Fort Mountain State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Fort Mountain State Park is located in North Georgia, near the city of Chatsworth. Home to the famous Fort Mountain, the region got its name due to the ancient 885-foot-long rock wall located on the mountain’s peak. Because the park is based near the Cohutta Wilderness, visitors can expect plenty of hardwood forest, scenic lakes, and tranquil streams. Fort Mountain also has a rich and intriguing history, as the mysterious 855-foot-long wall is thought to have been built by early Cherokee Indians as fortification against more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies.
The state park has a moderate climate, which means it is a popular destination year-round. In summer, visitors can expect average daily temperatures of 83°F, while temperatures can sink as low as 23°F in winter at night. Wildlife commonly seen in the park include deer, especially around the lake area. Other animals spotted include eagles, racoons, snakes, and bears.
If you’re planning a trip to Fort Mountain State Park, you’ll want to know everything about camping, park activities, how to get here, and more. Keep reading our guide to find out!
Spring 33-73 F
Summer 57-83 F
Fall 31-77 F
Winter 23-48 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Mountain State Park
If you’ve ever stayed in an RV when camping, we’re sure you’ll agree that it provides more comfort and space than a tent, not to mention your own private bathroom and fully-stocked kitchen. If you don’t own an RV, you can easilyrent an RV from RVshare that suits your individual needs – including size, budget, and more. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
Fort Mountain State Park has 70 tent, trailer, and RV campsites on offer. Many of these are located near the lake, plus they have electric and water hookups. Average nightly costs are between $30 - $36 per couple. Spaces can fill quickly, however, so we’ve included some additional RV parks and campgrounds within proximity of the state park below.
Plum Nelly Campground
Plum Nelly is a family-owned campground nestled in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, just a short drive from the state park’s entrance. The campground offers easy access from Hwy 515, pull-thru sites, 30-50 amp electrical service, and full hookups at every site. Daily rates start at $35.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: N/A
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: private restrooms, laundry facilities.
Chattanooga North / Cleveland KOA Journey
Just an hour’s drive from the state park, located in Tennessee, isChattanooga North / Cleveland KOA Journey. KOA’s are well-known for their state-of-the-art amenities and on-site activities, making them a stay that the whole family will love. This one is nestled amid rolling hills, between the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachians.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: cable TV, dog park, swimming pool, propane, firewood, pavilion.
Battlefield Campground & RV Park
Battlefield Campground & RV Park is located close to Chattanooga in Tennessee, but is just over a 50-minute drive from Fort Mountain State Park. This leafy RV park provides a long list of amenities to keep you and your family comfortable and safe during your stay.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: cable TV, dump station, swimming pool, fire rings, playground, restrooms, showers, picnic tables.
What to Do at
Fort Mountain State Park
Inside Fort Mountain State Park
If you thought the camping opportunities were impressive, wait until you hear about the activities available to visitors within the state park. From hiking and biking, to swimming, paddling, fishing and more – there’s something for absolutely everyone at Fort Mountain State Park!
Hiking : with more than 50 miles of trails, spectacular summit views, and stunning natural beauty, this state park is a hiker’s dream. Some of the most popular trails include: the Stone Wall, Tower, and Overlook Trails (1.2 mile loop), Lake Loop Trail (1.2 mile loop), and the Gahuti Trail (8.2 mile loop).
Biking : Over 27 miles of trails are accessible to cyclists, making Fort Mountain one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in Georgia. Some of these include the Lake Loop, Gold Mine Loop, and Cool Springs Loop.
Swimming : Visitors can cool down with a swim at the seasonal lakeside beach. For safety reasons, stick to the roped-off areas. You can then enjoy a lakeside picnic once you’ve finished having a dip.
Paddling : With its many small lakes and rivers, Fort Mountain is also a great place to bring or rent a canoe, kayak, pedal boat, jon boat, aqua cycle, or stand-up paddleboard. It’s one of the best ways to explore the park!
