Camping
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Chester Frost County Park
Located 25 minutes from Chattanooga, Chester Frost County Park contains a power boat launch, boat docks and ramps, a swimming beach, fishing piers, group picnic facilities, an indoor pavilion, and a developed campground for RV, tent, and group camping on the shores of Chickamauga Lake. The Park is operated by Hamilton County and the facility hosts fishing tournaments, competitive events, and the annual Hamilton County Fair each September.
There are 188 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups and a limited number that can accommodate RV’s up to 65ft. There is one centralized dumping station and several bathhouses. There are only 82 sites available during the winter months and tent camping is also available.
Located on Chickamauga Lake, the waters around Chester Frost host abundant sport fish like white crappie, bluegill, white bass, channel and blue catfish, largemouth bass, and sauger. Chester Frost’s location also allows easy access by paddle craft to adjacent sloughs and marshes for anglers and wildlife watchers.Directions
Difficulty
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily
Cost: Varies based on campsite amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash. However, pets not allowed on the beach.
Contact
Hamilton County Parks and Recreation
2277 N. Gold Point Circle North
Hixson, TN 37343
(423) 843-0146
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Chilhowee Recreation Area
Located in the Cherokee National Forest, the Chilhowee Recreation Area is an excellent hub for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping and wildlife viewing. The 7-acre McKamy Lake offers a swimming area with a sandy beach, fishing from the bank and flatwater paddling opportunities. There are 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the easy 1.5-mile trail to Benton Falls. Wildlife is abundant in the recreation area and scenic overlooks on the drive up the mountain provide great sunset views of Parksville Lake, so have your camera ready and tread lightly.
Chilhowee Campground offers more than 70 campsites, electric hookups, RV sites, tent only sites, and multiple bathhouses with warm showers. The Campground is open from early April to late October, with an overflow area and day use area open year-round. The recreation area is in close proximity to Parksville Lake (Ocoee Lake), the Ocoee River, Big Frog Wilderness, the Tanasi trail system at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, and the Hiwassee River.
Reservations can be made for Chilhowee Group Camp and individual sites at Loops A, B, E, and F. To make a reservation, please call 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Early April-Late October, Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Day use, $3/vehicle. Camping varies based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash. However, pets not allowed on the beach.
Contact
Ocoee Ranger District 3171 Highway 64 Benton, TN 37307 423-338-330
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Cloudland Canyon
Cloudland Canyon is a 3,488 acre Georgia State Park located near Trenton, GA on Lookout Mountain, just 45 minutes southwest of Chattanooga. The park features some of the most spectacular scenery on the Cumberland Plateau and the rugged geology of the trail system includes multiple waterfalls, 1000 ft sandstone cliffs, and multiple caves to explore. The park boasts over 64 miles of hiking/running trails, along with 30 miles of mountain biking trails at the 5 Points Recreation Area that can be accessed via the Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail (CCT).
This Georgia State Park is a great weekend destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels including day hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, cavers, mountain bikers, disc golfers, and campers. The park offers every type of overnight camping experience possible! Choose from fully-equipped and comfortable Cottages, quirky Yurts to several different types of Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites including Walk-In Campsites and Backcountry Campsites.
The park’s 18-hole disc golf course features moderately hilly, open and wooded fairways with concrete tee pads and DISCatcher holes. The intermediate level fairways range from 192 to 347 feet long. The park also includes wild caves for touring during select months of the year, a fishing pond, 16 miles of horseback riding trails, picnic grounds, group shelters, a playground and numerous interpretive programs.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Backpacking
Caving
Guides
Hours and Cost
Park Daily, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Office Weekdays, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Interpretive Center Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: $5 day use/parking fee Camping, cave tours, disc golf costs vary Annual passes available
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
Cloudland Canyon State Park 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road Rising Fawn, GA 30738 Park 706-657-4050 Reservations 800-864-7275
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DeSoto State Park
Desoto State Park is nestled atop Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama. The 3,502-acre Alabama State Park features waterfalls, abundant spring wildflowers and stunning, historic facilities that were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
DeSoto’s improved campground has 94 full hookup tent and RV sites. For the more adventurous, there are also primitive camping sites for tents as well as two backcountry campsites with shelters.
