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 (162)

    1. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    182 Reviews
    Trenton, GA
    12 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."

    2. Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground

    43 Reviews
    Lookout Mountain, TN
    6 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 Reviews
    Jasper, TN
    5 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."

    4. Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA

    24 Reviews
    Trenton, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 661-7655

    "Quiet campground tucked away on Lookout Mountain, with super friendly and helpful staff."

    "The bathrooms were close by as well. I would highly recommend this campsite!!"

    5. Holiday Travel Park

    20 Reviews
    Fort Oglethorpe, TN
    16 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."

    6. Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Signal Mountain, TN
    12 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."

    7. Shellmound RV Resort & Campground

    7 Reviews
    Jasper, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    25 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."

    9. Fireside Camp + Lodge

    9 Reviews
    Sequatchie, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +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. Chester Frost Park

    34 Reviews
    Harrison, TN
    24 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."

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Recent Reviews near Whiteside, TN

1220 Reviews of 162 Whiteside Campgrounds



Guide to Whiteside

Camping near Whiteside, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground. "The park is beautiful with a nice modern campground. The sites are very nice," one camper noted, highlighting the breathtaking views and well-maintained trails.
  • Waterfalls: Visit DeSoto State Park Campground to see stunning waterfalls. A visitor shared, "We hit almost all of the trails, saw 4 waterfalls and so many amazing rock formations."
  • Cavern Tours: Check out Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground for a unique experience. One camper mentioned, "The tour of the caverns was well worth the money spent."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. At Harrison Bay State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms and showers get cleaned every afternoon."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA remarked, "The campground is very well maintained, with super friendly and helpful staff."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. At Chester Frost Park, one camper noted, "The lake is beautiful and honestly, any site on the island I think would be a good spot."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can be busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are very close together here and you can expect it to usually be booked up."
  • Check-in Confusion: Be prepared for check-in procedures. One visitor noted, "Checking in is confusing because they don’t send you any info on what to do or how to get to your site."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Foster Falls Campground pointed out, "The bathrooms were ok. Unfortunately, they were never cleaned over the weekend."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. At Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA, one parent said, "The campground has a large pool, playground, and giant in-ground bounce balloon for the kids."
  • Plan for Nature: Bring outdoor games and gear. A camper at DeSoto State Park Campground mentioned, "There are also so many great places to swim when it gets hot."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. One visitor at Harrison Bay State Park Campground suggested, "We had good cell service and there is great guest wifi as well so we were able to stay in touch with everyone and watch movies on our phones."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. A reviewer at Holiday Travel Park said, "The gravel site was very level and the utilities were positioned well."
  • Book Early: Reserve your spot in advance, especially during busy seasons. A camper at Marion County Park noted, "Call and tell them you're coming; they will save a spot for you."
  • Check Amenities: Make sure to check what amenities are available. A visitor at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground mentioned, "The staff was very friendly and responsive to any needs."

Camping near Whiteside, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Whiteside, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Whiteside, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 162 campgrounds and RV parks near Whiteside, TN and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

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 4.7-star rating from 182 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Whiteside, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Whiteside, TN.

What parks are near Whiteside, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Whiteside, TN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.