Best Campgrounds near Signal Mountain, TN

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Signal Mountain, Tennessee (201)

    1. Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground

    43 Reviews
    Lookout Mountain, TN
    8 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."

    2. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    183 Reviews
    Trenton, GA
    24 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +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."

    4. Chester Frost Park

    35 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 842-0177

    $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."

    5. Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Signal Mountain, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +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. Marion County Park

    27 Reviews
    Jasper, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Holiday Travel Park

    20 Reviews
    Fort Oglethorpe, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +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. Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA

    26 Reviews
    Trenton, GA
    18 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    145 Reviews
    Spencer, TN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 881-5298

    $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."

    10. Tennessee Wall Camp

    3 Reviews
    Lookout Mountain, TN
    6 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 201 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Signal Mountain, TN

1412 Reviews of 201 Signal Mountain Campgrounds


  • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Marion county park Tennessee

    Hospitable spot to overnight with great fishing

    Spent the evening of the 9th Sept at Marion County Park near Chattanooga, right on the water, along Hwy 41. Fantastic hosts…Lots of fishing going on all around us. Good camping spot…level, water and electricity for $38.00. Bathhouse was older but clean with lots of hot water. Downside, only one shower stall had a bench for changing and there was no counter at the bathroom sink. The other downside was the traffic noise across the beautiful water from I-24. Very welcoming spot just off of I-24

  • Katrin M.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    Campground on the lake

    We camped here over the weekend, bc we participated in a dog event near by. At first we booked site B31. The tent pad was super small, there was no way for 2 bigger tents to fit. It's definitely better, if you have a camper. We changed to site A9 and that was much better. We had to set up the tents on concrete, which was awesome, because it rained all Saturday. The bathhouses were kinda outdated, but always clean. The park itself is ok. It's nothing spectacular there. The campsites directly on the water were very nice. All the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I don't think, I would camp here again. The park was very clean, it has just not really anything nature wise that would catch my interest.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Beautiful park, great hiking

    Cloudland Canyon is one of Georgia’s prettiest parks. There are 2 campgrounds. West Rim campground has more privacy, with the sites in the trees. Sites in The East Rim campground are closer together, and is noisier.. There are also backcountry campsites. The West Rim Loop Trail, considered one of the top 10 hikes in the United States, according to Backpacker Magazine starts in the West Rim Campground. There is also a strenuous waterfall trail into the canyon. The campground was water and electric sites. There are no full hookup sites, but there is a dump station. Modern showers and bathrooms.

  • b
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Campville LLC

    Great stay

    Super clean campground with great amenities!! Only a mile from 75 but doesn't feel like it's located by the interstate. Highly recommend checking the place out!

  • dolphmike The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite

    Quite

    Quite at night, but the primitive camping area is overgrown, and I have seen a lot of trash in the woods. Stayed one night just to hike the trail the next morning.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Rvino - The Broken Banjo

    Convenient and well maintained

    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. They lead you to your site and stay to make sure you don't have any questions. Nice little store, well stocked with conveniences and RV needs, as well as souvenirs.

    Gravel roads and level pads. We stopped overnight and did not have to disconnect, as we were perfectly level. Heated swimming pool and splash pad at the entrance, with other "entertainment" for kids in the back of the park (giant chess board, putting green, playground, etc. next to the small lake)

    We were amazed to see park staff cleaning and picking up until 1900 at night. One was literally filling bags with pine cones from the road and sites.

    The "Premium" sites, such as site 2, has a concrete patio with wrought iron table and chairs, along with a fire-pit and grill.

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    A few pull offs

    You can stay at either Hunter’s check campground or Davis Pond. If you want to stay at davis pond you have to get there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground so it’s just tents (no overlanding, unless you’re comfortable in the parking lot). I pulled off just off one of the trails and set up. It was quiet and private. Not buggy

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Fooshee Pass Campground

    Amazing site! See note on hook-ups

    This campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **


Guide to Signal Mountain

Camping near Signal Mountain, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around the area. Campers at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground rave about the "good hikes nearby" and the "beautiful park with lots of activities for kids."
  • Waterfalls: Don't miss the stunning waterfalls. One visitor at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground mentioned, "The views of the canyon below are breathtaking," highlighting the park's natural beauty.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the lake activities at Chester Frost Park. A reviewer noted, "There is plenty of lake access for boating, kayaking, and swimming."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at DeSoto State Park Campground said, "The bathhouse was clean," which is a common theme across many campgrounds.
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Fort Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are nicely spaced and private," making it a great choice for those seeking peace.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the variety of activities available. One reviewer at Rock Island State Park Campground noted, "The campground was excellent!!" and appreciated the hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls.

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are very close together here and you can expect it to usually be booked up."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A camper at Harrison Bay State Park Campground pointed out, "Campgrounds A, B, and C are tight, limited space," so it's good to plan ahead.
  • Seasonal Access: Some parks have specific seasons for camping. For example, Chester Frost Park is open from April 1 to October 30, so check the dates before you go.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A reviewer at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground said, "Beautiful park with lots of activities for kids," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Crowds: If you're visiting a popular spot, consider going during the week. A camper at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground noted, "It’s crowded," so planning can help you avoid the rush.
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or hiking gear to make the most of your stay. One visitor at DeSoto State Park Campground suggested, "Bring your bikes to discover more of the park."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Rock Island State Park Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites are small," which can be a challenge for larger rigs.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, plan ahead. A reviewer at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground noted, "At that time no full hookups were available," so it's wise to reserve early.
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have uneven ground. A visitor at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground said, "The tent site we stayed in was fairly level," but it's good to check site conditions before booking.

Camping near Signal Mountain, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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.