The Signal Mountain area in Tennessee provides a range of camping experiences from established campgrounds to more remote options. Harrison Bay State Park Campground, situated on Chickamauga Lake of the Tennessee River, offers four camping loops with RV and tent-only sites, many with water views. Cloudland Canyon State Park, located near Rising Fawn, Georgia, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations. Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground features cabin camping options alongside traditional tent and RV sites.
Road quality and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the region. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during peak seasons. The terrain varies from lakeside flatlands to mountain forests with elevation changes affecting site access. "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. It is about thirty minutes from downtown Chattanooga, making it a great place to stay for awhile if you want to check out the area's numerous hiking opportunities," noted one visitor. Cell service availability varies by location, with better reception typically found at established campgrounds compared to more remote sites in the surrounding mountains.
Several visitors highlight waterfront camping as a major draw in the Signal Mountain region. Campsites along Chickamauga Lake and the Tennessee River receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. Prentice Cooper State Forest offers more primitive dispersed camping options for those seeking a less developed experience. Campgrounds like Chester Frost Park feature cabin options alongside traditional sites and remain popular during their April to October season. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are commonly reported at campgrounds throughout the area. While sites closer to Chattanooga provide convenient access to urban amenities, they may experience more traffic noise and higher occupancy rates compared to more remote locations in the surrounding mountains.
$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."
$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."
$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."
$21 - $30 / night
"Tons of room to walk and play. Great swimming and fishing. Boating is huge here Bc there are docks all around the campground to pull up to. Playgrounds everywhere."
"They have a frisbee golf course, playgrounds, walking trails, beach, easy access to the water and fields to start up any activity you desire. We read about uneven campsite but ours was pretty flat."
"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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
$8 - $32 / night
"Fall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base."
"Tons to do at one of Tennessee’s top state parks."
"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."
GuideDecent 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.
LegendWell 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.
ScoutNothing 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.
TravelerGreat place to stay if your here anywhere from a week to a month. The prices are very reasonable. Starting at $500/month + metered electric and $200/week (electric included).
ScoutWe 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
ScoutCamp 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!
GuideSmall 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.
GuideYou take a sometimes single lane road to get there. Very windy at points. There is a parking lot to hold 4+ cars. You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits. There is one private site past the marked site if you keep going you will find a large level gravel lot with a single fire pit that would be much better for van or truck camping. Past this point it turns back into residential.
GuideCampground is primitive with a clean vault toilet. There are approx 12 campsites with fire pits. Across the main gravel road is a large spot for off-roading / side by side parking. Main gravel road to campground is smooth no ruts. Campground should accommodate 24’ class b or so. My 18’ truck had lots of room and space for awning.
Dispersed camping near Signal Mountain offers access to both mountainside forests and lakefront settings along Chickamauga Lake. The area's elevation ranges from approximately 700 to 2,000 feet, creating varied camping experiences from the shoreline to the mountain ridges. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer humidity can make tent camping uncomfortable without proper ventilation or lakeside breezes.
Hiking the cable trail: At Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, numerous trails lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks. "Plenty of hikes that lead to wonderful waterfalls and great scenery. My favorite is the cable trail. If i recall it's not far from the campsite," notes Tyler J. The park offers trails for all experience levels, from short walks to challenging descents.
Cave exploration: Less than 30 minutes from Signal Mountain, Raccoon Mountain Caverns provides underground adventures for all ages. "The caverns were pretty cool. Having the dog park close by was a bonus," shares Jaime W. Tours range from family-friendly walking tours to more advanced wild cave expeditions requiring crawling through tight passages.
Fishing opportunities: Many campsites offer direct water access for anglers. "My husband caught several large mouth bass in the pond too (catch and release)," mentions Lori H. about Prentice Cooper State Forest. Fish species in the area include bass, catfish, and crappie, with early morning and evening typically providing the best results.
