6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cloudland Canyon State Park and Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA house several upscale glamping accommodations near Chattanooga. Yurts at Cloudland Canyon provide guests with comfortable beds, electricity, and furnished interiors while maintaining a connection to nature through large windows overlooking the canyon landscape. The KOA's glamping units feature climate control, premium bedding, kitchenettes, and private fire pits. Chester Frost Park has added luxury canvas tents with queen beds, area rugs, and dedicated parking just steps from the lakeshore. Each accommodation includes electrical outlets, WiFi access, and outdoor seating areas. Most units are positioned to maximize privacy while providing scenic views of the surrounding forests, mountains, or water features. "Great sites with fire pits and perfect for a peaceful getaway with all the comforts you need," noted one recent visitor.
Tennessee Wall Camp offers a more secluded glamping experience with canvas accommodations nestled among hiking trails leading to rock climbing destinations. Each site features dedicated fire pits and abundant natural surroundings while still providing essentials like drinking water and electricity. The proximity to the Tennessee River creates opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing directly from most glamping sites. Fall Creek Falls State Park's luxury camping units provide easy access to waterfalls, swimming holes, and 56 miles of hiking trails. As one guest described it, "Beautiful sites with just enough amenities to feel comfortable while still enjoying nature." Most glamping locations maintain year-round availability, though Fall Creek Falls and Cloudland Canyon require advance booking during peak summer and autumn foliage seasons. On-site markets at several locations provide essentials and locally sourced goods for an enhanced outdoor experience.
"This side is very popular for day use as the one mile out and back hike to Cherokee Falls draws in campers and people from Chattanooga coming in to enjoy the towering waterfall and the swimming hole below"
"The East Rim is located on the main park road and about 5 minutes walk from the Trail Heads. Your camper is on display for all the day trippers but TOTALLY WORTH IT for the majestic views!"
Available this weekend
from $10 - $290 / night
"We stayed on site 172. We could not be happier with our choice. The campsite was very spacious, quiet and one of the best views! The sites that are waterfront are spread out really well."
"Anything water-adjacent is a great spot. There’s a fairly new 9-hole disc golf course, several boat docks, and a couple of pavilions available."
from $21 - $30 / night
"Tent camping along the edge of the river. Fire pits or grills, picnic tables, clean bathroom, and hot showers. If you are a light sleeper, the traffic noise from the highway might be disturbing."
"Water and electric at site and dump site (didn’t use)."
"It has a large although dated pool with minimal seating and no shade, there is a pavilion with shade on the other side of the pool fence. The dog park is large but all gravel with no grass or dirt."
"Campground was well decorated for Halloween including scheduled Trick or Treating for the kids."
"Very easy to back into with a 28 ft trailer , perk is that we had no one on one side of us - but it does bump up close to the road , so you do get quite a bit of traffic noise ."
"Friendly Staff, Clean Bathrooms, Convenient Location. No honeywagon for water and electric only sites, but dump station in campground."
from $55 / night
"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."
"You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits."
"You cant beat waterfront and being able to step outside your tent and see water. What also loved was that I didn't feel crammed by other people."
"We tent camped and did have to turn out beds so that we were not leaning but it was a great time overall."
from $39 - $47 / night
"For me, the campgrounds were crowded and tight, though everyone around me respected the quiet hours."
"There are water and electrical hookups at all sites except the primitive. There are bathhouses and even cabin rentals for those who prefer that."
Available this weekend
"Happened upon this brand new RV campground, not far from Chattanooga. Everything is new and working. Convenient location with friendly hosts."
"Very cute campsite with walkable trail, dog park, games, ponds, and more. Super friendly and responsive staff. Comfortable RV spots with plenty of space, picnic tables & fire pits."
ScoutA great find to hang your hat for the evening. New owners look like they are doing amazing up grades. Our site 57 didn’t have a picnic table or fire ring but I’m sure they are working on it. Fairly quite and we would for sure come back and give it a 5 star when their done on the remodel.
