Best Tent Camping Near Chattanooga Tn

The Walls Of Jericho Primitive Camping Best Tent Camping In Tennessee

SOUTH TENNESSEE

• Tent camping spots

This campground has an intriguing name and an equally fascinating story behind it.

A story is told of a 17th Century preacher who was so moved by the rugged beauty of the place that he named it The Wall of Jericho. He performed his baptisms in the area and the name stuck since then.

Its easy to see why the area is so inspiring. The canyon, river, and waterfalls that surround the camping ground give it a magical feel, and you too will feel stirred after hiking through the 7-mile trail in this camping destination.

Camping here is not for the faint-hearted this is a primitive camping only site, so be ready to use all your survival skills. The only amenities you should expect are two fire pits.

However, finding a good tree to hang a hammock or clothesline should not be a difficult task.

The Best 10 Campgrounds In Chattanooga Tn

Cummins Falls State Park Tn

382 RV rentals

Despite being only 282 acres, Cummins Falls State Park has a lot to offer those that book an RV in Jackson County, TN. This scenic spot has been used for recreation for more than 100 years, with the beautiful waterfall being the main attraction. The park sits within the rolling hills along the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River in the Codell Hull Watershed and offers some spectacular scenery. Head to one of the nearby towns, such as Baxter, Cookeville, and Livingston, while on your outdoor adventure, to see even more of the incredible state of Tennessee.

Native Americans used to use the area as a hunting ground for great buffalo and other animals, and then in 1845,

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Backbone Rock Recreation Area

Take a trip to the Backbone Rock Recreation Area of the Cherokee National Forest for some of the best primitive camping in all of Tennessee.

It might be small with just 10campsites, but Backbone Rock Campground is well worth a visit. The shadyforested area is located just steps from Beaverdam Creek. Flush toilets areavailable onsite for an added layer of comfort despite the wilderness location.

Many campers enjoy fishing in thenearby creek. Its stocked with trout every year so there are plenty of fish togo around. The famous AppalachianTrail passes nearby. Its a popular place for a day hike while camping atBackbone Rock.

South Cumberland State Park

Monteagle, TN

Less than an hour from Chattanooga you will find South Cumberland State Park. If you love the outdoors and are itching to have a weekend away from the city, this park is for you! South Cumberland is full of adventure. It includes more than 30,000 acres, half a dozen beautiful waterfalls, and a multitude of recreational opportunities. First step, pick where you want to camp. You can choose from rustic, primitive, or backcountry campsites! Next, determine if/how much hiking you want to do. There are over 90 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to very strenuous, but the one thing they all have in common are the amazing views. Other available activities include rock climbing, swimming, fishing, birding, and Ranger-led programs. No matter what you decide to do on your adventure at South Cumberland State Park, we guarantee it will be a weekend to remember.

South Cumberland State Park covers some 30,000 scattered acres over several counties. The visitor center is located in Monteagle and an ideal place to kick off your adventure. Read all about the front-country and backcountry camping options and make your reservation today.

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About Chattanooga Backpacking / Camping

The great thing about Chattanooga for backpacking and camping enthusiasts is that its basically located right at the epicenter for many of the Southeasts best wilderness areas and parks. Within a 3 hour radius, weekend warriors can find everything from towering waterfalls in Central Tennessee, to dense forests in North Georgia and Alabama, to unmatched scenery and biodiversity in the nearby Smokies.

And even closer to home, Chattanooga is quite blessed in terms of overnighting opportunities in the woods. Only 10 miles west of downtown, with over 6,000 acres of protected land and 35 miles of hiking trails, Prentice Cooper State Forest is an outdoor mecca right in Chattanooga’s backyard. The forest is situated above the Tennessee River Gorgea 26 mile canyon referred to by locals as the Grand Canyon of the Tennessee, with bluffs rising over 1,000 feet from the undulating river below.

Just 45 minutes from downtown, on the backside of Lookout Mountain, is one of Georgias most beautiful state parks: the one and only, Cloudland Canyon. Offering spectacular views and exceptional, rugged hikingnot to mention large waterfalls and gurgling creeksCloudland makes for an idyllic weekend getaway, to say the least.

Percy Priest Island Camping Best For Kids

EAST TENNESSEE CAMPING

Address: 3778 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076 Activities at the lake:

• Playgrounds for kids
• Fishing.

One of the most unique camping spots in Tennessee is the Percy Priest Lake, which is only a short distance from Nashville.

The lake is formed by the J. Percy Priest Dam and boasts over 30 islands. Each of these islands has a camping ground that has a lot to offer to every type of camper.

The islands also have lengthy hiking trails that allow you to see the beauty of the area in all its glory. If you want an exhilarating adventure, go for the famous 40-feet cliffs jump!

