Chattanooga sits at the junction of the Tennessee River Valley and the Cumberland Plateau, creating diverse camping environments from riverside locations to mountain settings. Elevations range from 650 feet near the river to over 2,000 feet in the surrounding mountains. Fall temperatures average 50-70°F with humidity levels dropping to 60-70%, making autumn an ideal camping season.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: 5 miles of trails lead to Cherokee Falls at Cloudland Canyon State Park, where dedicated hikers can tackle multiple falls in one day. "If i recall it's not far from the campsite," notes Tyler J. about the cable trail at Fall Creek Falls, which requires proper footwear for the metal grate steps.
River activities: Kayaking access points exist at multiple locations within 30 minutes of downtown Chattanooga. "We set up our tents, hung our hammocks and got cooking as soon as we arrived" at the backcountry site near a "babbling brook," writes Anna M., highlighting the water-adjacent options at Cloudland Canyon.
Cave exploration: Guided tours available in the area with variable difficulty levels. "The Cave tour is a must, but prepare to get dirty," warns a recent visitor to Fall Creek Falls State Park, where visitors should bring clothes they don't mind soiling during the subterranean adventure.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Varied spacing depending on specific campground areas. "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," explains G F. about Cloudland Canyon State Park, contrasting with the East Rim which has "sites on top of each other, no vegetation, no trees."
Site-specific amenities: Fire pits and grills included at most established sites. "There are both fire rings and grills at each site plus electric and water hook up," notes Shelly S., though she warns some Cloudland Canyon sites have "patios with gravel on hard packed dirt, NOT conducive for stakes!"
Family-friendly facilities: Playgrounds and swimming areas available at multiple locations. "Kids loved the pool and jumping pillow," shares Jill P. about the recreational facilities at Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, which offers specific activities for children under 16.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: First-come options exist alongside reserve-ahead systems. "Once you check in you go pick a site. So no telling where you may end up only that you will have a site for the night," explains one camper about Cloudland Canyon's system, which offers certainty of a spot but not a specific location.
Seasonal crowds: Holiday weekends fill quickly at popular sites. Despite "being there for the 4th of july, it was quiet" at Cloudland Canyon's West Rim, according to G F., though busier locations may have different experiences during peak holidays.
Terrain challenges: Site leveling required at some locations. "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," advises Richard F. about Fall Creek Falls State Park, where site selection can significantly impact comfort.
Tips for camping with families
Accommodation options: Yurt camping near Chattanooga provides a middle ground between tents and cabins. "The yurts are spaced away from each other and off the road, and offer a lot of privacy; the loop that serves the yurts is not connected to any other road," explains Stephanie J., highlighting the yurt village at Cloudland Canyon.
Water recreation: Beach and swimming areas provide kid-friendly alternatives to hiking. "There is a man made beach with a playground and loads of camping lots next to the river!" describes Haley H. about Chester Frost Park, which offers water access directly from many sites.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers operate with regular programs during peak seasons. "We also did some hiking in the morning which was a blast," shares Isabella H. about activities at Skull Island, where morning programs often coincide with cooler temperatures ideal for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Pull-through availability varies widely between campgrounds. "Some sites have sewer and most pull throughs have no shade," notes Richard F. about Fall Creek Falls, highlighting the common trade-off between convenience and natural coverage.
Hook-up variations: Water/electric combinations most common, with fewer full-service sites. "We were at Chester Frost for July 4th. Love staying on the lake front and watching the sun set," shares Doug H., demonstrating how prime waterfront locations often come with fewer hook-up options.
Accessibility factors: Road conditions can challenge larger rigs at certain locations. "A couple of the roads and RV sites are a little difficult to get into," Jason B. warns about Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, where "a sharp curve with a decent grade" required "jockeying around" to position correctly.
