The best camping near Little River Canyon National Preserve

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Little River Canyon National Preserve adventure.

100% (9 reviews)

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Top-rated campgrounds near Little River Canyon National Preserve

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Fireside Camp + Lodge

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Sequatchie, TN

Tucked away on Sequatchie Mountain, this little campground and hostel invites you to experience some of East Tennessee's best parks for climbing and hiking. Cliffs and waterfalls are minutes away at near by Foster Falls, Denny Cove and Castle Rock. The hostel offers 3 bedrooms, fast internet, complete kitchen, comfortable beds, smart TV, fire pit, and laundry. The campground offers dispersed sites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as clean bathrooms and a communal barn with a microwave, fridge, games, tables and chairs. You can walk our 22 acres and even take a short hike out to our bluff. Make sure to say "Hi" to our chickens and our barn cat, Strawberry, on the way. Add in the view of the stars and that makes this the perfect basecamp after a long day out.

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Dark Hollow

5 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Crossville, AL

Dark Hollow Park provides beautiful, private, and secure primative campsites. Potable water and a composting privey are available. The camp host is on site if there are any questions. There is a one-mile hiking trail, a small stream and waterfalls located a short hike down into Dark Hollow. The Hollow is rich in history. There is a small Amphitheater in the bottom of the hollow where permanent water remains year-round. Dark Hollow has played many roles from sanctuary to battleground over the years. There are numerous activities within a short distance.

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Running Water Creek

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Guild, TN

Running Water Creek is a unique, fully off grid campground just 20 minutes to downtown Chattanooga. We have 80+ campsites spread out over 120 acres. Most of the roads are accessible in any small car, but some roads require 4x4 (they're marked with a sign). We have a bath house with toilets, showers, and sinks and even offer hot water! Our well and cabins are all solar powered as we are not on the electric grid. Some info about the property: -we DO NOT have water or power hookups -we have gravel roads with a 5 MPH speed limit on the property (if you drive too fast the roads will seem rough) -we are right next to a highway and train tracks so there will be some noise (some days are better than others and we have no way of predicting how many trains will/will not go by) -none of our campsites have picnic tables (please plan accordingly) -most campsites have fire rings built, but if you choose a site without one you need to build your own

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Magnolia Campground at Hixson Farms

5 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · 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.

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Maclellan Island- An Urban Oasis

2 sites · Tents19 acres · 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.

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Rolling Ridge Stays

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Resaca, GA

Reviews speak for themselves! 3 Unique Off grid 120 sqft cabins on a 1 acre private pond with propane HEAT. NO ELECTRIC, NO A/C, FANS PROVIDED. This is a working Family Flower Farm! You will hear noises from land management on Weekdays 9-5. Weekday prices reduced to reflect this! We love meeting our guests, and like to provide unique experiences. The property has a pond and rolling hill views with beautiful dogwoods and pines throughout. Each off grid living space offers direct access to the water and boasts a full array of cooking, cleaning, and living items. This property hosts a full camp bathroom including an on grid toilet, sink, and shower. A beautiful getaway and also a portion of the northern picket line during the Civil War at the battle of Resaca. Civil war relics are often found right here on the property. ~PET FEE- We are a pet friendly facility. If you plan on bringing your furry friend, please add the "PET FEE" located under Extras when booking.

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Nature Sanctuary in the City

3 sites · Tents130 acres · Chattanooga, TN

Nestled within the natural beauty of Audubon Acres, these campsites offer serene camping experience at an 80-year old nature sanctuary. Located just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, our camping sites provide a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush forests, scenic trails, and abundant wildlife. Campers can tent camp or hammock camp at one of 3 campsites all set in the heart of nature. Enjoy direct access to hiking trails, a picturesque creek, and opportunities for birdwatching. Pets are not allowed on the property, so you'll have to leave your furry friend at home. Restrooms are available, but there are not showers. All campsites have a picnic table and fire ring. The property is dimly lit and is excellent for stargazing despite being within city limits. There are active train tracks on the property, so we recommend bringing some ear plugs. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway, a base for outdoor exploration, or a family-friendly camping spot, the Chattanooga Audubon Society provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature while supporting local conservation efforts.

