The best camping near Harrison Bay State Park

On the shores of the Chickamauga Lake, 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Harrison Bay State Park is surrounded by lush forested hills and serves as a haven for campers, boaters, and anglers. Hiking trails range from easy to moderate and include a 4.5-mile, multi-use loop trail that meanders along the shoreline. Golfers can tee off at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Trace course, then cool off in the open-air swimming pool. Harrison Bay Campground has 128 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups (a limited number can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet) and 27 primitive tent-only sites.

1. Booking in advance is recommended and can be easily done online and up to one year in advance.
2. Same-day booking is not available online, so you will have to call to book.
3. Double-check your dates before booking—there’s a non-refundable booking fee.

Harrison Bay State Park is open year-round and great to visit at any time. Summer, when temperatures are typically in the high 80s, is peak season and the best time of year for cooling off in the lake or the seasonal, Olympic-sized, open-air swimming pool. Keen birdwatchers should consider visiting in the winter months when the lake is a haven for wintering waterfowl. 

• Canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards can be rented by the hour, seasonally. 
• Visit the camp store for last-minute snacks and supplies.
• Free wifi is available in the campground.
• Only certified, heat-treated firewood is allowed to enter the park as outside firewood.