C
Carol B.
Scout
Scout1776 RV And Campground
Excellent campground!!!
Beautiful surroundings and very quiet. Fast and easy response from owners.Clean and well maintained .I definitely recommend to everyone!!!
Best Campgrounds near Whiteside, TN
The Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee River Valley surrounding Whiteside, Tennessee feature diverse camping opportunities within an hour's drive. State parks, private campgrounds, and dispersed sites accommodate various camping styles, from developed RV parks to primitive backcountry areas. Cloudland Canyon State Park in nearby Georgia offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts, while Harrison Bay State Park provides waterfront camping on Chickamauga Lake. Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground combines cave exploration with family-friendly camping just outside Chattanooga. The region's topography creates distinct camping environments, from riverside locations at Shellmound RV Resort to elevated mountain sites at Fireside Camp + Lodge in Sequatchie.
Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with reliable coverage at most developed campgrounds but limited or non-existent reception in canyon bottoms and remote areas. According to camper John B., "Harrison Bay is a busy campground but still offers a relaxing time. We saw wildlife everyday. Weekdays are better for kayaking as there are not as many boats on the water." Summer humidity and thunderstorms are common, while winter camping requires preparation for occasional freezing temperatures. Many campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though some county parks like Chester Frost operate seasonally from April through October.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly those on Nickajack Lake and Chickamauga Lake. Campers frequently mention the abundance of wildlife, especially deer, which often wander through campsites. Shelly S. notes that at Cloudland Canyon, "The West Rim trail was not super difficult but lots of roots and rocks, so watch your step. Plenty of overlook opportunities." Proximity to waterfalls is another highlight, with Foster Falls and Fall Creek Falls providing swimming opportunities during summer months. Visitors seeking solitude should consider weekday stays, as one reviewer observed, "This is not a place for solitude; it can get quite crowded during the summer between campers and locals." Noise levels vary significantly, with highway-adjacent campgrounds experiencing more ambient sound than those deeper in state parks.
Best Camping Sites Near Whiteside, Tennessee (179)
1. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground
188 ReviewsTrenton, GA12 milesWebsite+1 (706) 657-4050$10 - $270 / night
"Campground Review:East Rim Campground Pro’s: 1-Handicap Accessible, there is a cabin which is also HDA. 2- If your visiting for a get together your right next to the day use area and there is a picnic"
"We stopped in for a few hours on our drive home from Tennessee. We drove through the campgrounds to scout out our site."
2. Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground
44 ReviewsLookout Mountain, TN6 miles+1 (423) 821-9403$55 - $56 / night
"This place is Close to everything you’ll want to do in Chattanooga Tennessee"
"My family and I went a few years ago on a trip to Tennessee. It was a decent place to stay. We RV camped on this trip, but the campground had tent sites too."
3. Marion County Park
27 ReviewsJasper, TN5 milesWebsite+1 (423) 942-6653"Try to get a campsite on the lakeside, because the view is very nice and it makes it easy to get your boat in the water. They advertise a beach but we never found one."
"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."
4. Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA
26 ReviewsTrenton, GA5 milesWebsite+1 (423) 661-7655"Quiet campground tucked away on Lookout Mountain, with super friendly and helpful staff."
"Gorgeous walking but hilly for sure. Tons of trees but seems easy to navigate. Easy in and out from my spot. The last couple of miles had me a little worried w/my big rig but it went very well."
5. Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed
14 ReviewsSignal Mountain, TN12 milesWebsite+1 (423) 658-5551"We drove for what felt like 20 miles down a well kept unpaved road from the entrance but I think it reality was only 5.5 miles."
"You can definitely get lost driving around or hiking. If you're looking for a quiet place to camp near Chattanooga this is it."
6. Shellmound RV Resort & Campground
8 ReviewsJasper, TN6 milesWebsite+1 (423) 942-9857"I24 goes right through Jasper, Tn and crosses an epically picturesque section of Nickajack Lake."
