The best camping near Ruby Falls, TN

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Discover the splendor of Ruby Falls, a majestic underground waterfall.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

Maclellan Island- An Urban Oasis

92%
(57)
3.4mi from Ruby Falls · 2 sites · Tents · Chattanooga, TN
YOU MUST PROVIDE WATERCRAFT OF SOME KIND TO GET TO MACLELLAN ISLAND! Maclellan Island is a unique 18.8-acre wildlife sanctuary situated in the middle of the Tennessee River, in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. It is accessible by water only. The island is home to a great diversity of plants, animals, and birds. Campers can enjoy easy wildlife viewing in a true urban wilderness setting. Muskrats, geese, and kingfishers can be seen feeding at the water’s edge, while the forest is home to songbirds, turkeys, raccoons, owls, possums, foxes, and woodpeckers. It's a great place to quietly watch nesting osprey and great-blue heron as well as an important feeding area for migrating warblers. IMPORTANT: Maclellan Island is accessible by boat ONLY. You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the island, either using your own boat or by renting a kayak/SUP from a local outfitter. We recommend renting kayaks from L2 Outdoors who launches from Coolidge Park. Maclellan Island’s earliest inhabitants were Indigenous People whose island community was likely an extension or suburb of Citico, a nearby village. Farmed in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, the island was plowed for many years and largely free of the trees which shade it today. Floods have covered the island from time to time and drove away numerous early settlers including one early farmer, Abel Kesterson, who survived rising waters in 1867 only by holding onto the horns of his cow as they swam to safety. The island eventually passed through the hands of several prominent companies as well as a number of more rambunctious inhabitants. Finally in 1954 Maclellan Island was donated to the Chattanooga Audubon Society by Robert J. Maclellan for preservation as a wildlife refuge. If you'll be arriving by a motorized boat, you will need to use a public boat ramp. The closest one is at the Tennessee River Park. Coolidge Park has a kayak/canoe/SUP launch and you can park cars in their parking lot overnight for a fee.
Toilets
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from 
$20
 / night

Quail Run Farm

94%
(212)
3.9mi from Ruby Falls · 31 sites · Tents · Chattanooga, TN
We have a working farm with sweeping views of Lookout mountain and only 12 minutes from all the comforts of downtown Chattanooga. Our expansive 120-acre property provides campers with the freedom to choose their camping spots anywhere on the farm. Farm animals include horses, cattle, hogs, chickens, goats, bees, stocked ponds, gardens and much more. We have strategically placed signs throughout the property to help you identify potential neighbors. If you desire the company of ducks, consider setting up camp near our picturesque duck pond. For those who prefer the rustic crowing of roosters to a phone alarm, we have four chicken coops dispersed across the farm. Our horses freely roam the front pastures. The cows enjoy grazing on lush grass and taking refreshing dips in the ponds. They also relish watching the sunset from the hill's vantage point, as it offers the best view on the farm. We are a working farm with staff tending to various jobs throughout the day. We have a map to show some of the popular locations campers have enjoyed in the past, but it is first come first serve. We intentionally leave some of our fields uncut. In some fields, the grass can come up above the knees. If you are picky with the grass, these are pastures on a farm and we do not cut them. We leave that to the animals to take care of. All of our staff are super friendly and happy to help guide you to the best camping spot and answer any questions. In searching for your campsite please note that there may be livestock in and around certain areas as we rotate pastures. Please respect farm rules and do not camp in a pasture with cattle and do not enter any gated area without speaking to someone on the farm who knows which fields the cattle is in. Potable well water can be located from the blue spigot outside of the staff housing area, in between the orange and green tiny home, and outside the outdoor shower. Fire rings and chopped wood are ready for you to borrow and return by the outdoor shower area. If you are interested in a more posh experience, we have yurts and tiny homes for rent Embracing farm life is not just an adventure but also a valuable learning opportunity, whether you're a family or an individual seeking a taste of the countryside lifestyle. We hope to see you soon on the farm!
Pets
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from 
$35
 / night

Little Bluff

93%
(51)
6mi from Ruby Falls · 1 site · Tent, RV · Wildwood, GA
Just ten miles from Downtown Chattanooga, Little Buff is the spot to park your van or pitch your tent! We have beautiful mountain views and convenient access to I-24. The Tennessee River, historic attractions, outdoor adventures, and urban life are all nearby. Enjoy a private, roomy campsite with a fine gravel surface, fire pit, bench, and observation point. You will have plenty of space for your rig, vehicles, tents tables and chairs, canopy, or whatever clever camping system you employ. There's an outhouse, a potable water hydrant, and an electric power station on the property. Be sure to check out the extras. We have Firewood for sale: $10 for a big bundle of seasoned, split hardwood. Don't forget the kindling for a quick blaze! We can also supply a generator, all gassed up and ready to go. Please take a moment to read and observe the RULES. They are simple and important. We want to keep your visit fun and safe and affordable, as well as preserve the property for future guests. We are so glad you are coming to Little Bluff. Thank you for booking and enjoy your stay!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$28
 / night

Cabin and Barn on 20 Peaceful Acres

99%
(46)
7.2mi from Ruby Falls · 1 site · Lodging · Lookout Mountain, GA
It's like having your own private summer camp! The unfurnished cabin is dry and clean. A huge upgrade from a tent (feel free to pitch your tents if you like)! The bathhouse offers hot showers, a flush toilet, and sink. The open pole barn has a deluxe camping kitchen set up with pots and pans, a propane stove, a coffee maker, and a dishwashing sink. There is also a dining table and chairs. While the property is close and convenient to Chattanooga, once you are enjoying the serene woods, shady trees, starry nights, and quality time with family and friends you will forget all about the city! While there are no full-time residents on the property, there is a small functioning horse farm about 100 yards from the camping area. On most days the owner will stop by to care for the horses, and teach riding lessons.
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from 
$67
 / night

