Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Chattanooga, TN has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Chattanooga. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Chattanooga, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$8 - $32 / night
"Hiking trails, great water falls, horse back riding, fishing, golf and wildlife. There are cabins available as well. Shower houses are clean and well situated."
"There is also a riding stable close by. The kids loved it! I got to ride Leonard the horse who looked a bit like the Wonky Donkey. 😂"
"There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water, then sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing."
"This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables."
"About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it’s a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."
$35 - $85 / night
"Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park Campground is a quiet campground situated right on the Ocoee."
"Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."
"It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers."
"This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking."
"This was a beautiful little spot next to a creek. There are 5 sites in all. It was a Monday in August, and there were two spots available."
"There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!"
"Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon."
"It is also at an easy access point to the falls as well as the other trails in the area. The site has easy access to water most of the year and can provide space for over 10 tents."
$8 / night
"A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained."
TravelerIf you’re looking for amazing scenery, this is not the place. It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers. Meant we could spend most of the climbing, rather than making a long approach. My group went for several days over thanksgiving 2018, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Nights turned a bit chilly, so make sure to pack layers if camping in the fall or winter season. I think you’re technically supposed to have a Georgia outdoors permit to stay here (which we did), but we did not encounter a single ranger during our six-day stay. Check the Rocktown forum on Mountain Project for up-to-date info on permit requirements.
The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times.
You can pretty much set up camp anywhere there’s open ground. Plenty of trees around for hammock camping as well. My group of 10 people had no problem finding open areas to set up camp together. There are several man-made fire pits, and plenty of wood and brush lying around to scavenge for fire-making. There are no water hookups, so make sure to pack plenty of water with you. There is also an area at the campground for equestrian camping, though we didn’t check that out, as, alas, none of us had horses.
LegendThe walls of Jericho are an incredible site to see if you are willing to make the backpacking adventure to them. The hike in takes only about an hour and is all downhill. Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon. When you reach the bottom of the trail and cross a river there are several campgrounds that you can set up at. After getting settled keep following the trail back into the canyon and you will get to the first waterfall/pool. Don't stop there though cause the real view is the waterfall at the back of the canyon that takes a little scrambling to get to. While there recently with my wife we spent 2 nights camping at the horse campground and spent our full day doing a loop hike into Tennessee. The only thing you have to be cautious of is it can get pretty muddy if it has rained heavy recently. I would suggest going in spring cause that is when everything is blooming and so beautiful.
LegendHiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park Campground is a quiet campground situated right on the Ocoee. The river has world class whitewater rafting in this area, so don’t think you’re going to be able to wade in the water. You most likely will be able to hear the water flowing from Your campsite, which is awesome. The sites are all spacious and there’s plenty of downed wood around for campfires. We came in on a Sunday, and the nearly had the whole place to ourselves. However, the restrooms could use a good cleaning. There’s so much to do in this area, there are several white water rafting outfitters, kayaking, biking, hiking, plus you’re just a short drive to Chattanooga. The area is such a scenic drive too. This is a great option in this area for family camping.
TravelerOffers everything you can possibly want. Hiking trails, great water falls, horse back riding, fishing, golf and wildlife. There are cabins available as well. Shower houses are clean and well situated.
LegendThis campground is definitely designed to be a launching point for those wishing to go horseback riding in the Cohutta Wilderness. We stopped through here on our way to go backpacking in the area. There were several large sites with campers on them and almost everyone had horses tied up near their vehicles. There is an outhouse on the site but it does not appear like there is any regular upkeep being done. There are many really nice trails in the area and several are designated horse only so if you own a horse this is a great option that is very close to the trailheads. Another nice feature of this site is that it is right on the water so that provides a nice atmosphere. Overall though it still smelled like horses and unless that is what you are going for I would not suggest setting up a tent here. Instead go down the road to some of the campgrounds more set up for tents or just head into the backcountry and take up one of the MANY free sites that aren't too long of a hike in.
RangerDown a long and winding (and dusty) gravel road into the WMA is the Davis Pond camp site, a real gem with shady trees and a fishing pond.
This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables. However, it can easily accommodate many more campers in the space and has multiple dirt-and-rock fire pits.
While there is a two-station pit toilet, it's a bit of a horror show with a lot of trash accumulating in the structure. Another downside, after I set up my tent I noticed that some hornets were flying into a nearby dead tree. I quickly moved to another spot but luckily noticed it before it got dark.
There's a gravel parking lot with a trail map and sign in sheet right next to the camping area.
In addition to the multiple trails (for hiking, ATVs, and horses) closer to the entrance to the WMA (and far from the camp) is a shooting range.
GuideLevel spots with picnic tables. Not directly on the river but is accessible. A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained.
ScoutThis is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it
GuideFall Creek Falls is a beautiful park. The campsite was nice and spacious, and the kids loved having swings right by our site. There a several nice hikes, waterfalls and swimming holes. There wasn’t much water in the falls when we were there last, but it was still beautiful. There is also a riding stable close by. The kids loved it! I got to ride Leonard the horse who looked a bit like the Wonky Donkey. 😂
Tennessee offers a fantastic experience for horse camping enthusiasts, with a variety of well-reviewed spots that cater to both riders and their equine companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Chattanooga horse camps?
Horse camps near Chattanooga offer varying levels of amenities to accommodate equestrian campers. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground provides spacious campsites, clean shower houses, and dedicated areas for horses. Many sites include picnic tables and lantern posts, while some have swings nearby for children. At Davis Pond Campsite, you'll find picnic tables, lantern posts, and a fishing pond in a shady setting. Most horse camps feature level spots for parking trailers, pit toilets or restroom facilities, and access to water sources for both campers and horses.
Where are horse camps located near Chattanooga, TN?
Several dedicated horse camps are located within driving distance of Chattanooga. Lost Corral Horse Camp is specifically designed for equestrian campers with water access nearby. In the Cohutta Wilderness area, Cottonwood Patch Campground serves as a popular launching point for horseback riding adventures with level spots and picnic tables. Other options include Hickey Gap in the Cohutta WMA and Jacks River Fields Campground in the Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest, both offering facilities for horses and riders.
What are the best trails for horseback riding near Chattanooga horse camps?
The Cohutta Wilderness area offers extensive trail networks accessible from Cottonwood Patch Campground, making it ideal for multi-day riding adventures through diverse mountain terrain. Fall Creek Falls State Park features dedicated horse trails that wind through scenic woodlands with views of waterfalls and natural features. When riding near Walls of Jericho, make sure to use the designated horse trailhead rather than the hiking trailheads. The Hiwassee/Ocoee area also offers equestrian-friendly trails with river views and varying difficulty levels to accommodate different riding experiences.
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