"Make sure you call the morning of to make sure there is a spot open before driving down. They don’t do reservations, which I really wish they did."
7. Holiday Travel Park
19 ReviewsFort Oglethorpe, GA16 milesWebsite+1 (706) 891-9766$36 - $105 / night
"There were pros and cons, so I’ll start with the cons- the campground is surrounded by what looked to be a mobile home community."
"The gravel site was very level and the utilities were positioned well. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The location is easy to get to from I75/24."
8. Harrison Bay State Park Campground
58 ReviewsHarrison, TN25 milesWebsite+1 (423) 344-6214$22 - $28 / night
"Harrison Bay is a huge park, with four camping loops (3 for RVs, 1 for tents), and a large marina, located on the Chickamauga Reservoir of the Tennessee River."
"This is a great family campground and Tennessee State Park located on Chickamauga Lake of the Tennessee River. Good playground for the Grandkids and bicycle paths."
9. Fireside Camp + Lodge
9 ReviewsSequatchie, TN13 milesWebsite+1 (423) 212-3211$10 / night
"Nestled in Tennessee’s Sequatchie Mountain, this tranquil campsite on a private estate’s grassy field is great for nature enthusiasts."
"Wide open spaces and access to amenities. The Verizon service here is great and the hosts have Wi-Fi. Close to town for your needs and 30 minutes away from Lookout mountain and those attractions."
10. Tennessee Wall Camp
4 ReviewsLookout Mountain, TN8 miles"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Whiteside, TN
498 Photos of 179 Whiteside Campgrounds
Nancy H.
Hales Bar Marina and Resort
Julia S.
Marion County Park
Daniel S.
Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA
Tina M.
Covenant View Camp and Retreat
Joseph R.
Quail Run Farm
Sonyia W.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground
William S.
Davis Pond Campsite
Sterling G.
Tennessee Wall Camp
The Dyrt
Wanderland Campground
Audra R.
River Life RV Resort
George K.
Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground
Stephanie J.
Lockhart's Arch Shelter - on the Cumberland Trail
Recent Reviews near Whiteside, TN
1292 Reviews of 179 Whiteside Campgrounds
Kelsey P.
TravelerHarrison Bay State Park Campground
Beautiful but sites are VERY uneven
I was greatly deceived by the photos and descriptions online. We had site 40 and it was much much shorter than online said and the incline was insane. I would say 90% of the sites in loops B, C, and D should not be sites. Loop A has the most level sites with a lot not having shade though. Site 15 seemed to be the best in the whole park. Leveling our popup was miserable. Most campers we saw come in seemed to be the same as us. First time being there and not realizing the sites are significantly shorter than listed and shown in photos and extremely unlevel. I couldn’t even imagine a tent camper in most sites comfortably with how much of an incline and then slope you’re on. It’s a straight up hill and then it’s tilted to the side too. Sites are also extremely close together which is fine if you plan to be out or on the water a lot but it’s very cramped.
Bathrooms in loop B were the largest and cleaned daily. Bathrooms were great with the exception of the doors being super small but not an issue really. I’m 6ft and it was just funny seeing over everything.
Lake is BEAUTIFUL. So many areas to swim and great trails. Good place for pets.
One host in the entire park and we were lucky to be next to them and listen to their dog park and cry all day and night as they never let him in. Their site is right there when you go in and just trashed with all kinds of stuff. Feels more like a trailer park than state park. Never once saw the hosts and the camp store/office was closed every day we were there (we were there for a week Sunday to Sunday) Our site had quite a bit of trash when we got there. I’m shocked how the bathrooms were kept so clean but sites were not
They have check in listed at 4pm but every day new campers were there far before 4 which isn’t a problem but helps to know you can really get there anytime.
