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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Ruby Falls
Maclellan Island- An Urban Oasis
Maclellan Island- An Urban Oasis
92%
(57)
3.4mi from Ruby Falls · 2 sites · Tents
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.
Campfires
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$20
/ night
Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground
Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground
94%
(44)
3.9mi from Ruby Falls · 132 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Here in Lookout Valley, you’ll have access to stunning views, top-notch amenities, and dedicated, hardworking staff that provides exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re camping with us, staying in one of our beautiful cabins, or taking a tour of our spectacular caverns, you’ll love the tranquility of our retreat.
Experience the wonder of a natural underground world at Raccoon Mountain Caverns! Rated as the #1 ‘Thing To Do’ in Chattanooga on TripAdvisor, with over 5.5 miles of passageways, our caverns boast an incredibly well-preserved landscape filled with countless natural formations. Considered one of the most geologically active caverns in the south, you’ll be amazed by the beauty that surrounds you. Don’t miss out on this adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$34
/ night
Quail Run Farm
Quail Run Farm
94%
(212)
3.9mi from Ruby Falls · 31 sites · Tents
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
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Covenant View Camp and Retreat
Covenant View Camp and Retreat
98%
(55)
4.7mi from Ruby Falls · 44 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Covenant View Camp and Retreat is located at the foot of Lookout Mountain. There are trails for hiking, roads for biking, all the attractions of Chattanooga within 15 minutes, and an abundance of wildlife. We also offer kayak rentals and the service of transporting them for you, for an additional fee.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Little Bluff
Little Bluff
93%
(51)
6mi from Ruby Falls · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Cabin and Barn on 20 Peaceful Acres
Cabin and Barn on 20 Peaceful Acres
99%
(46)
7.2mi from Ruby Falls · 1 site · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$67
/ night
River Life RV Resort
River Life RV Resort
99%
(46)
8mi from Ruby Falls · 4 sites · RVs
Learn more about this land:
Private RV camping on the Tennessee River. Convenient location. Close to downtown Chattanooga. Double boat ramps, fire pits, canoeing, and fishing. Open year round. Full hookups!
Come visit us and see why we say....
Life is better at the river!
Laura
Please note: Holiday rates may vary! Contact me for info.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$138
/ night
Valley View Campground
Valley View Campground
91%
(11)
11mi from Ruby Falls · 20 sites · RVs
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.
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
Pets
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Peaceful Hollow Farm
Peaceful Hollow Farm
100%
(19)
13mi from Ruby Falls · 1 site · Lodging
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
Toilets
Showers
from
$95
/ night
South Suckcreek Campground
South Suckcreek Campground
96%
(333)
14mi from Ruby Falls · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
Enjoy sunset views of the mountains, plus trails for bicycling, motorcycle riding, 4-wheelers nearby. Set on a low traffic road at the foot of the mountain, this property is close to Prentice Cooper State Forest. Find kayak rentals at the foot of the mountain!
Pets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Magnolia Campground at Hixson Farms
Magnolia Campground at Hixson Farms
91%
(92)
15mi from Ruby Falls · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$35
/ night
Mountain View RV Pad and Tent Site
Mountain View RV Pad and Tent Site
97%
(15)
16mi from Ruby Falls · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
RV pad and/or tent site on single family property with beautiful view, in farming community with cows next door. Enjoy all 2.6 acres, with view of the surrounding mountains. 40 minutes from Chattanooga. You are likely to be the only one on the property.
Sequatchie Valley is between two long ridges of mountains. There are views everywhere you drive.
When arriving, look for the white mailbox labeled 456 and turn in between that and the 456 sign on the ground (solar lighted). It is a long gravel driveway.
Entrance is wide enough for 40 ft rigs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
Simon
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Glad to find this for us a quick one night stay, place to ourselves and peaceful surroundings. I will for sure stay again when in the area
See more
K
Kathryn
2 weeks ago
Tent
The property is beautiful. Had a great time and am very thankful for all of the helpful amenities included (clean port-a-potty, communal barn, picnic tables, etc.). There was a dog and a cat who visited us a few times throughout our stay, both very affectionate and sweet. Overall a 10/10 experience.
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E
Erin
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
I had a wonderful time camping in my truck bed camper. Billy’s land… you’ve really got to see it to believe it. I arrived after dark so I wasn’t too sure if I had the best spot or not. When I woke up the next morning I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. It was beautiful. The rock formations… the pictures are gorgeous but the in person view… just wow. I felt like I had the whole mountain to myself. My dog got to be free and lead the way on our adventures which he absolutely loved. I 10/10 would recommend and I definitely plan to visit again. Thank you Billy. Your place is wonderful, and full of wonder.
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C
Christopher
December 2025
With pets
The cabin exceeded all expectations! Waking up to see it snowing around the pond was magical, the icing on the cake of a perfect weekend. What a special place 😍
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K
Kimberly
December 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great space to kick back and relax! Good setup and great host!
See moreT
Tonja
December 2025
Tent
With pets
I loved the property and the peace and the people were wonderful too!!!! The only downside is, if you are tent camping during the winter there is no outside water source or no shower because the water is off during the winter outside.
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Isabelle
December 2025
21 ft campervan
With pets
Great option for those who want an unassisted or supplied camping trip. Barn with cooking materials and games was an awesome resource. I went alone with my dog to test out my new converted van. Amazing option. I also had to reschedule due to some travel issues and host was very accommodating.
See moreJ
Jessica
December 2025
15 ft campervan
Very nice property. I was on the property mostly to sleep unfortunately but the property was well kept and I drove my camper right next to a picnic table as instructed.
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A
Austin
November 2025
15 ft travel trailer
This campsite is great! It is very spacious with great views. They have canoes and kayaks available to use and it’s great to get on the water for sunrise or sunset. Located close to some awesome outdoors areas like Suck Creek and Middle Creek. Highly recommend.
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Judith
November 2025
30 ft toy hauler
This was our third time camping here, and it was another amazing experience! It's peaceful but close enough to restaurants and stores. The site is fairly level, the internet is fast, and everything works as expected. We plan to be back! Our dogs love it too!
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S
Sandy
November 2025
25 ft Class C
With kids
We arrived later then expected but were greeted very nicely. They showed us to our site. It was a quiet night, great for a good night's sleep after a long drive. Would recommend.
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Mark
November 2025
16 ft car
It was a beautiful property. Quiet and peaceful. Would recommend.
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John
November 2025
16 ft car
With pets
I love to stay at this site when I'm in the area. It's primitive so pack everything you need. The view is amazing! Try to catch a sunset here for sure.
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K
Katherine
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Great location and appreciate the bathroom and fire pit. But the friendly farm animals stole the show! A unique experience that we'd definitely recommend
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Maggi
November 2025
Tent
Lovely space, quiet and peaceful! It was just what I needed for a good night’s sleep.
See moreC
Cadden
November 2025
Tent
Best spot in Chattanooga. Please take your trash with you
See moreK
Kurt
November 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Nice place left in morning deer ran out hand hit my car so be careful driving. Will be back
See moreS
Sam
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Sites are nicely spread out. Quiet and beautiful property. Our site was spacious enough to spread a few tents out, and the neighboring sites were far enough away as to not be a disruption.
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K
Khrysta
November 2025
Tent
Really enjoyed my time at this peaceful and quiet place to camp. The pond was beautiful, and the site was well maintained. Randy has something special here, and I strongly recommend it over large, crowded campgrounds.
See moreJ
Janet
November 2025
18 ft travel trailer
I loved the animals and tree swing. We had a slight problem with electricity. Owner was extremely responsive and problem was fixed within 30 minutes. Great place
See moreThe 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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