Other amenities include a restaurant, meeting rooms, pavilions, picnic area with playground, Olympic-size swimming pool (seasonal), an ADA accessible boardwalk trail, a nature center featuring interpretive programs and live animals, a Civilian Conservation Corps museum, and more than 30 miles of hiking trails and 11+ miles of mountain biking trails that vary in terrain from easy to strenuous.
Trail maps can be found at the Lodge, Country Store, & Nature Center. All mountain bike trails are marked silver on the trails and by diamonds on the trail map.
Desoto Falls is located 7 miles North from Desoto State Park in Mentone Alabama. It's definitely worth the drive to see in person. Paddling options are available upstream of the falls on the Little River.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily
Cost: Varies based on campsite amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
DeSoto State Park 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE Fort Payne, AL 35967 256-845-5380
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Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls State Park, near Pikeville, is Tennessee's largest and most visited state park. It offers 26,000 acres of outdoor recreation on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee at 256ft and is one of several spectacular waterfalls located throughout the park.
The park contains over 56-miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, a lodge, RV and primitive camping, a challenge canopy course, swimming pool, playground, along with specialized programs and events throughout the year. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks, fish on the lake, challenge themselves on a high ropes course, or play golf on an award-winning 6,669-yard course.
The park has 222 campsites in five different areas. All sites have tables, grills, water, and electricity and are served by six bathhouses. 92 sites have sewer connections, and some can accommodate an RV up to 65 ft in length. In addition to the 222 campsites, there are 16 primitive sites, nine are walk-in the other seven are park-on. Most campgrounds are ADA accessible. There are 16 backcountry campsites located in four different areas along the overnight backpacking trails. Reservations are required for all lodge and camping facilities.
Cane Creek Overnight Backpacking Trails
Lower Loop: 12 miles of medium difficulty trail, located in the State Park. The trail descends and climbs scenic Cane Creek Gorge and passes several overlooks and waterfalls including Fall Creek Falls.
Upper Loop: 13 miles of easy rated trail, located in the State Park. The trail follows the plateau of Fall Creek. A campsite is located on an isolated upper section of Cane Creek.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Backpacking
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily
Cost: Day use is free. Camping cost is based on campsite amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
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Fort Mountain State Park
Located near the Cohutta Wilderness in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Fort Mountain State Park is a 3,712-acre mountain getaway in North Georgia.
Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders will find some of the most beautiful trails in Georgia, winding through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, crossing streams and circling a 17-acre lake. Hikers can explore a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and an ancient rock wall that stands on the highest point of the mountain.
During summer, visitors can cool off by swimming at the lakeside beach or renting a paddle craft to play on the lake. The Park's stables offer guided horseback rides and stall rental throughout the year. Park guests may stay overnight in fully equipped cottages, at the campground which has 80 tent, trailer or RV campsites with hookups and bathhouse facilities, walk-in sites, a group shelter or pioneer campsites or at one of the 4 backcountry campsites.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: $5 day use parking. Camping varies based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Fort Mountain State Park 181 Fort Mountain Park Rd. Chatsworth, GA 30705 706-422-1932
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Gee Creek Campground
The Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park’s Gee Creek Campground is located along the Hiwassee River at the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest. The primitive campground has 47 individual campsites and eight group campsites all with tables, fire rings, and grills. Public water and a bathhouse containing sinks, commodes, and hot showers are located near the center of the campground. The bathhouse is available to campers at no additional charge. Also available are horseshoe pits, a playground and an amphitheater with electricity. Additional campgrounds within the Cherokee National Forest are available on the Ocoee River and are operated by the U.S. Forest Service.
