2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Davis Pond offers primitive equestrian camping within the Prentice Cooper State Forest Wildlife Management Area. Located down a long, winding gravel road, the site features multiple dirt-and-rock fire pits in a clearing beside a fishing pond with shady trees surrounding the camping area. The last 7 miles are on a gravel road with the final half mile requiring a vehicle with some clearance. The meadow area can accommodate many tents and provides ample space for horse trailers. Two picnic tables and lantern posts are available near established campsites. The site includes a two-station pit toilet, though users report it is poorly maintained. A gravel parking lot with a trail map and sign-in sheet sits adjacent to the camping area.
Access to numerous trails for hiking, ATVs, and horses makes Davis Pond popular with equestrians exploring the wildlife management area. The campground serves as a base for riders accessing miles of forested trails throughout Prentice Cooper. The open meadow configuration allows for groups to camp together with their horses. Firewood can be gathered on site, and the fishing pond provides a water source. The campground is free with first-come, first-served availability. Most suitable for self-contained camping with limited facilities, Davis Pond provides a true primitive horse camping experience approximately 45 minutes outside Chattanooga. The area can accommodate multiple riders and their horses, making it ideal for group trail riding excursions.
"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."
"This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables."
"About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it’s a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."
"The staff will come around and collect your trash for you (which isn’t necessary but a nice plus!)"
"This park is located in Manchester, TN right next to I-24, so if you are in the pull-throughs on the front row, you will hear the traffic. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful."
Available this weekend
from $32 - $85 / night
"Some really nice sites on lake and shaded. Inner sites are nice as well and have sewer. Good space between sites. 30 and 50 amp. The old section that was for yearly rental is gone."
"Gravel drives & pads with water & electric at sites. Our site #28 had an exceptional view out the kitchen window & from the pinic table of the lake. Newer shower house centrally located."
Available this weekend
from $2 - $38 / night
"Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon."
"It is also at an easy access point to the falls as well as the other trails in the area. The site has easy access to water most of the year and can provide space for over 10 tents."
"It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers."
"This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking."
from $25 - $30 / night
from $30 - $65 / night
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.
TravelerWhat a beautiful area to camp. We tent camped in a 12 person tent and had plenty of space on the grass to put the tent up. The other spots are more for RVs. The view is incredible! You can fish right on most of the sites including 41. We have 3 teenagers and they all have asked to come back to camp on this site. Plenty of privacy. We did have a bunch of kids that came through our site to visit the water which I was not a fan of but other than that it's truly a fantastic site. This place is wonderful! Oh, and our tmobile was spotty but still worked!
TravelerSmall, clean. Nice modern, renovated RV /tent sites. Easy to leave your boat or kayak in the water near your site. Nice, clean, easy to walk to beach. Only one waterfront site has full hook ups. One row back was great.
ScoutThis campground is so nice. The people that work here are friendly. It’s clean and well-maintained. They worked us in on the last minute for a three month day and they’ve been nothing but cordial since we’ve been here. We have met so many nice people workers in camp campers alike.
GuideAbsolutely beautiful. Took a couple of rounds of trial and error to find the spot, which is just a pro for me personally. Once we got there, the place was beautiful. Logging is going on right now, so we were woken up around 6:30 am by the beautiful sounds of machinery and whatnot. Did not catch anything in the pond unfortunately. That’s to be expected when you’re only armed with a Barbie fishing pole and no patience. I have saved the spot and will always be returning whenever I visit Chattanooga!!
GuideThe road to get to the sites is long, bumpy, and very curvy (so you’ve got to go slow). The sites themselves were full of trash, graffiti, and a homeless camp. We elected to not stay.
TravelerSmall, yet amazing!!
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.
Davis Pond sits 45 minutes outside Chattanooga in the Prentice Cooper State Forest Wildlife Management Area. The last 7 miles require navigation on a gravel road with the final half-mile needing some ground clearance. The primitive camping area features dirt-and-rock fire pits near a fishing pond, with lantern posts and picnic tables available at some sites. The two-station pit toilet has been reported as poorly maintained.