Overall the area is amazing with so much to do for everyone. Fishing, hiking, swimming, plenty to do all around. I would come back only for loop A and site 15. Maybe some others in loop A. Unless you have a camper van that you are fine being tilted, I would avoid all loops besides A. We saw a lot of people get there and then leave when they couldn’t park or level their site and there weren’t other options any better for them
Cell service was great. T-Mobile hotspot was amazing for me to work remote
Greg S.
LegendFort Mountain State Park Campground
4.7 stars
Spectacular scenery. The campground has two loops, both with nicely spaced out sites. We liked the creekside loop, but lakeside looked very nice as well. The lake is small but cold and clear, probably spring fed. The playground is average and they have a mini golf course that's cool. The camp store is excellent, though a drive from the campground. Also a short drive (or 3 mile hike) away is the star of the show- the overlook, tower and rock wall. Unbelievable views and great rocks to scramble and play on. The history of the mysterious rock Wall is intriguing. A great place to spend a few hours. The trails are numerous and well marked. We didn't see any bears or snakes. Overall a great place.
- aadrienne T.
GuideOld Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
Nice park, lots of trees
Decent space between camps. Well priced. Stayed overnight on our way from Missouri to Atlanta. Good place to take a walk before hitting the road again. It's beautiful and wooded. Quiet and lots of morning birds. No gate or code to enter. Clean bathrooms & showers.
- Greg S.Legend
James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground
4.5 stars
Well kept, quiet, forested campground in the foothills of NW GA. It's a small campground and a small state park relative to many, but the two small lakes are pretty and the trails are pleasant. The marble mine is definitely a cool spot and worth the 2 mile round trip. The first 12 sites are a bit closer together and less private, but the remaining sites are bigger and very nice. We enjoyed our spot by the playground. Huge site. Great if you have kids. Site 18 also looked great with a lot of grass and near the bathrooms. Cool little camp store. We enjoyed the peddle boat rental as well. Summerville is 7 minutes away if you need anything.
- FFrank J.Scout
Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp
Good free rest stop
Nothing crazy, scenic but tricky drive in here. Use the coordinates to find it, Apple Maps will send you to the other side and add a 30/40 min drive. The camping area had 1 shared restroom/porta potty type deal. The area is pretty flat ground with about 10 good spots to tent/small vehicle camp. Came on a Tuesday evening to about half the site being used. There’s signs to get here once you get close.
- Arnold P.Scout
Howland's Hidout
Howland's Hideout is a hidden gem!
We camped at Howland's Hideout for two nights in our 5th wheel (water & electric hook-up plus they have a sewer dump).
So conveniently located (approx. 3 miles) from Fall Creek Falls State Park but much less noise and more relaxed.
The hosts (Kurt and Maria) went above and beyond to be sure we had everything we needed and so enjoyed getting to know them.
Their two dogs (Star & Sassy) were very friendly and our dog loved playing with them.
If you are looking for a relaxing spot to camp with great hosts, you should definitely give this place a try. We can't wait to go back.
Arnold & Debra Puckett
- GGage F.Scout
Camp Towhee near Fall Creek Falls
Great Experience
Camp Towhee is the perfect peaceful getaway near Fall Creek Falls! Spacious RV sites with full hookups, plenty of room to relax, and a quiet, well-maintained property make it ideal for a stress-free stay. Highly recommend!
- SSterling G.Guide
Little Farmie Farm Dispersed
Private little area
Small gravel parking area off of what appears to be a drive. Nice open field to possibly setup in. Didn’t drive truck on grass. It was cut and well maintained. Large burn pile and old rv on site. Good place to over night. I visited during the day and was not disturbed.
Guide to Whiteside
Camping sites near Whiteside, Tennessee allow visitors to explore the region's distinct karst topography, with an elevation range from 650 feet in the valley to over 2,100 feet on the plateau rim. The area receives approximately 54 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation but also potential for muddy conditions during spring and fall. Campers often note cellular reception varies dramatically between ridgetops (good service) and gorges (minimal to no service).
