Birchwood is situated along the shores of Chickamauga Lake, part of the Tennessee River system at approximately 700 feet elevation. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F, while summer brings highs of 85-95°F with humidity levels often exceeding 70%. Most campgrounds in the area maintain operation year-round, though waterfront sites see highest demand from May through September when water temperatures reach the mid-80s.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 3 miles from Harrison Bay. The Benton Falls trail near Chilhowee Recreation Area offers a moderately difficult 3-mile round trip hike to a 65-foot waterfall. "Very nice campsites, adequate size. Nice area with picnic tables and beach area. Best thing to us was the hiking trail that we walked with fresh blueberry bushes on our side. Fairly easy trail to see beautiful waterfall," notes Anne Marie P.
Mountain biking: Technical trails for all skill levels. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground maintains 25+ miles of biking trails ranging from beginner-friendly routes to technical sections with significant elevation changes. "There's tons to do from hiking, to swimming, waterfall gazing, rock climbing, ziplining, and much more. We could spend weeks here and never get bored," reports Brandie D.
Lake fishing: Best during early morning hours. Shoreline fishing spots at Chickamauga Lake are accessible from most campgrounds, with crappie, bass and rockfish abundant. Billy M. at Bluewater Resort & RV Campground confirms: "The fishing is fantastic, Bass, Crappie, Bluegill and Rockfish are abundant. Campground sites are level and concrete."
What campers like
Air-conditioned bathhouses: Individual units available. Several campers highlight the bathroom facilities at Harrison Bay State Park Campground. "Spacious sites in D. AC bath houses!" notes Es T. Another camper elaborates: "Loop D is the tent-only loop; this loop is very shaded, and the sites are fairly large and can accommodate most size tents."
Waterfront camping: Direct water access. Skull Island provides sites with immediate lake access. Joe M. shares: "Campground is open! A company has leased it from TVA. Everything looks freshly done. Some are pull through and are not level side to side or front to back. #28 was very level and right in the water!"
Private camping: Spaces between sites. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed options exist. Ralf B. says of Eads Bluff Farm: "Thanks allot to Stacey for sharing this amazing place. What a friendly host and super helpful. Since we live just around the corner, we will be back soon."
What you should know
Road access considerations: Navigate with care. Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Regarding Chilhowee Recreation Area, Manie D. advises: "Be sure to read the instructions on the park website about how to get here! Google will lead you astray! It was raining when we arrived, and I was so grateful for the nice new road, especially after seeing the road Google wanted us to take."
Site selection matters: Research before booking. At Fall Creek Falls, Andrea S. cautions: "The camp slots on area C are so close to one another that most people couldn't use their fire pits for fear of burning their own tent, or their neighbor's. Every time a camper came in, people panicked fearing their cars were going to get hit."
Cell service limitations: Plan accordingly. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Birchwood have limited connectivity. "There is no WiFi or AT&T cellular signal in this park. However, if you drive to any of the scenic overlooks just outside the park, you will get AT&T LTE signal," explains a Chilhowee camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Swimming areas with supervision. Chester Frost Park offers a dedicated swimming area with lifeguards during summer months. "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!" shares Haley H.
Playground access: Multiple options available. Harrison Bay State Park features several play areas. Lance H. notes: "We stayed in the Tent camping area recently. Lots of shade and one bath house with four separate shower/rest room combos, air conditioned as well. There is also lots of trails and a great little camp store. playgrounds, swimming pool and SUP rentals just outside the park Entrance."
Lightning bug viewing: Seasonal phenomenon. Chilhowee Recreation Area becomes spectacular during firefly season. "The lightning bugs were breath taking!! We stayed at site #39. Next to the trail that leads to the lake. Next to rest room, trash bin, and water spout," reports Heather W.
Tips from RVers
Dump station logistics: Plan your approach. At Chilhowee, Mike N. shares: "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. I pull a 25ft travel trailer and had no problem, although it felt sketchy going into it."
Site leveling: Check site grades when booking. Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Birchwood have sloped sites. Richard F. advises: "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out."
Extended stay considerations: Facilities matter. For longer visits, Laura H. recommends Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA: "This is a KOA that is top of the line. Although it is a 'Journey' Park, meaning usually it's meant for short stays and traveling through, it is a park many would want to stay longer. Each RV site has a table and fire ring, some do not have sewer hookups but they use a waitlist system to get full hookups."
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