Top 10 RV Parks Near the Chattanooga, TN Area

Top 5 reasons why it is a fun place to visit:

1. Visit the Tennessee Aquarium
2. Hike to the Lookout Mountain
3. Check out the Racoon Mountain Caverns
4. Visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
5. Visit the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery

List of top ten RV Parks in the Chattanooga, TN area:

(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)

The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver.

Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.

1. Cloudland Canyon State Park-West Rim

3,538 acres of pristine nature invite the visitors to recharge at this gorgeous place. From waterfalls to forests to breath-taking vistas, this park is a true gem of America.

What makes this park unique?

“Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon is one of the largest and most scenic parks in the state. Home to thousand-foot deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, wild caves, waterfalls, cascading creeks, dense woodland and abundant wildlife, the park offers ample outdoor recreation.

Hiking and mountain biking trails abound. The most popular hiking paths include the short Overlook Trail, strenuous Waterfalls Trail and moderate West Rim Loop Trail. Mountain biking is available at the newly developed Five Points Recreation Area and along the Cloudland Connector Trail. The park also offers disc golf, a fishing pond, trails for horseback riding, picnicking and overlooks.

Guests seeking an overnight experience can choose from fully-equipped and comfortable cottages, quirky yurts or several different types of camping and backpacking options.”

(Source: https://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon)

2. Chester Frost Park Hamilton City Park

As a city park, this RV park has basic amenities and different sports options available. The park is clean and there are options for fishing enthusiasts.

What makes this park unique?

This park has a beautiful location, clean bathrooms and tranquil environment. There are many different sites to choose from location-wise and many of the premium sites with waterview require either a 3- or 7-day minimum stay. The sites are also limited to a 14- or 28-day stay max.

3. R Haven Overnight Family Park

This is a small family-owned park that is in a woodsy setting, with RV sites and cabins. Its laid-back atmosphere allows visitors to kick back and take it easy. This park is about 30 miles south of Chattanooga and 3 miles off the main highway.

What makes this park unique?

Some spots are right next to a creek and past visitors state that the access roads and the sites themselves are easy to get to and good-sized. While the park is a little bit aged, it’s cozy and a true rare find.

4. Blue Water Resort, RV and Marina

This park is close to Walmart and Lowe’s and has an onsite gas pump, as well. However, the greatest thing about this park is its access to great fishing and gorgeous 360-degree views.

What makes this park unique?

The sites are spacious and level, 40-feet long. There are boat slip rentals with access to Chickamauga Lake. This is one of top 10 fishing areas in the country. In addition, many RV sites have beautiful water views. There are also many restaurants nearby.

Tip for visitors: “ATTENTION: If you are hauling an RV, please avoid Shady Lane and Shipley Basket Road if you are coming from Athens on HWY 30. All incoming RV guests should come in from Double S Road off of HWY 30 using the Truck Route.”

(Source: https://www.bluewaterdayton.com/tennessee-rv-campground/)

5. Raccoon Mountain RV Park and Campground

Raccoon Mountain Caverns is a cave located in Chattanooga, Tennessee in a band of Mississippian Period limestone, part of the Cumberland Plateau. The RV Park offers access to Tennessee’s highest rated caves.

What makes this park unique?

You can come to tour the cave system, pan for gems, enjoy the peace and quiet under beautiful shade trees, and take in the breath-taking views of Lookout Mountain and Raccoon Mountain. This park is just minutes from downtown Chattanooga.

There are basic and deluxe sites available. Deluxe sites are spacious, shaded pull-through sites. Note: RV’s older than year 2000 are not allowed.

6. Harrison Bay State Park

This is a beautiful State Park that invites visitors to engage with nature, whether on land or on water. There is great fishing, hiking and adventuring. This park is only 30 minutes away from Chattanooga.

What makes this park unique?

“Harrison Bay State Park is a 1,200 acre park with approximately 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake shoreline, and was originally developed as a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recreation area in the 1930s.

Its name is derived from a large bay at the main channel of the Tennessee River that covers the old town of Harrison, and the last Cherokee Campground. The parklands are historically significant because the Cherokee Campground consisted of three villages which were ruled by one of the last great Cherokee Chieftains.

Harrison Bay became the first Tennessee State Park in 1937. This beautiful wooded park is a haven for campers, golfers, boaters and fishermen, as well as picnickers and other day-use visitors from Chattanooga and the surrounding tri-state area.

It has one of the most complete marina facilities available on any of the TVA lakes and all types of boats and water recreation vehicles are allowed at the park.”

(Source: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/harrison-bay) Note: the max length is 56 ft.

7. Chester Frost Park

This park has an incredible sand beach where one can enjoy water activities, or play sand volleyball with friends.

What makes this park unique?

This park is clean, affordable and a great getaway from the urban hustle and bustle. Bring your RV and water toys and spend the weekend or a week on the lake.

8. Lookout Mountain/Chattanooga West KOA

Within 20 minutes to Chattanooga, this park is located on the State of Georgia side. It has a great layout, level cement pads with shade trees and many fun amenities to make great memories.

What makes this park unique?

According to their Website, you can see why this is a popular place to stay at: “Lookout Mountain Chattanooga West KOA is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with historic Lookout Mountain to the east and downtown Chattanooga only 15 minutes away.

We offer 37 acres of native Appalachian forest with beautiful mountain views. Most of our sites are shaded under a wonderful canopy of beautiful native hardwoods and evergreens. We also offer an exciting variety of activities and first-class amenities with outstanding attractions only minutes away.

We are the closest KOA to downtown Chattanooga, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Incline Railway and all the Chattanooga area civil war sites. Our high-speed wi-fi is free. To provide the best experience, guests will be able to connect all their devices, Internet TV and Netflix accounts for their enjoyment. We are capable of speeds consistently of 100 MB’s per site.  … Hike your way through 25 acres of forest and natural landscape.

Cool down in our soothing saltwater 56,000-gallon free-form pool (depths ranging from 2.5 to 8.5 feet) and dry off under the southern sun on our large deck. The kids (16yrs and younger-call for details) will enjoy the Jumping Pad and get some exercise at the same time!

Try your hand at gemstone panning (in-season months only) or learn how to play Frisbee/Disc golf in our family practice activity field. Your pet will love our 3,200 square foot off-leash pet playground and obstacle course.

Be the first one to score 1000 points on our Mini-Marshmallow Shooter “Shootin’ Gallery”. Play a game or two of outdoor bowling and “knock them all down”. Stay in one of our heated/air-conditioned rustic cabins or camp under the canopy of the forest while enjoying a nice campfire.”

(Source: https://koa.com/campgrounds/lookout-mtn-west/)

9. Best Holiday Trav-L-Park

Just on the border of Georgia and Tennessee, this park is 10 minutes away from Chattanooga, so that one can do all the tourist attractions while relaxing outside of the hustle and bustle.

What makes this park unique?

This is a small cute park that is a great place for summer vacations, or just to hang out for the weekend. It’s a Top 10 Family RV Park.

10. Chattanooga North/Cleveland KOA

As a KOA Journey, this park is great for extended stay with families, as it offers many different activities. It’s 29 minutes away from Chattanooga and all the city amenities.

What makes this park unique?

This park is standard, with level sites and shade trees. There are fun amenities and activities for guests of all ages.

TIPS TO GET TO CHATTANOOGA

Chattanooga is close to the Georgia State line and can be traveled to via US-72 or I-59 from the South or the Southwest. The I-75 is another route for those traveling from the South to Chattanooga. When traveling from the East, the US-74/64 or I-75 are good routes (although the US-74 goes through some windy and mountainous terrain).