The best waterside camping near Lookout Mountain

Northwest Georgia

At the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon State Park offers a landscape of canyons, cliffs, waterfalls, and woods, along with overnight options of cottages, yurts, tent and RV sites, walk-in sites, and backcountry sites. At the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA), enjoy miles of trails, abundant wildlife and hunting, and designated camping areas. Explore Fort Mountain State Park, then overnight in the campground or cottages. Further east, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is a vast area of wilderness with plenty of options for dispersed camping as well as developed campgrounds. 

Tennessee

Just over the border in Tennessee, enjoy outdoor adventures and historic sites at Chattanooga. Harrison Bay State Park in the Tennessee Valley offers lakes and woods, and both primitive and RV camping. White water enthusiasts can float, canoe, or raft two rivers at the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park and stay in primitive riverside tent sites. Further north, chase waterfalls at Fall Creek Falls State Park and take your pick of several camping areas. Explore the Caney Fork Gorge, rivers and cascades at Rock Island State Park, and choose from tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. 

Alabama

Head west and south to explore the mountains and Piedmont region of Alabama. Camp in the woods of DeSoto State Park, which offers a wide range of primitive and backpacking tent sites, rustic cabins, and glamping tents, along with wildflowers and waterfalls. Lake Guntersville State Park is home to Alabama’s largest lake, golf, miles of trails, and overnight options that include campsites, cabins, and chalets. Nearby Cathedral Caverns State Park offers massive caves, stalagmites, and both a developed campground and backcountry sites.

Summers are the busiest times at Lookout Mountain. Visit in the fall for smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and colorful fall foliage. Spring is another good option, and also the best time for chasing waterfalls. Different flowers bloom year-round at Rock City Gardens. The caves at Cloudland Canyon are only open in April, June, July, September, and October. Visit in winter to see frozen cascades.

• Lookout Mountain is free to visit, but the Rock City, Ruby Mountain, and Incline Railway attractions and Point Park charge entrance fees.
• Some popular parks require advance reservations for entrance and camping and may limit capacity at peak times.
• Fishing licenses are required in Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. Georgia also requires a separate trout license to fish in designated trout waters.
• Be bear aware—black bears can be found in the mountains and woods around Georgia.
• Dispersed camping and recreation on Georgia Wildlife Managed Areas usually require a license, permit, or pass.