Tent camping is permitted along most of the John Muir Trail above the Appalachia Powerhouse. Hiking and rock climbing available nearby at Starr Mountain. Paddling and fishing available on the Hiwassee River, Ocoee River and Parksville Lake nearby.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Day use is free. Camping varies based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park 404 Spring Creek Rd. Delano, TN 37325 423-263-0050
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Harrison Bay State Park
Designated Tennessee’s first state park in 1937, Harrison Bay State Park is a 1,200-acre park located off Hwy 58, just 25 minutes from Chattanooga. This beautiful wooded park is a haven for campers, golfers, boaters, and anglers, as well as picnickers and other day-use visitors. With almost 40 miles of shoreline on Chickamauga Lake, it has one of the most complete marina facilities available on any of the TVA lakes and all types of boats and watercraft are allowed at the park.
The park has a 4.5-mile loop trail that is perfect for trail running, family hikes or as an introduction to singletrack mountain biking. The twisty singletrack runs around a peninsula offering views of Chickamauga Lake. Hybrid and kids bikes can readily handle the terrain on this trail.
There are 128 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups and a limited number that can accommodate RV’s up to 65 ft. There is one centralized dumping station. Bathhouses are located in each of the 4 camping areas as well as a playground.
Rusty's Kayak and Paddleboards offers rentals throughout the year near the park entrance. There are fishing piers, a swimming pool, self-guided star-walk and a wildlife exhibit at the park. And the scenic Bear Trace Golf Course is nearby.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free for day use. Camping rates vary based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
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Hiwassee Outfitters
Hiwassee Outfitters is located in Reliance, TN on the Hiwassee River. They specialize in rafting, kayaking and tubing rentals and shuttle services on the Hiwassee River. They also have a campground, cabin rentals, restaurant, and retail store. Hiwassee Outfitters large wooded campground offers 40 individual camping sites. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and some sites have electrical hookups that can accommodate motor homes. Many sites are located directly on the Hiwassee River with some located on Ellis Creek. All sites have direct access to the river for swimming and fishing. In addition, we offer a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets.
Advanced reservations are recommended. Fees apply to all activities.Directions
Hours and Cost
Hours of operation vary based on time of year and water release schedule.
Cost: Varies based on activity
Pet Friendly
No.
Contact
Hiwassee Outfitters 155 Ellis Creek Rd. Reliance, TN 37369 (423) 338-8115
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Horse Pens 40
Horse Pens 40 is a premier bouldering destination in northern Alabama. Known for its heinous slopers and hard mantle top outs, Horse Pens 40 (HP 40) often humbles the first-time visitor. If one project spits you off, you don't have far to go to find the next. HP 40 is one of the most concentrated boulder fields in the world. The staggeringly beautiful sandstone formations will test the strength of your forearms and your sense of balance.
Horse Pens 40 offers camping and cabin rentals. For those who don't climb, the boulder field is a great place to wander and a few boulders even have steps allowing access to the top for a spectacular view.Directions
Difficulty
Rock Climbing
Hiking
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Day pass, October 1-May 30: $8
Day pass, June 1-September 30: $6
Camping, October 1-May 30: $15/night
Camping, June 1-September 30: $13/night
Pet Friendly
No
Contact
Horse Pens 40 3525 Co Rd 42 Steele, AL 35987 256-538-7439
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Parksville Lake
Created by Tennessee Rural Electric Company in 1910-11, Parksville Lake is the oldest lake in the Cherokee National Forest. Sometimes known as Lake Ocoee, this lake is controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Scenic views of the 1,930-acre lake are highlights along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. The lake is popular for motor-boating, paddling, fishing, and swimming.
Fishing
Parksville Lake has bass, trout, bluegill, catfish, yellow perch and crappie. Campsites are dispersed along the lakeshore.Swimming
Parksville Beach and Mac Point are two popular swimming areas on the lake. Note, there is a $3 day-use parking fee at both areas.Paddling
East Parksville Boat Launch provides access to the northeastern portion of Parksville Lake. It is a longer ramp, suitable for larger craft. A vault toilet, boat trailer parking, and a dock are provided.Kings Slough Boat Launch is a fairly shallow boat launch providing access to the western side of Parksville Lake. It has ample parking for boat trailers and individual vehicles, a vault toilet, and a boating dock. Campsites are dispersed along the lakeshore.