TravelerEnjoyable place to stay, quiet nights. Very chill atmosphere. Would recommend.
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
GuideLoved the park. Waterfalls, hiking, nice campground, overall very nice stay. Turns were a little tight but made it okay. Dump station looks like it was designed by someone who’s never dumped an RV. The sewer spot was elevated (above my dump connection!), and required stupid tactics (fill hose, shut valve, dump hose contents, open valve, fill hose………).
ScoutExcellent campground! We were on the west rim. Bathrooms nearby and very clean! Sites were spaced enough you don’t feel like you’re on top of your neighbors. Lots of trees. Playground for kids was great and there’s tons of trails of varying difficulties. There’s a grill at each site so bring charcoal! Really enjoyed our weekend stay and would definitely go back!
GuideHopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
GuideBeautiful views from the trails. I went during the summer in July so it was on the busier side. There is a lake with a beach with boat and paddle board rentals. Seemed like a great spot to fish. Prepare for possibilities of bears as they were around. One night I must have not fully secured my bear box and a bear found my cooler. I tent camped on a pad where I can find some service (T-Mobile) but most spots are spotty. Next time I come, I want to try the back country locations. Trails are awesome with a cool story about the place around the tower and fortification. Attendants at the camp store were really nice. If groceries are needed there is grocery stores in the nearest town of Chatsworth down the mountain
GuideWe had a hard time finding our campsite in the West Rim Campground due to the construction at the entrance, but we made it to the temporary visitors center and they got us checked in and how to get to our campsite. It backs up to woods, nice space between sites. Ours is gravel and has water and electric, but there are full hookup sites available as well. We did the waterfall hike one day and the west rim loop the next. The waterfalls were beautiful, but a LOT of steps (600+ metal steps) !! I would definitely stay here again
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there luxury glamping options with hot tubs in Chattanooga?
Yes, luxury glamping with hot tubs is available near Chattanooga. Greeter Falls Campground offers premium glamping accommodations that cater to those seeking upscale outdoor experiences. Some private glamping properties near Fall Creek Falls State Park feature luxury accommodations with hot tubs and other high-end amenities. These luxury options typically include comfortable beds with quality linens, private bathrooms, outdoor living spaces, and sometimes hot tubs or soaking tubs with scenic views. Prices for these premium glamping experiences generally range from $150-300 per night depending on amenities, location, and season. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
What are the most affordable glamping options in Chattanooga?
For budget-friendly glamping near Chattanooga, consider Hiwassee River Area which offers riverside camping with beautiful views at reasonable rates. Most sites feature river or stream views, making it a scenic yet affordable option. Chilhowee Recreation Area is another economical choice with clean facilities, fire rings with grill grates, and access to hiking trails and a lake for swimming—all without the premium price of luxury glamping. Both locations provide the essential glamping experience (connection to nature with basic comforts) without the high costs associated with more upscale options. These sites typically range from $20-35 per night, depending on the season.
What types of yurts are available near Chattanooga, TN?
The Chattanooga area offers several yurt options for glamping enthusiasts. Paradise Meadows features a huge glamping tent among its rental options, providing a yurt-like experience with comfortable accommodations. For traditional yurts, Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground is a popular destination just a short drive from Chattanooga, offering yurts that blend comfort with natural surroundings. These yurts typically include amenities like furniture, electricity, and nearby access to bathrooms with showers. The styles range from rustic to semi-luxury, with most providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape and convenient access to hiking trails and outdoor activities.
What glamping options in Chattanooga are best for families?
Families looking for glamping near Chattanooga will find excellent options that balance comfort with outdoor adventure. Scenic City RV Campground offers a convenient location with new facilities that work well for families needing modern amenities while still enjoying the outdoors. Marion County Park provides family-friendly glamping with access to water activities that kids love. These family-oriented glamping sites typically feature spacious accommodations, proximity to child-friendly activities like swimming and hiking, and amenities that make outdoor stays comfortable for all ages. Look for sites with playgrounds, easy access to bathrooms, and sufficient space between accommodations to allow children to play safely.
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