Chester Frost Park sits at approximately 730 feet elevation on the shores of Chickamauga Lake, offering lake access camping within 25 miles of Mcdonald, Tennessee. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters where overnight temperatures can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area remain open year-round with reduced services during winter months.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 3-mile round trip to Benton Falls at Chilhowee Recreation Area. The trail is marked with wildflowers along the path. "The waterfall is breathtaking and a great photo opportunity. We stayed at site #39, next to the trail that leads to the lake," writes Heather W.
Water recreation: Rent boats or kayaks at the lake areas in Chester Frost Park. The park offers water access directly from many campsites. "One of the best places to be able to camp and boat. We were at Chester Frost for July 4th. Love staying on the lake front and watching the sun set," shares Doug H.
Mountain biking: 25 miles of trails at Fort Mountain State Park with varied terrain for different skill levels. "There is a strong community of mountain biking here. We didn't bike the trails with our hybrid specialized bikes because we felt the trails to be too technical for us due to the major elevation changes, loose gravel and rocks," notes Travyl Couple.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground offers well-separated sites in certain loops. "We love to camp at Fall Creek Falls State Park and think this would be a great park for novice campers due to the fact that the facilities are very nice. Modern bathhouses located in each camping area, swimming pool, golf course and restaurant make roughing it easier," says Sandra V.
Live entertainment: The Bus Bar at Adventures Unlimited Campground provides on-site music and socializing. "They have literally converted two yellow school busses into a bar! The restrooms are in one of the busses and the other is where the actual bar is. They have live music on weekends," explains Lori H.
Wildlife viewing: Bears and deer are common sightings at several campgrounds. "For our camping group, this place was amazing. We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though," states Shelly C. about Fort Mountain State Park.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have steep, winding access roads that can be difficult for larger vehicles. "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road. The camp sites are distanced well and the entire campground is in the shade," warns Carissa D. about Chilhowee.
Reservation systems vary: First-come, first-served sites are available at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground, but with limitations. "After picking our tent site (there are no reserve ahead sites, only reserve ahead choice. 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)," advises Shelly S.
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies dramatically across campgrounds. "Cellular service for AT&T and TMobile were both excellent" at Chattanooga North-Cleveland KOA, reports Laura H., while at Chilhowee "There is no WiFi or AT&T cellular signal in this park. However, if you drive to any of the scenic overlooks just outside the park, you will get AT&T LTE signal."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Choose parks with designated beaches for safer water play. "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!" says Haley H. about Chester Frost Park.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "What a great State Park. Hiking. Bike Riding. Golfing. Campground A & B are great for families with kids. C&D are more quiet," recommends Richard F. about Fall Creek Falls.
Lightning bug viewing: Plan summer visits to see spectacular firefly displays at Skull Island. "Nothing like waking up to see the beautiful water all around you," shares Edna. Chilhowee is also noted for impressive lightning bug displays: "The lightning bugs were breath taking!" according to a camper.
Tips from RVers
Dump station considerations: Check facilities before booking. "From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it. My friend who was there pulling a 5th wheel decided not to try it and opted to pay to dump somewhere else," warns Mike N. about Chilhowee.
Site leveling challenges: Request specific site information when glamping near Mcdonald, Tennessee. "The site had about a 5 inch difference shopping towards the road. I used rocker blocks maxed out (about 4 inches in height) and still was not level," notes Mike N. about Fort Mountain State Park.
Utility hookup variations: Water access differs between campgrounds. "The RV sites do not have water hook-ups at each site. There is a water hook up to fill your tank as you enter the campsite area. Fill your tank and you are good to go," advises Nathan G. about Chilhowee's setup.
