Camping at Harrison Bay State Park: A Lakeside Retreat

Destinations Southeast Tennessee Chattanooga

Camping at Harrison Bay State Park: A Lakeside Retreat

Harrison Bay State Park is more than a campsite—it’s an escape into nature’s quiet embrace. Nestled along the serene shores of Chickamauga Lake, this park offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Here, life slows to the rhythm of rippling water and rustling pines, creating a haven for campers of all stripes.

By day, the park is a playground of possibility. Anglers cast their lines into the lake’s abundant waters, where bass and crappie await beneath the surface. Kayakers glide through hidden coves, their paddles cutting smooth arcs through the glassy surface. Hikers and bikers explore trails like the Bay Point Loop, where the forest hums with birdsong and sunlight filters through the trees.

For golf enthusiasts, the Bear Trace course offers a masterful Jack Nicklaus design, blending challenging play with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. And when the sun sets, the park transforms. Campfires weave smoky tendrils into the woodsy air, stars sprawl across the inky sky, and the night comes alive with the croak of frogs and the whisper of wind through the trees.

Camping here caters to every preference. RV campers enjoy full hookups in spacious sites, while tent campers savor a closer connection to nature along the lakefront. For the truly adventurous, primitive sites strip away modern conveniences, offering a raw, immersive experience.

Harrison Bay asks little of its visitors except to let go of the everyday and embrace the moment. It rewards you with crisp mornings by the water, days filled with discovery, and nights steeped in the peace only the outdoors can bring.

Adventure Guide to Camping at Harrison Bay State Park

Located just 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Harrison Bay State Park is a camping paradise set against the scenic backdrop of Chickamauga Lake.

Camping Options

RV Sites: Fully equipped with water, electric, and sewer connections.
Tent Sites: Scenic spots near the lake, perfect for nature lovers.
Primitive Camping: For a rugged, back-to-basics experience.

Activities

Fishing: Try your luck on the pier or launch a boat to deeper waters.
Boating & Kayaking: Rentals available to explore the lake’s tranquil inlets.
Hiking & Biking: Trails range from beginner-friendly loops to more challenging paths.
Golfing: Bear Trace is a renowned course with a spectacular setting.

Pro Tips

Reserve ahead for prime campsites, especially during peak seasons.
Bring layers for cool evenings by the lake, even in warmer months.
Pack bug spray to stay comfortable during evenings outdoors.

Getting There

From Chattanooga, take Highway 58 north to Harrison Bay Road for a scenic 30-minute drive.

Harrison Bay State Park offers more than a campsite—it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Tennessee’s natural beauty.

Reviews

Kenji “Ken-D” Yamadaa month ago

▼Boat Ramp Info(October'24) Ramp: paved, 2 lanes, moderate angle(shallow) Parking: large, paved Restroom: Yes Fee: No Pier: One,long Though it's a free ramp,there are boat slips,gas,cafe,everything. (You can borrow a boat slip for $35/night in case you put off your boat and do some trailer maintenance) The ramp is a little shallow when the water level is low.

Shawn VanDeWater5 months ago

We enjoyed the peace and quiet of the rv park and ease of access to Chattanooga. Some of the sites would be difficult to get into and have a slope we would not have been prepared for. But we were in campground A and had no problems at all. We played golf ar Bear Trace and it was wonderful!

Lynn N3 weeks ago

Deer were grazing by the entrance, staff was very nice, site was large with fireplace and picnic table. Paved site. Great place if you are camping in a group, saw a lot of groups enjoying campfires.

janeth bullon4 months ago

This park is beautiful. You can bring your dogs. And tent, but you will be surrounded by RVs mostly. It was a little crowded when we visited. And some people did not clean after their dogs, so there was a lot of excrement out there. When we went to the lake, we had to get out because there was a fuel spill. I would come back to visit again but probably just for hiking and not to stay. The weather is perfect here. I came on the last weeks of July, and it was chilly at night but warm enough to get in the water during the day. Children enjoy this place a lot. The restrooms are decent, they have showers and warm water. And of course there's power and a water source at the campsites.

Diane St5 months ago

I've stayed at the Harrison Bay State Park campground twice and have 5 nights booked for September. We love it there and can't get enough of this beautiful park. There's a lake to enjoy, hiking trail and you can bring your bikes. You have the change to see wild life at any given time, deer, squirrel, raccoons. You can watch the sun come up or the sun going down. The camping area is lovely, they keep it clean, the hookup's are easy. We've stayed in Area A both times and the bathhouse is very clean, private and roomy. This park is dog friendly when your furry pal is kept on leash but I would ask if you read this, please clean up after your dog. I did see where a few people didn't and it is very disappointing to those of us that do. Let's respect our parks and clean up so that we can always bring our pups. If you want a nice relaxing place to park your RV, Harrison Bay State Park should be on your lists of to do's.

Camping

Camping at Harrison Bay State Park: A Lakeside Retreat