a few that were not as level," reports a camper. "Each RV site has a table and fire ring, some do not have sewer hookups but they use a waitlist system to get full hookups."