Valley View Campground

91%
(11)
11mi from Ruby Falls · 20 sites · RVs · Trenton, GA
Welcome to Valley View Campground! Nestled in the heart of nature, Valley View Campground is your home away from home. Whether you’re planning a peaceful weekend or a long-term stay, we offer the perfect place to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the outdoors. We are located between two beautiful mountains. Lookout mountain and sand mountain. Our campground features: 20 spacious, full-hookup sites, ideal for RVs of all sizes A scenic loop layout with easy-to-access pull-throughs and back-in sites Complimentary Wi-Fi and garbage service. Valley View is close to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Located nearby popular attractions such as Cloudland Canyon, Rock City, and Ruby Falls and the lookout mountain Incline Railway. Valley View is great for weekend adventurers, traveling workers, and long-term guests—especially linemen and contractors looking for a comfortable and convenient place. Each site offers a unique view of local hang gliders who often launch nearby and soar overhead. It’s a favorite for guests who enjoy watching the colorful gliders in flight – a peaceful and inspiring touch of adventure right from your campsite. Please note: Our campground is conveniently located close to the interstate for easy access and travel. You may hear some highway and occasional train noise during your stay. No bathhouse on premises
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from 
$55
 / night

Peaceful Hollow Farm

100%
(19)
13mi from Ruby Falls · 1 site · Lodging · Hixson, TN
Camping Site (Eastern Standard Time) Need to unplug from the busyness and noise of life? Drive along a winding gravel road to a secluded respite tucked away on the side of Signal Mountain/Waldens Ridge. Nestled in the trees, Peaceful Hollow Glamping offers a serene experience complete with the relaxing sounds of nature, stunning views of the stars and facing the gorgeous sunrise. Only 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, TN and situated on a local working fiber farm, with llamas, sheep, and cashmere goats, this unique camping spot offers a comfortable queen bed in a roomy tent placed on a wooden platform with Adirondack chairs for sitting outside to enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds around you. A great place for forest bathing and immersing yourself in the natural world. Book now to enjoy this special place! Add on an optional llama hike for exploring more of the woods around! (Weather permitting) Amenities included: * Fire pit * Food prep area (Fresh eggs when available) * Picnic table and benches * Water, electric * hot outdoor shower * Camping toilet Portable AC * No internet! You can unplug for real! * Board games/cards/books to enjoy while you are here Nearby attractions/opportunities: Walden’s Ridge Park, new 200 acre park within 20 minutes. Extraordinary biking trails, hiking, bouldering https://youtu.be/VNGM2KBjgkc?si=Am1OfUakDea59LFk * Multiple hiking trails in the Chattanooga area. * Paddle boarding, kayaking, and rock climbing sand bouldering within a short drive * Local fare in Chattanooga if you’d like to dine out * 20 minutes to the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX theatre #forestbathing #camping #wilding #birdwatching #glamping #chattanooga #nature #hiking #naturehikes #lgbtqfriendly
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$95
 / night

Magnolia Campground at Hixson Farms

91%
(90)
15mi from Ruby Falls · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Chickamauga, GA
Are you trying to talk your spouse into moving to a farm and starting your own homestead? Come spend time on a real working farmstead. Spend your days petting goats, feeding snacks to the pigs, and listening to cows moo in the field. Collect your own eggs from the coop and fresh veggies from the garden. Meet Fergus and Ellie, our Scottish Highland calves. Then hang out by the campfire or swing in a hammock in the evenings. Take a tour of our 12 acres and learn the ins and outs of homesteading. We are a first-generation farm and we love sharing our passion. You’ll be picking out a farm of your own in no time! Includes 30 or 50 amp hook-ups, septic, water, and wi-fi. Just a few miles from Cloudland Canyon State Park and historic downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Chickamauga, Georgia.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

The best camping near Ruby Falls, TN guide

Overview

About

A single sight with multiple adventures to be had, Ruby Falls is truly one-of-a-kind. Deep inside Lookout Mountain, the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the nation lets loose a gentle roar. As you descend in the 260 ft tall glass elevator, the full majesty of the falls reveals itself to you. The otherworldy cave system echoes with the sounds of roaring water and offers two unique caving experiences to visitors. For fans of sunlight, rise out of the depths of Ruby Falls to learn about the storied history of Lookout Mountain. The informational and awe-inspiring observation deck atop the mountain offers mile-high views of the surrounding forests. Finally, for those seeking thrills, fly down to the Lookout Mountains base along 700 ft of rushing ziplines to finish off a well-spent day.

When to go

The best time to visit Ruby Falls is during the milder seasons of spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant and the natural beauty of the area is at its peak. Summer offers extended hours but can be quite busy. Winter provides a quieter experience, though some attractions may have limited availability.

Know before you go

  • Advance online ticket purchase is required to ensure entry to Ruby Falls.
  • Check the seasonal cave schedule as hours vary and the attraction is closed on December 25th.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces in the cavern.
  • Accessibility options are available; contact Ruby Falls for specific needs.
  • Remember, the cave maintains a constant and pleasant 60°F temperature year-round.
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