Pet-friendly camping options around Chattanooga sit at the junction of the Tennessee River Valley and Cumberland Plateau, creating a landscape that varies in elevation from 650 to 2,400 feet. The region experiences mild winters with occasional snow and humid summers that average 90°F in July and August, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Water access varies significantly between riverside campgrounds and mountain plateau sites.
What to do
Explore underground caverns: Raccoon Mountain Caverns offers on-site cave tours where visitors can experience Chattanooga's unique geology. "Crystal Cave was right on site and we enjoyed the guided tour. (Advanced reservations are required.) We also loved the guided tour just down the road at Ruby Falls!" notes one Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground visitor.
Hike forest trails: The 24,000-acre Prentice Cooper State Forest provides numerous hiking paths ranging from easy to challenging. According to one camper, "The large island closest to the marina even has a bench facing southwest for sunset viewing." Harrison Bay State Park Campground connects to several trail systems including a 4-mile path around the marina island.
Fish in multiple waterways: Multiple fishing spots exist around the area's lakes and rivers. One Marion County Park visitor mentioned, "We put our boat in here and spend the weekends on the river. Not the nicest place in the world but it's quiet and beautiful." Bass fishing is particularly popular with another camper reporting, "Caught 4 largemouth bass in about 15 minutes of fishing on the pond, largest being about a 1lb."
What campers like
Private camping areas: At Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground, the West Rim loop provides seclusion uncommon in established campgrounds. A recent visitor wrote, "The West Rim camping loop has a total of 48 tent/RV sites with 30 or 50A hookups, water, gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. This loop is far more wooded and offers a greater variety of site size and privacy."
Waterfront access: Many campsites offer direct water access for boats and swimming. At Chester Frost Park, campers appreciate the shoreline proximity: "We were at Chester Frost for July 4th. Love staying on the lake front and watching the sun set." The park also features "a man made beach with a playground and loads of camping lots next to the river!"
Quality bathroom facilities: Modern bathrooms make family trips more comfortable. A Harrison Bay visitor specifically mentioned, "Spacious sites in D. AC bath houses!" Another camper at Holiday Travel Park observed, "Restroom/shower house close by that was very clean. Contactless check in. Online reservation."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Some public lands close during certain months. At Prentice Cooper, a camper warned, "99% of areas are closed between December and March. Had to turn around and find somewhere else to camp for the night."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or activities. A review from Holiday Travel Park noted, "The campground is surrounded by what looked to be a mobile home community. If you stay in an rv site, you probably won't notice this, but the tent with electric sites are on the outer loop."
Campsite quality varies by loop: Many parks have distinct camping areas with different amenities and settings. A Cloudland Canyon visitor advised, "The East Rim campground is the thing of nightmares - sites on top of each other, no vegetation, no trees, right next to road, zero privacy, but next to outlooks. A couple of the sites towards the back looked ok."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Playgrounds and activities keep children entertained. At Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, a visitor highlighted, "Lots of fun things for the kids to do. The massive jumping pad they have...is restricted to ages 16 and under...looked like an amazing addition, especially for families."
Beach access: Chester Frost Park offers swimming areas designed for families. One camper called it "Kids wonderland! 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!"
Budget-friendly options: Marion County Park provides affordable camping close to activities. A visitor noted, "At $20 it was a great value. Swimming, soccer, baseball, boating, disc golf, para course all right here. Water and electric at site and dump site."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA, RVers recommend selecting sites carefully. One camper advised, "Spots are easy to get in and out of. Although ours was not very level at all." Another mentioned, "Tons of trees and lots were large with plenty of parking."
Pet amenities: Multiple campgrounds cater to pet owners with specialized facilities. At Hawkins Pointe RV Park, "There are no amenities but they do have a fenced dog park. The sites aren't bad there's just no shrubs or trees or anything." Similarly, Raccoon Mountain campers noted, "Having the dog park close by was a bonus."
Overnight stop considerations: For those just passing through, certain campgrounds offer better convenience. A Holiday Travel visitor reported, "Came through traveling from FL to OH for just one night. Easy checkin, helpful staff. Site fit our 44ft 5th wheel just fine. Pretty clean, easy to get to, easy to navigate, and close to gas, stores etc."