What to do
Cave exploration: 45-minute tours at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground offer underground adventures. "The caverns were pretty cool, but prepare to get dirty. Having the dog park close by was a bonus," notes Jaime W. Cave tours require advanced reservations and proper footwear.
Fishing: Multiple species available at Marion County Park where "we put our boat in here and spend the weekends on the river," according to Alex S. The park offers "swimming, soccer, baseball, boating, disc golf, para course all right here," as noted by Cori H.
Backpacking: Multi-day routes through Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed provide challenging terrain. "We actually stayed in one of the camping areas, but next time we'd like to backpack instead. We ran a bunch of the trails - enjoyed the views," says Sarah N. Forest roads close seasonally with Raymond H. warning that "99% of areas are closed between December and March."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded spots. At Cloudland Canyon State Park, "The West Rim camping loop has a total of 48 tent/RV sites... This loop is far more wooded and offers a greater variety of site size and privacy," writes Stephanie J. Specific site recommendations help campers find seclusion.
Dog-friendly facilities: Campers with pets appreciate designated areas. "We enjoyed our stay at Raccoon Mountain. Sites were a good size. Not right on top of each other. The caverns were pretty cool. Having the dog park close by was a bonus," notes Jaime W.
Waterfront access: Direct lake access ranks highly with campers. "Chester Frost Park was the first campgrounds we visited when we started camping and it was the perfect spot to start. Being right on the lake was amazing," says Susan S. The park features "a man made beach with a playground and loads of camping lots next to the river," according to Haley H.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect availability: County and state facilities follow different schedules. "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping, but please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March," warns Raymond H. about Prentice Cooper.
Advance booking requirements vary: Some sites need reservations months ahead while others work first-come, first-served. At Shellmound RV Resort & Campground, "Make sure you call the morning of to make sure there is a spot open before driving down. They don't do reservations, which I really wish they did. But they will put a cone in your site if you call that morning," advises Haley B.
Bathroom facilities range widely: Quality and availability differ between parks. At Marion County Park, "The bath houses could use some deep cleaning but would defiantly stop again if passing through," notes Cori H. Some campers recommend bringing portable toilet options for more primitive sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several parks offer dedicated areas for children. "Kids loved the pool and jumping pillow. Very rocky throughout campground," reports Jill P. about Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, which also features "a saltwater pool, huge sand box, jumping pillow. Fun area for the kids," according to Jami C.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer chances to see animals. At Chester Frost Park, "Clean well run campground. Quiet and peaceful. Nicely maintained trash cans near each site. Sites near the lake have easy access to the water," notes Laura C., who recommends bringing binoculars for wildlife spotting.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience more ambient noise than others. About Holiday Travel Park, one camper notes, "The tent/electric sites were slightly wooded, but most are basically in the back yard of said community, so you don't really have the 'camping in the woods' feeling."
Tips from RVers
Site length and hookup details: RV sites vary considerably in size. At Fireside Camp + Lodge, "Wide open spaces and access to amenities. The Verizon service here is great and the hosts have Wi-Fi," reports Stewart S. The campground provides "plenty of flat fields to park my camper van, get solar charging, and plenty of quiet nights," according to Leo S.
Level site availability: Many campers note the importance of level parking areas. At Holiday Travel Park, one RVer warns, "Would most likely stay again, but would ask for a site with no standing water," highlighting the importance of checking site conditions when booking.
Navigating tight turns: Some parks have challenging access roads. At Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, "Some of the roads and RV sites are a little difficult to get into. Our site was on a sharp curve with a decent grade, but after some jockeying around, we got our camper in ok," shares Jason B.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Whiteside, TN?
What camping is available near Whiteside, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Whiteside, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 179 campgrounds and RV parks near Whiteside, TN and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Whiteside, TN?
Which is the most popular campground near Whiteside, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Whiteside, TN is Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 188 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Whiteside, TN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Whiteside, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Whiteside, TN.
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