TIP: weve reviewed 6 best minimalist hiking boots available on Amazon!

Its an exciting experience that you will likely remember for decades to come. In the evenings, you can watch breathtaking sunsets before you settle in for the night.

If you love a good challenge, you ought to try camping in the primitive sites on the Anderson Road camping ground. The 36 campsites on the grounds have hardly any amenities, which means that you will have to fetch water and light your fire. This site is ideal for a hands-on camper.

Other nearby camping grounds are the 7-Point Camping Ground with 60 campsites and Poole Knobs Campground with 88 campsites. Most offer both tent sites and RV sites.

One of the best ways to explore the islands is to spend a day in the Hole-in-the-Wall Island. This is a protected cove that has a lot of exciting features and sites.

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Cool Summer Camping Spots Near Chattanooga

The dog days of summer are here, and unless your idea of camping involves sitting inside a land yacht with the AC running, picking the right destination is critical. Although I once survived a 100 degree afternoon in a campsite by sitting in front of no less than six box fans running at full tilt, it wasnt an ideal situation.

How do you stay cool while summer camping? Short of driving to Canada, the surest way to drop the temperature is to gain altitude. Depending on conditions, you might see a five degree drop for every 1,000 feet of elevation. Its time, literally, to head for the hills. Second, you need water. Not just to drink, but enough to immerse yourself. You need a lake, or at least a creek with a swimming hole. Finally, it wouldnt hurt to have some mountain biking, trail running, hiking, climbing or paddling nearby, would it?

Fear not, it can be done. Draw a circle encompassing a couple hours drive of Chattanooga and youll have some great options.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Named for its spectacularly scenic 1,000-foot deep canyons, this Georgia state park boasts endless views, more than 60 miles of top-notch hiking trails, and two tremendous waterfalls. Visitors will also find miles of trails for biking and horseback riding, plus disc golf and fishing opportunities. Cloudland Canyon is an easy 40-minute drive from Chattanooga and offers both backcountry and front-country camping, as well as charming little cottages that can sleep up to eight people. For an even more unique stay, spend a weekend in one of the parks 10 yurts, which make the perfect basecamp for all of your Cloudland adventures.

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Lookout Mountain West Koa

Just south west of Chattanooga is Lookout Valley, a pretty stretch roughly equidistant between the Civil War battlefields and historic neighborhoods on top of Lookout Mountain and the North Georgia wonders of Cloudland Canyon State Park. Just twenty minutes from downtown, its also convenient to the Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater, a classic drive-in and open-air cinema.

If youre visiting Chattanooga on the first and last Saturdays of each month from December through April, and first and last weekends from May through November, you can pay a visit to the beautiful Lula Lake Land Trust. This pretty preserve of the Rock Creek watershed, which feeds Lula Lake and Lula Falls, limits access as part of the Land Trusts conservation efforts. There are gorgeous hiking trails throughout the LLLT, and the space has even been used to host a pop-up dinner party through the Scenic City Supper Club.

Camping, however, is not allowed hence why you might want to reserve a spot at Lookout Mountain West KOA. Youll find tent, hammock, and RV sites, as well as free high speed WiFi, cable-TV, recently renovated restrooms, a salt water swimming pool, jump pad, gem-stone panning, field for throwing a frisbee or ball around, and even a Mini-Marshmallow Shooter Shootin Gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

What are some popular services for campgrounds?

Some popular services for campgrounds include:

What are people saying about campgrounds in Chattanooga, TN?

This is a review for campgrounds in Chattanooga, TN:

“This spot is one of the best campgrounds I’ve been to. Very clean and cute, with a great staff a small store with any essentials you may have forgotten. Gina is super welcoming and has a ton of awesome suggestions for food or adventures in the area. I will definitely be back!!”

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Maclellan Island On The Tennesse River

This is one of our favorite options for camping in Tennessee and is an excellent example of a novelty camping spot. Located on Maclellan Island, a unique and stunning 18.8-acre wildlife sanctuary, in the middle of the Tennessee River, youd think that booking this tiny island all for yourself would leave you totally out in the sticks. But this couldnt be further from the truth! Even with the tranquility and exclusivity of sleeping on your own, private wildlife-sanctuary-island, youre still right in the heart of downtown Chattanooga!

This is an excellent option for those looking for a convenient, but unique and edgy, city-break camping experience, which feels like a backcountry campsite. However, this experience really is what you and your group make of it. Theres only one site, for up to 30 people, and you can only book this island as one group. Theres also no shower, kitchen or portable water facilities. Furthermore, you have to access the island with your own boat, or a rented canoe. So, if youre a group looking for a unique adventure for a celebration or a family getaway, wed recommend hiring canoes for a few days and calling this island your home. Seeing as it goes from only $25 per night, what have you got to lose?

