T-wall camping

I am heading down to t-wall next week and was looking for advice on where to camp without having worrying about someone stealing my tent or breaking into my car. I have read lots of accounts of break-ins in the parking lots. I will have a fair amount of camping gear with me, so where do i put it while i climb? Is there a miguels or rogers type campground that would be safe to leave a tent set up? The crash pad looks cool, but is not really in the budget. I ordered a copy of the t-wall book and dixie craggers atlas, but it hasn't arrived yet. Any other local beta would be appreciated, ie good restaurants, rest day activities, other climbing destinations, etc... (The objective of this trip is a recon mission of the Chattanooga area resulting in ground up onsights of classic 5.10 trad lines)

Camping is always the crux of winter Chatt trips. There are no climbers' campgrounds there that are similar to Miguel's, Rogers (rip), or Del & Marti's.

For free camping, you've got the T-wall parking. Plenty of folks leave tents and gear up during the day while they go climbing, and honestly, if you do this on weekend days when there are a lot of climbers around, you'd probably be fine. There is also free camping up the Suck Creek Rd., but I have not used it, and would probably be more sketched about leaving gear there. Finally, there are several state parks within 30 mins of Chatt (Chester Frost comes to mind), which would definitely be the safest and most expensive option for what you are looking for.

And that's about it. Your best bet is to know someone to crash with there, or to be self-contained in a van or a pickup.

For now, the best options for camping are Raccoon Mountain and the T-wall lot. Raccoon seems a bit expensive. Haven't heard many break-in stories lately from the T-Wall. Sucks to try and travel here...it's great if you know someone.

These days...unless staying with someone in town....I bring a slightly larger than normal backpack, a lightweight sleeping bag, and a foam pad....sleep at the parking lot or bivy in the woods, then pack it in with me.
Instead of a full camp kitchen, eat lots in town, bring plenty of snacks, canned beer instead of bottles, etc.
Instead of three changes of clothes, bring a change of drawers/socks/tshirt and one outfit with all necessary layers.
Etc.
The extra three pounds is not really a big deal.
The peace of mind is worth it, to me.

Alternatively, if camping with full kit, find someone with whom you can shuttle gear out to the boat ramp or the WalMart, returning with one totally empty vehicle.

I have been to twall about eight times. Two of which, the car I was in was broken into. What I have gathered is that the locals know that climbers arrive in the morning and leave close to sunset. So, they have the parking area and campground to themselves from about 11am to 2 pm. I have never had anything in my tent stolen because it is usually just clothes and a sleeping bag.

It is just inbred tweakers looking for cash in a car so they can go catch a meth buzz and hook up with their sister.

Like Ben said, if you care about something, hike it up in your pack. I have carried my laptop and other heavy stuff up. It is worth the extra weight.

I guess another option is to stash your stuff in the woods.

Ben, I really like your idea of backpack cragging, however I doubt I will be able to get away with just three extra lbs.(on this particular trip) or even close to that because:
1. It will be Dec into Jan; so more puffy/coffee/jameson will be needed.I know its the south but its gotta get cold at night, right? I drive a wagon with no "trunk", so anything inside can always be seen and would all have to be humped to the crag.
2. I will be staying 5-6 days, so its a little more than a weekend trip.
3. Most importantly my partner will be my girlfriend, and I want this x-mas "vacation" to become an annual event.

Has anyone had any experiences with the Racoon Mtn. cabins? raccoonmountain.com/html/ca…

Also, should I expect crowds? Seems as if t-wall is very popular in the winter, plus the holidays and schools on break. Is there somewhere similar to say Endless Wall at The New, where people seemingly never climb?(even though that is where the good climbing is. IMHO)

Thanks for all the good info!
_Jeremiah

I've stayed at the racoon campground not the cabins. Quiet enough and was mostly empty. You could track down some beta on the North wall of T-Wall few people venture out there. The classics you can expect to be crowded, but if your there for 5-6 days you can explore the whole cliff line basically and find solitude. Also not very many people venture past Golden Locks

You'll never be so lucky as to have a perfect day like one at the Endless Wall, IMO. The classics (deservedly labeled as so) will always be crowded. The less than classics will hardly have anyone on them. The most traffic is from Hands Across America to Golden Locks...expect a disastrous amount of people.

I've been to t wall a lot on the weekends and never had a problem with break ins. During the week I hiked in my valuables (only a few min hike but up hill).

It can be very crowded on the weekend but you can always find something to climb. I've had fun on climbs without a lot of stars. If you are up early you will have it to yourself. Have fun and let us know how it goes!

Like Blake said, the Orange Blossom area gets really crowded, way more than I've ever seen Endless Wall. But, it seems like almost everyone goes to T-wall to climb the same routes. Even on the busiest days, if you take a left at the top of the trail in stead of a right, you'll avoid the crowds.

I can't believe no one has mentioned Lupi's yet.
You have to go into downtown Chattanooga and eat at Lupi's pizza.
Best food in town. All the cool climbers eat there.