Prentice Cooper State Forest offers dispersed camping areas within a 24,000-acre wilderness about 20 minutes from Whiteside. The forest sits along the Tennessee River Gorge at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,800 feet, creating varied terrain for camping. Summer temperatures often reach the 90s with high humidity, while spring and fall provide more moderate conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Kayak fishing: 5 miles from camp sites. The Tennessee River offers excellent opportunities for anglers at Marion County Park, where you can launch directly from camping areas. "We put our boat in here and spend the weekends on the river. Not the nicest place in the world, but its quite and beautiful," shares Alex S., highlighting the river access options.
Cave exploration: Underground adventure. At Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, visitors can take guided tours of the on-site caverns. "Crystal Cave was right on site and we enjoyed the guided tour. (Advanced reservations are required)," notes Jen O., emphasizing the need to book ahead for this popular activity.
Hiking trails: Various skill levels. The region offers numerous trails from beginner to advanced with significant elevation changes. "The West Rim campground is VASTLY superior with tons of privacy, tree cover, great terraces at most sites, with the ones outside ones being the best," reports G F. about Cloudland Canyon State Park, mentioning that "most trails are moderate to strenuous because of elevation gain and roots/rocks."
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Direct lake access. Chester Frost Park campsites along the shoreline provide immediate water access for swimming and boating. "Love staying on the lake front and watching the sun set," says Doug H., highlighting the scenic waterfront experience available to campers.
Affordable options: Budget-friendly camping. Many campgrounds in the area provide reasonable rates, especially for basic amenities. "At $20 it was a nice stop for a night," explains Cori H. about Marion County Park, noting the value for water and electric hookups despite some drawbacks.
Private camping spots: Secluded options available. Several dog friendly campgrounds near Whiteside offer sites with good separation between neighbors. "The tent-only serenity of the walk-in sites" at Cloudland Canyon provides privacy as "the sites are very far from each other," according to Abby M., who appreciates "the convenience of my car but can avoid the noise of RVs."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Plan for temperature swings. The region experiences significant seasonal variation with cold, wet winters and hot, humid summers. "The region experiences hot summers with heat indexes sometimes reaching 110 degrees, so campers should ensure pets have adequate shade and water," notes one reviewer about summer conditions at Prentice Cooper State Forest.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies widely. While some campgrounds offer excellent facilities, others have minimal amenities. Raymond H. reminds visitors about seasonal closures: "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."
Noise factors: Consider sound sources. Highway proximity, trains, and recreational vehicles can create noise at certain sites. "Night time is great but gunshots started at 6:30 at a nearby gun range and dirt bikes started hitting the roads not much later," warns Tucker K. about Prentice Cooper State Forest, highlighting unexpected noise sources.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly hiking: Leashed pets welcome. Fireside Camp + Lodge provides access to multiple trail systems where dogs can join your adventures. "Great place to camp with easy access to a variety of hiking trails," notes Beth W., highlighting the numerous outdoor options available to families with pets.
Swimming areas: Kid-friendly water access. Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas appropriate for children and pets. "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!" explains Haley H. about Chester Frost Park.
Playground facilities: Energy-burning options. Some pet-friendly campgrounds include play structures to keep children entertained. The Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga West KOA features "a huge jumping pad they have, and I had to promise my kids we would take an overnight trip here just so they could use it," according to Stephanie J., who notes this amenity is especially valuable for families staying multiple days.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Preparation needed. Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks or equipment. "Sites were a good size. Not right on top of each other," explains Jaime W. about Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, though she notes sites may require some adjustment for larger rigs.
Water pressure variability: Be prepared. Some campgrounds have inconsistent water pressure that can affect RV systems. "The water pressure was good and they have a nice selection of cable channels," reports MickandKarla W. about Holiday Travel Park, noting the reliable utility connections important for RV campers.
Pull-through availability: Limited options. Larger RVs should reserve early to secure appropriate sites. "The spots are very spacious and very easily accessible," shares Robert M. about Marion County Park, highlighting the convenience of well-designed pull-through spots for larger rigs traveling with pets.
