Camping sites near Apison, Tennessee sit at elevations ranging from 750 to 1,200 feet above sea level, creating varied camping microclimates throughout the region. Located in the eastern part of Hamilton County, the area experiences temperate weather with average summer highs around 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 30°F. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round with electrical hookups available at developed sites.
What to do
Explore limestone caves: At Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, visitors can tour Crystal Cave with its impressive formations. "The caverns were pretty cool. Having the dog park close by was a bonus," notes one camper who appreciated the combination of underground exploration and pet-friendly amenities.
Boat at Chickamauga Lake: Harrison Bay State Park Campground offers direct lake access with multiple fishing spots. "I saw some campers in fishing kayaks come right up to the shore and hop out at their campsite," reports one visitor who enjoyed the seamless transition from water to campsite.
Hike to waterfalls: Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground features multiple waterfall trails with varying difficulty levels. "The Cave tour is a must, but prepare to get dirty," advises one experienced camper who recommends waterproof footwear during rainy seasons.
What campers like
Private camping platforms: Fort Mountain State Park offers unique raised camping platforms for a different overnight experience. "The site itself was in a beautiful location, had a hand pump on site, and also had a shared bear proof storage box," explains a first-time platform camper who encountered active wildlife during their stay.
Individual bathrooms: Harrison Bay State Park features air-conditioned private bathroom/shower combos in camping loop D. "Spacious sites in D. AC bath houses!" exclaims one camper who appreciated the comfort during hot summer months.
Dog-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer designated dog parks and pet-friendly policies. "We loved that Raccoon Mountain had a dog park. The staff are so attentive, they are very accessible and are present all day into the evening without being intrusive," notes a camper who traveled with pets.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: At Fort Mountain State Park Campground, the West Rim campground offers better separation between sites. "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 camper who has explored multiple Georgia state parks.
Seasonal pest issues: Some waterfront sites experience insect activity, particularly during warm months. "Sites 9, 18, 22, and 25 are next to an area with poor drainage so bugs may be an issue here in the summer," warns a Harrison Bay visitor who recommends bringing insect repellent.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have spotty coverage depending on carrier and location. "We had inconsistent cell coverage even with a Winegard booster with AT&T and Verizon. Mornings were best reception and evening were not so good," reports a Fort Mountain camper who found signal strength varied throughout the day.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated swimming areas: Chester Frost Park offers a man-made beach with adjacent playground. "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!" recommends a parent who found the setup ideal for children.
Consider cabin options: Several campgrounds offer furnished cabins as alternatives to tent camping. "The cabins are ok. They have three beds. One double and a set of bunk beds. They have ac as well. They are small but do the job," explains a Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA visitor who found cabin camping more comfortable with children.
Book waterfront sites early: Prime lakefront sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. "We love staying on the lake front and watching the sun set," shares a Chester Frost Park camper who recommends reserving sites 46-50 at Harrison Bay for the best water views.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling before booking: Some campgrounds have significant grading issues. "The site had about a 5 inch difference sloping towards the road. I used rocker blocks maxed out (about 4 inches in height) and still was not level," cautions a Fort Mountain camper who struggled with an uneven site.
Consider campground road layouts: Chilhowee Recreation Area has challenging access for larger rigs. "The roads in the campground are narrow and again, some of the turns are sharp when pulling a trailer. There is only one dump station and it's on the other side of the campground. From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it," warns an RV owner who navigated the tight turns with a 25-foot travel trailer.
Research hookup availability: Not all sites offer full hookups. "Coming up the mountain has some steep grades and a few switch backs that you can't see around. There are no water hookups at the sites, only power (30A). You'll need to fill your fresh water tanks before you set up," advises a Chilhowee camper who planned accordingly for limited utilities.