Parksville Boat Launch provides access to the northeastern portion of Parksville Lake. The launch has two ramps - the west ramp is suitable for boats, while the east ramp is shallow and only suitable for small craft like jet-skis or canoes. A vault toilet and parking are available.
Nearby: The Cherokee National Forest is home to both the Hiwassee and Ocoee rivers. Each has diverse paddling options from whitewater rafting, kayaking to calm water canoeing, tubing, and paddle boarding.
Camping
Parksville Lake Campground is located off Hwy 30. The popular campground offers developed RV and tent/group campsites with tables, fire rings, electricity, and bathhouses. All sites require advanced reservations through www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Chilhowee Campground is nearby and there are a few dispersed campsites along the lakeshore that are first-come, first-served.Hiking
Hiking trails are available nearby at the Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Directions
Difficulty
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily
Cost: Most areas require a $3 day-use fee. Camping fees vary based on location and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Cherokee National Forest—Ocoee Ranger District
3171 Highway 64
Benton, TN 37307
423-338-3300
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Raccoon Mountain
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain offers 30 miles of intermediate to advanced singletrack trails for the experienced mountain biker, intense trail runner or avid hiker. The trail system winds around the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility, which creates a large reservoir on top of the mountain.
Thanks to SORBA Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain is a popular mountain biking destination for locals and visitors seeking intermediate to advanced trails, fast descents, and technical features. Road cyclists can take advantage of the steep climbs up and fast descents down the mountain, or enjoy a leisurely paced pedal along with the one-way paved roadway that circles the reservoir on top of the mountain. Be sure to pause at the visitor center to learn more about TVA's largest hydroelectric facility.
The public access boat ramp located at the base of the mountain on the Tennessee River is popular with recreational paddlers and fisherman. You can use it for an out and back paddle or as part of a longer paddle down the TN River Blueway. Finally, Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground is home to Tennessee's highest rated cave and offers a premier RV park & campground. Tour the nationally recognized cave system, pan for gemstones, or relax by a campfire while taking in the spectacular views of Lookout and Raccoon Mountains.
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Caving
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Trails Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free access to all trails + visitor center
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Tennessee Valley Authority Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility 800-882-5263 Email: tvainfo@tva.gov
Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground 319 West Hills Dr. Chattanooga, TN 37419 (800) 823-2267 Cave Email: cave1@rvcoutdoors.com Campground Email: camp1@rvcoutdoors.com
SORBA Chattanooga For Mountain Bike Trail Information
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Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park, is an 883-acre Tennessee State Park located an hour and a half Northwest of Chattanooga, on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins and Rock Rivers. The park is best known for its dramatic waterfalls, fishing, and boating opportunities as well as year-round camping and cabin rentals. Popular points of interest include Great Falls, Twin Falls, the Blue Hole, the Cold Hole, and the Warm Hole. This gorge is comprised of slick limestone bedrock cut by the swift currents of the Caney Fork River.
Rock Island State Park has 60 campsites, each equipped with 30 amp electrical and water hookups, grill, and picnic table. Three modern bathhouses (with hot water showers, lavatories, commodes) are located in the camping area. There is a dump station at the far end of the campground for the convenience of self-contained camping rigs. Campers must register at the park office. Campsites can be reserved online up to one year in advance, maximum stay limit is two weeks. Tent camping is also allowed. This facility is open year round.
A park boat ramp provides access to the upstream end of Center Hill Lake and just west of the main park entrance, on the south side of Highway 287, the short Kings Launch Road will take you to a boat ramp on the Collins River, both of which are excellent flatwater paddling locations.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Day use free. Camping costs vary based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Rock Island State Park 82 Beach Rd. Rock Island, TN 38581 931-686-2471
Camping in Chattanooga
For a comprehensive list of private campgrounds, visit the Chattanooga Tourism Co. For a listing of regional backcountry camping sites, visit our Backpacking page. Read an article from the Dyrt Magazine on campgrounds close to Chattanooga.