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Serene Lakefront Retreat

13 sites · RVs200 acres · Ashville, AL

Greensport RV Park & Marina is a scenic lakeside retreat on Neely Henry Lake in Ashville, Alabama, offering a mix of spacious RV sites with full hookups and serene waterfront tent camping areas nestled among the trees. Enjoy waterfront access with stunning lake views, ideal for fishing, boating, and paddling from our full-service marina. Campers can unwind in shaded picnic areas, explore scenic nature trails, and take advantage of family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds and clean restrooms with showers. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, Greensport RV Park & Marina provides the perfect escape in a welcoming, picturesque setting with all the amenities you could look for. Greensport is perfect for any getaway!

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Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground

132 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Chattanooga, TN

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!

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Whippoorwill Woods Nature Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · South Pittsburg, TN

Opening March 1 for the 2025 camping season! Three years ago our multi-generational family decided to go on an adventure. We had talked about moving to the woods for years, but finally decided to turn our dreams into reality. After hiking through what felt like every property for sale over 100 acres in North Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, we finally found the perfect spot. Why do we call our property Whippoorwill Woods? Did you know that whippoorwills don’t nest in trees? They lay their eggs on the ground in the forest. They’re birds that love camping! As soon as we heard the whippoorwills start singing in the spring, we knew it was the perfect name. We’re so excited to share our property with campers who love nature as much as we do. We specifically set up the campsites to give as much privacy as possible. We hope you’ll come visit and soak up the bird songs, the wind in the trees, and the beautiful sunsets over the mountains. We have 20 acres of savannah grassland full of native plants and wildflowers and over 80 untouched acres full of awesome rock formations and creeks with waterfalls available for you to hike. There's a stocked fish pond for catch and release fishing and a gorgeous view overlooking the Cumberland Plateau and the Sherwood Valley. Experienced and beginner campers are welcome! We live on one side of the property, so we’re available to assist (setting up tents for the first few times is no joke!) or we’re happy to give you as much space and solitude as you need. We have three campsites available in the native savannah grassland, and one that is a "hike-in and choose your favorite spot in the woods" site. We have a porta-potty available, but if you're hiking in, you'll want to bring some WAG bags with you. If you have any questions, or if there’s anything we can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask! We look forward to your visit! The Jansohn and Combs Families

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Farm @ Chickamauga Battlefield

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Chickamauga, GA

Immerse Yourself in Nature at Our Permaculture Farm Escape the ordinary and experience the magic of our permaculture farm. Nestled on 20 serene acres, our property offers a unique blend of history, nature, and sustainable living. + our 100's of barn swallows will keep your outdoor experience mosquito free! Your Stay: * Yurt: Our cozy yurt accommodates up to 6 guests and features a wood-burning stove for chilly nights and electricity to keep your devices charged * Campsites: Pitch your tent on one of our spacious campsites, perfect for groups of 2-20+. Farm Life: * Permaculture Paradise: Explore our thriving permaculture systems, including terraced gardens, forest gardens, worm farms, and rotational grazing. * Animal Encounters: Feed our friendly pigs, rabbits, ducks, geese, and chickens. * Outdoor Adventures: Hike, bike, or horseback ride at the historic Chickamauga Battlefield. 3,900+ acres located across the street. * Relaxation: Unwind by the pond, roast marshmallows over the fire pit, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. Amenities: * Composting Outhouse * Fire Pits * Axe Throwing * Yard Games Book your stay today and discover the beauty of sustainable living.

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Covenant View Camp and Retreat

36 sites · Lodging, Tents70 acres · Wildwood, GA

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.

The best camping near Little River Canyon National Preserve guide

Overview

About

This little river has a bit of everything for an adventurer and a family. Scenic views atop Lookout Mountain let you see the surrounding countryside and leave you in awe of nature's wonder. The meandering river has a waterfall, tide pools and bluffs overlooking the waterway. Pick a spot, any spot, in this nature preserve to have an afternoon picnic or an all-day hike.

Start your exploration at Little River Falls, a picturesque and tranquil area in the northern part of the park. This is where the canyon begins. The boardwalk overlook gives you a close-up view of the falls and the surrounding hillsides. The falls are great to see any time of year, but the autumn foliage makes this waterway sparkle from October into November.

If you fancy a scenic drive rather than a hike, follow route 176 along the western border of the preserve. Trees line some of the routes, so a canopy of color awaits you if you choose to drive. In the summer, the trees offer shade. Several scenic overlooks give you majestic views of the canyon below, so drive slowly and pull over to enjoy the splendor of the area. Overlooks are great places to eat lunch.

Little River Canyon is only open during daylight hours, so you should find a campsite somewhere nearby. The Fort Payne area has plenty of things to do aside from the natural wonder of the canyon, which means there are many prime camping spots in northeastern Alabama.

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9 ratings · 6 reviews