Fishing : You can also drop a line in the lake to try your luck. Georgia is known to have some of the best fishing in the country, and Fort Mountain State Park is no different! Just keep in mind fishing is not permitted from the beach or pedal boat dock.
Outside Fort Mountain State Park
When you stay at Fort Mountain State Park, there’s a wide variety of popular destinations on your doorstep, including other parks, famous landmarks, award-winning eateries, or celebrated shopping strips. Some of our top recommendations are listed below.
Restaurants
Los Amigos
If you’re craving some Mexican fare during your stay, thenLos Amigos is your go-to for lunch or dinner. Not only are the reviews raving about this restaurant’s food, but service is reported to be top-notch too. Locals recommend the chicken ranchero and chille relleno.
Type: Mexican
Location: Chatsworth, GA
Edna's
Just a 15-minute drive from the state park isEdna's, a family-run restaurant known for its homestyle, hearty cooking and delicious meals. Apparently, their tasty fried chicken and diverse selection of homemade pies are unequaled!
Type: Family restaurant
Location: Chatsworth, GA
Village Cafeteria
For something low-key, casual, yet delicious,Village Cafeteria is a one-stop shop. It has a family-friendly atmosphere, as well as good prices, and a selection of comfort food to fuel your next state park adventure. The coconut cake is highly recommended!
Type: Cafeteria
Location: Chatsworth, GA
Shopping
Walnut Square Mall
Run out of supplies during your state park stay? Don’t fret, as the Walnut Square Mall is just a half-hour drive away and features a variety of stores to satisfy your every need. While it may be a small mall, it has a good reputation for having an excellent food court, as well as being clean.
Location: Dalton, GA
Sightseeing
Stone Mountain Park
Sure, it’s a bit of a drive (around two hours to be more precise), but while you’re staying in Georgia,Stone Mountain Park is certainly worth the trip. Described as more of a theme park, this destination features activities such as a scenic railroad, skyride, farmyard, dinotorium, museum, mini golf, historic square, lake tour, and so much more. There’s also several food and beverage options within the park, so you won’t go hungry!
Location: Stone Mountain, GA
Creative Discovery Museum
Your children will love theCreative Discovery Museum for its interactive science exhibits and educational shows. Its mission is to inspire all children to explore, innovate, create, and play and the museum welcomes over 200,000 guests every year. General admission is $14.95 per person.
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Consolidated Gold Mine
If mine tours, gold panning, or gemstone mining take your fancy, then you should plan a visit to theConsolidated Gold Mine while you’re in North Georgia. Here, you head 200 feet underground and over 100 years back in time to experience life as a turn-of-the-century gold miner. They’re open rain, hail, or shine, making them the perfect wet weather activity for you and your family.
Location: Dahlonega, GA
How to Get to
Fort Mountain State Park
Fort Mountain State Park is located between the cities of Chatsworth and Ellijay along GA Hwy. 52. This road will take you directly to and through the park.
Entering Fort Mountain State Park
The park gates are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. There is a parking fee or visitors can buy an annualParkPass to use in Fort Mountain State Park and other parks within Georgia.
Fort Mountain State Park Daily : $5.0
Fort Mountain State Park Annual Pass : $50.0
If you’re planning a trip to Fort Mountain State Park, then you’re in for a treat. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Mountain State Park
The best time to visit Fort Mountain State Park is April and May. The weather is mild, and the flowers are blooming. The park is also less crowded during these months.
The park has a temperate climate. The average temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average rainfall is about 45 inches. Snowfall is light to moderate, averaging about 15 inches yearly.
The park is home to many different kinds of wildlife, including deer, bears, raccoons, foxes, and turkeys. You may also see less common animals, such as weasels, bobcats, and otters.
Fort Mountain State Park has about 10 designated RV camping spots. These spots have water and electric hookups, and some have sewer hookups. There's also a dump station located nearby.
You must make a reservation at Fort Mountain State Park. The cost is $20 per night for water and electric hookups and $30 per night for water, electric, and sewer hookups. There's a $5 reservation fee.