Why Youll Love Sweetwater / I

Sweetwater / I-75 / Exit 62 KOA is very scenic and quiet with something for the entire family. The jumping pad is one of the unique features that make this campground stand out from other RV parks in the Chattanooga area. You can also go boating, walk through the hiking trails, and do some bird-watching.

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David Crockett State Park

David Crockett State Park is another popular Tennessee state park open for year-round camping, including in the winter.

Named after American folk heroDavy Crockett, often called the Kind of the Wild Frontier, this state park islocated in the southern part of the state. It has two main campgrounds with thesecond staying open for year-round use. Cabin rentals are also available.

The winter campground has 52 totalcampsites with full RV hookups. Both tent camping and RV camping are allowed atthese sites during the winter.

Lookout Mountain / Chattanooga West Koa

930 Mountain Shadows Drive, Trenton, GA

If you are looking for a KOA near Chattanooga TN, this is it! All of the amenities youve come to expect from a KOA Holiday Campground, with the fun activities of Chattanooga just 20 minutes away.

Located in the foothills of Georgias Appalachian Mountains, the campground is surrounded by beautiful hardwood forests, which also means most of the campsites are nicely shaded.

This is the closest KOA campground near Chattanooga, Ruby Falls, and the Chattanooga area Civil War sites.

• Cost: $45-$75 per night, dynamic pricing based on the day of week and season
• Reservations: Available online
• Size Allowance: up to 70
• Tent Camping: 17 tent-only sites
• Cabins: Camping cabins and deluxe cabins with full baths
• Hookups: Water and Electric
• Dump Station: Yes
• On-Site Amenities include free WiFi, a seasonal outdoor pool, dog park, laundry facility, hiking trails, tetherball, horseshoes, a jumping pad, disc golf, gemstone panning, and an on-site store for groceries, camping supplies, and souvenirs.

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Savage Falls Camping Area

Savage Gulf is not only popular for serious thru-hikers and climbers, but casual and weekend backpackers as well. The hour drive wont eat into your time on the trail too much, and the combination of plentiful primitive camping options, longer trails, and non-stop scenery makes this a great place to get your feet wet, test your pack weight, and check your fitness before embarking on longer treks like the Cumberland Trail or Appalachian Trail.

One of the most popular trails for backpackers is Fiery Gizzard, which was rerouted away from private land a few years ago but still is a stunning combination of southern Appalachian forest and butt-busting terrain. Intermediate hikers will be challenged, but also rewarded with a chance to try more technical terrain, cool off in swimming pools, and watch butterflies flitting from the tops of cliffs.

There were interesting bridges over the water ways, wifi available at the ranger station and quaint camping within an easy walk from the parking lot. I didnt see another person the whole time I was hiking and camping which is exactly what I was looking for.The Dyrt camper Lavender T.

Overmountain Shelter In Roan Mountain

This is one of the most famous and iconic backpacking destinations in the whole of the state. If youre planning a long trip around the state, and are picking up many parks and natural locations and campgrounds this is a sight you cannot afford to miss. Although its not technically a tent camping site, we couldnt resist mentioning it.

Situated in the Appalachian Trail, and known affectionately by hikers as the barn, this structure operates as an Overmountain Shelter. This can sleep up to 30 people, and is a charming, although rustic, backcountry dwelling. If youre backpacking on your own in Tennessee, places such as the barn, and other similar dwellings like the rustic Roan High Knob Shelter , are a fantastic way to meet other cool hikers, who are just as adventurous as you are.

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Clarksville Rv Park And Campground Best Rv Park

CENTRAL / NORTH TENNESSEE

• Off-leash dog park
• A grocery store and more.

Clarksville RV Park and Campground is located in a lovely wooded setting outside the town of Clarksville, TN.

Nearby destinations to explore include Fort Campbell, the historic Roxy Theater, and the Dunbar Cave State Nature Area. Check-in safely at the self-check-in kiosk near the door or by using your phone and an attendant will escort you to your camping spot.

The staff at the campground strives to meet all your camping needs with full hook-up sites for any size camper for one night or an extended stay. Water, sewage, and electricity are included. For minimalist camping, choose a site with water and electricity only, and for more homey comforts, check out the campgrounds camper cabins. Loads of amenities will enhance your camping experience.

Enjoy camping in the great outdoors while taking advantage of all the fun things to see and do around Gatlinburg, TN at Smoky Bear Campground and RV Park. Youll be near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, live entertainment, breweries, wineries, and more.

Beware of the cancelation policy. If you cancel the day of your reservation you will be charged for the first night of stay. If you cancel prior to that day you will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.

• Horseback riding and hiking

Natchez Trace State Park is a popular camping destination for locals and visitors alike.

Natchez Trace park is a great place to make lifelong memories with your family and friends.