Cabins near Lupton City, Tennessee offer camping options within a 45-minute radius of Chattanooga. Located in the Tennessee River Valley at approximately 700 feet elevation, this area experiences mild spring and fall temperatures with summer highs frequently reaching 90°F. Winter cabin camping remains viable with average lows around 30°F, though some facilities reduce services during off-season months.
What to do
Hiking the waterfalls: Fall Creek Falls State Park features multiple waterfall trails ranging from easy to strenuous. "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 (Fall Creek Falls), swim in the cascades next to the nature center, and stand on the edge of the bluff at Buzzard's Roost," shares a visitor at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground.
Cave exploration: Raccoon Mountain offers guided tours through Crystal Cave with advance reservations required. "We all loved that Crystal Cave was right on site and enjoyed the guided tour. (Advanced reservations are required.) We also loved the guided tour just down the road at Ruby Falls!" notes a camper at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground.
Water activities: Lakefront camping provides swimming and fishing opportunities. "There are 3 different sections to the campgrounds. The first area just left of the guard station is for tents & small campers, the area to the right is for large fifth wheels & motor homes, and finally the third section is across the lake & it accommodates small to mid size campers," explains a visitor about Marion County Park.
What campers like
Cabin amenities: The cabins at Cloudland Canyon State Park include modern features with outdoor access. "There are 16 cottages/cabins, and Georgia State Park cabins really cannot be overstated; they are well appointed, well maintained, and absolutely beautiful, and are spaced out to offer a feeling of seclusion: perfect for winter getaways, or for people who enjoy total creature comforts at night with nearby adventure during the day," notes a reviewer at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground.
Location convenience: Many cabin rental options provide quick access to Chattanooga attractions. "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. Campground is clean and quiet. Bathrooms are great. Close to Chattanooga and the sites. We did the zoo, aquarium and Rock City. Long weekend trip," reports a guest at Holiday Travel Park.
Family-friendly activities: Sites with recreational facilities keep children entertained. "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!" writes a camper about Chester Frost Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many locations require advance planning, especially for cabins. "Reserved 148 days prior to arriving. Valet escort to site after check in," notes a visitor about their experience at Raccoon Mountain.
Site selection: Choose cabin locations based on privacy needs and proximity to facilities. "Cabins 1-5 are on the east rim and the waterfall trail runs almost directly behind them, so there is a loss of privacy there, especially on busy weekends," advises a camper at Cloudland Canyon.
Seasonal considerations: Water levels affect waterfall viewing at several parks. "Waterfalls were weak but we knew this going in July but still great views. Our next trip here will be in the fall," explains a guest at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for playgrounds, pools, and open areas. "The coolest aspect of this campground for me was the massive jumping pad they have, and I had to promise my kids we would take an overnight trip here just so they could use it! It is restricted to ages 16 and under," notes a visitor about Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA.
Space for activities: Select sites with room for children to play. "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 I have ever seen in a public campground," shares a Cloudland Canyon camper.
Budget options: Some parks offer more affordable cabin alternatives. "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 a visitor at Raccoon Mountain.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some cabin areas have uneven terrain requiring extra equipment. "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," warns a camper at Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Site access: Carefully select cabin locations based on vehicle size limitations. "We were at Chester Frost for July 4th. Love staying on the lake front and watching the sun set," shares a visitor at Chester Frost Park.
Utility connections: Hookup options vary between cabin areas and campgrounds. "Clean, and well maintained. Tent camping along the edge of the river. Fire pits or grills, picnic tables, clean bathroom, and hot showers. If you are a light sleeper, the traffic noise from the highway might be disturbing," explains a Marion County Park visitor.