Private camping spots: Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground offers secluded sites across different camping styles. "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). The sites have a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring, and lots of privacy as the sites are very far from each other," explains Abby M.
Waterfront camping: Many campers appreciate the lakeside options near Signal Mountain. "We stayed in site A37 on a Wednesday night in early December. The premium/waterfront sites were mostly empty. It was a little confusing finding the site after dark - luckily I had printed a map of the campground. It was a very relaxing site with a beautiful view," says Denise about Harrison Bay State Park Campground.
Dark night skies: Areas farther from Chattanooga provide excellent stargazing. "Wonderful hiking experience for beginners, plenty of beautiful scenery. Very dark at night time, especially with little moon, the stars were jaw dropping," shares Joseph M. The best views typically come on moonless nights away from the city lights.
Seasonal closures affect access: Some areas restrict camping during winter months. "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. Had to turn around and find somewhere else to camp for the night," warns Raymond H. about Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: While some parks offer modern facilities, others are extremely basic. "DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT even think of entering the 'restroom' at Davis Pond. They really should demolish it. Completely disgusting. And creepy. So be advised, there is no USABLE restroom, you are truly roughing it!" cautions Lori H.
Reservation systems differ by location: Some parks require advance planning while others operate first-come, first-served. "We live only 5 Miles from Harrison Bay State Park. The tent spaces are large enough for one to two vehicles + your tent / gear. This was the tent area so there are no electric or water in site as to be expected," explains Lance H.
Swimming options: Chester Frost Park provides family-friendly water recreation. "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!" enthuses Haley H. The beach area typically opens from late May through early September.
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "Lots of fun things for the kids to do. Some of the roads and RV sites are a little difficult to get into," shares Jason B. about Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, which includes a jumping pad, playground, and pool.
Wildlife encounters: Keep food secure to enjoy rather than battle local wildlife. "Kids loved camping here deer will come up to your camp just keep and eye on your food coolers raccoons will get the," advises Constance about Chester Frost Park. Most raccoon activity occurs after dark, so secure food before nightfall.
Site selection considerations: Holiday Travel Park offers various site types but with some limitations. "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. Only thing I'd suggest is requesting a site not under water. Many had standing water," recommends Heather H.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," suggests Richard F. about Fall Creek Falls State Park. Most sites require at least some leveling, with corner sites often presenting the most significant slopes.
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer full hookups or convenient dump facilities. "Good roadside signage to the park, but deceiving when you turn into a residential neighborhood. Upgraded dump station all asphalt with 6 dumps," notes Richard F., highlighting an important consideration for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best camping on Signal Mountain?
Signal Mountain offers excellent camping options with Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground being a standout choice. Located on the mountain's western edge, it features handicap-accessible sites and proximity to day-use areas, making it perfect for group gatherings. For a more private experience, Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed provides more secluded camping on Signal Mountain's northern section with drive-in and walk-in access options. Both locations offer beautiful mountain views and access to hiking trails that showcase the area's natural beauty.
Are there any creeks for camping on Signal Mountain?
Yes, Signal Mountain has several creek camping options. Rock Island State Park Campground features beautiful waterways running through forested areas with easy access to trails. The park's dramatic waterfalls create picturesque creek settings for camping. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park offers creek-side camping in a dense, lowland forest setting where the Duck River and Little Duck River meet, providing a peaceful water backdrop to your camping experience. These locations are especially pleasant during summer months when the creek waters offer a refreshing escape.
What are the top camping spots available at Signal Mountain?
Signal Mountain's top camping destinations include Fireside Camp + Lodge, a tranquil spot nestled in Sequatchie Mountain featuring private campsites with wooden benches and beautiful views across grassy fields. Many sites enjoy partial shade from surrounding trees. Another excellent option is Harrison Bay State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes from Chattanooga on Chickamauga Reservoir. This expansive park offers four camping loops (three for RVs, one for tents), a marina, bicycle paths, and a playground, making it ideal for families exploring Signal Mountain and the surrounding area.
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