Camping near Chattanooga, Tennessee extends beyond the city limits into both Tennessee and Georgia, with sites spanning elevations from 675 feet near the Tennessee River to over 2,000 feet on Lookout Mountain. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making seasonal preparation important for campers. Water drainage issues are common at lower elevations following the area's average 52 inches of annual rainfall.
What to do
Cave exploration: 30-minute guided tours at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground offer underground adventures just minutes from downtown. "Crystal Cave was right on site and enjoyed the guided tour. (Advanced reservations are required.) We also loved the guided tour just down the road at Ruby Falls!" notes one camper who appreciated the convenient location.
Bass fishing: Free access at multiple parks with shoreline sites. At Marion County Park, campers enjoy "easy access to water from site and had two boat launches." The park offers affordable waterfront camping at $20 per night with electric and water hookups.
Hiking the West Rim Trail: 4-mile loop with stunning canyon views. A Cloudland Canyon State Park visitor mentioned, "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." The trail connects multiple campground areas, making it accessible without driving.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Multiple campers praise the ability to pull boats directly to campsites. At Harrison Bay State Park Campground, "I saw some campers in fishing kayaks come right up to the shore and hop out at their campsite." The park offers four distinct camping loops with varying levels of shade and water access.
Private bathroom facilities: Several parks have upgraded from communal facilities. At Chester Frost Park, sites include "electric and water hookup. Building a second bath house while we were there." Harrison Bay features individual facilities in Loop D, with one camper noting, "The best thing about camp D are the individual AC bathrooms/showers!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Parks invest in recreational options beyond nature. Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA features "a jumping pillow and salt water pool. Fun area for the kids," according to a reviewer. The jumping pad is restricted to ages 16 and under, offering families additional entertainment.
What you should know
Seasonal closures and limitations: Many parks operate on modified schedules. At Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed, "99% of areas are closed between December and March. Had to turn around and find somewhere else to camp for the night." Always check current operating dates before planning a trip.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise from surrounding activities. At Marion County Park, despite being close to I-24, "I worried that there would be a lot of noise because it's so close to I-24 but there wasn't." Other campgrounds may have noise from race tracks, boat traffic, or day-use areas.
Water drainage issues: Low-elevation sites frequently flood during heavy rain. A Holiday Travel visitor observed, "Neighbors are really close. Pet friendly. Huge water issue lots of standing water on a lot of sites, ours included. For one night it was manageable. Major drainage problem."
Tips for camping with families
Dog parks with separate facilities: Multiple campgrounds offer fenced areas for pets. A Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA camper appreciated that "They have a little dog park... that's cool." Raccoon Mountain Caverns also features a dog park for campers traveling with pets.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Deer and other wildlife frequent several campgrounds. At Harrison Bay State Park, "Kids loved camping here deer will come up to your camp just keep and eye on your food coolers raccoons will get the." This presents both educational opportunities and practical challenges.
Tent-only areas for quieter camping: Some parks designate specific loops for non-RV campers. A Cloudland Canyon visitor shared, "Love the tent-only serenity of the walk-in sites. There is a separate parking lot at the back of the park for the walk-in sites, which are a short distance away (easy to haul your gear)." These areas typically provide more natural surroundings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Research specific site numbers before booking. At Harrison Bay, "Loop A is an RV loop with very little shade, and is closest to the playgrounds and picnic pavilions. Sites 7-11 and 13-14 in this loop have the most shade, with most other sites in full sun." Site-specific knowledge improves camping experiences significantly.
Reservation timing: Popular sites book months in advance. A Hawkins Pointe RV Park camper noted they "Reserved 148 days prior to arriving," demonstrating how early planning can be necessary. Holiday weekends and fall color season require even longer advance bookings.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. At Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA, a camper mentioned, "Spots are easy to get in and out of. Although ours was not very level at all." Bringing appropriate leveling blocks or systems is essential at most area campgrounds.