Trail riding access: At Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, campers can enjoy miles of hiking trails. "There's tons to do from hiking, to swimming, waterfall gazing, rock climbing, ziplining, and much more," notes Brandie D. The park includes trails that cross rope bridges and connect to scenic waterfalls.
Rock climbing adventures: Near Sawmill Lake Campsite, climbers can access Rocktown with a short 5-minute drive. "The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers. Meant we could spend most of the climbing, rather than making a long approach," writes Abigail P. A $15 permit is required to access the climbing areas.
Swimming spots: Several locations offer swimming opportunities during warmer months. "Make sure you do three things while you're there: hike to the bottom of the big waterfall (Fall Creek Falls), swim in the cascades next to the nature center, and stand on the edge of the bluff at Buzzard's Roost," recommends Myke C. about Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Secluded backcountry camping: At Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite, hikers appreciate the remote setting. "Down hill the entire way. Hard hike out, DUH! Up hill the entire way... Beautiful view at the bottom, remote camp site, Hike in only, plenty of places to hang a hammock, water available, bring a filter," notes Kevin M. The site requires about an hour hike to reach.
Equestrian-friendly campsites: Several horse campgrounds near Whitwell, Tennessee provide facilities for riders. "Great place to stay beautiful view nice place to kick back and relax if need staff very kind people," mentions John H. about Mountain Cove Resort, which accommodates equestrians in the region.
Fishing opportunities: Many sites offer fishing access. "The little pond is a breeding ground for lots of bugs, but it's peaceful and pretty to look at. Not many fish biting this time of year. We did see a couple go out on an inflatable boat," reports Tessa B. about Davis Pond.
Road conditions: Several campgrounds require navigating gravel or rough roads. "The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times," warns Abigail P. about the road to Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Bathroom facilities: Expect primitive or limited facilities at most sites. "I guess that's what you get from no camp fees," notes Tessa B. about Davis Pond's rudimentary toilets.
Connectivity limitations: Mountain Cove Resort has minimal connectivity. "Be warned... There is no cell service and no Wi-Fi. Off the grid. There is a country store on site with minimal need items," explains Nathan T. Most primitive sites in the region have similar connectivity challenges.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have site spacing issues. "The camp slots on area C are so close to one another that most people couldn't use their fire pits for fear of burning their own tent, or their neighbor's," reports Andrea S. about Fall Creek Falls State Park, recommending avoiding area C for families.
Child-friendly activities: Fairview Campground — Tims Ford State Park offers water-based recreation. "Great campground on the water and spacious sites. Water access at your campsite to swim or kayak. Nice bathhouse, clean facilities," notes Clinton N. The 4th of July features fireworks displays.
All-weather options: Look for campgrounds with indoor alternatives for rainy days. "The Inn has a buffet style restaurant, all rooms overlook the lake, and there's a game room for the kids as well as a heated pool," mentions Brandie D. about lodging options at Fall Creek Falls.
Site selection for larger rigs: At Rvino - The Broken Banjo, RVers find accommodating sites. "We were then escorted to one of their 'long' pull through sites with FHUs, site 27. What we first noticed was the large cement patio with table, chairs, bench, stand up barbecue, and fire pit," shares MickandKarla W. The site features utilities located in the middle of the pad with extra sewer connections.
Leveling challenges: Pay attention to site grades when booking. "We stopped overnight and did not have to disconnect, as we were perfectly level," notes Scotty W. about Rvino - The Broken Banjo. Other campgrounds in the region may require additional supports for leveling.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some RV parks. "This park is located in Manchester, TN right next to I-24, so if you are in the pull-throughs on the front row, you will hear the traffic," warns Scotty W. Many equestrian camping areas near Whitwell offer more secluded options away from highway noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Whitwell, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Whitwell, TN is Tennessee Wall Camp with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Whitwell, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Whitwell, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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