The best camping in Harrison Bay State Park, TN

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Camper favorites near Harrison Bay State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

The Falls at Sewanee Creek

98%
(681)
33mi from Harrison Bay State Park · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tracy City, TN
45 private acres on our homestead for you to roam. Eight eclectic sites to choose from ranging from primitive camping to a lovely log cabin. All except the log cabin lovingly built by the owner, loaded with creative touches from up-purposed materials. Featuring: * Two gorgeous waterfalls. Each of our stay-sites are located within about 100 yards of Fifty-foot tall Miller’s Falls. * Two large caves at the end of a short, but rugged hike. * A fairy Village filled with Hollow Oak Tree Fairy cottages and bio-luminescent trees that glow after dark. Magical. * Three acres for group camping centered on a well-equipped, covered outdoor kitchen. * Peaceful Meditation Retreats at the Outdoor Kitchen under brain-wave enhancing satellite dishes. * Certified Hypnotherapy Disclaimer: The flow of the waterfall is subject to fluctuations in temperature, seasonal droughts, & rain fall. The most favorable seasons for waterfall flow are fall, winter & early spring. We came to this magical place to found a self-reliant, homesteading eco-community when I retired from corporate life in 2006. It's called the Village on Sewanee Creek, named for the creek 800 feet below the bluff where we are located. I traveled the world as a senior executive for Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts, Papa Johns, Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and other retail franchises, making the world safe for Pizza, Ice Cream, Pancakes Video Rentals and American convenience. And I was ready for something more fufilling. I scouted for a place of exquisite natural beauty and I found it here. I bought way too much land just before the real estate bust and learned how to turn a nice fortune into a very small one. I faced challenges and had lots of fun. Now I want to share our experience. If you love nature and the outdoors, this is the best place to celebrate it.
Pets
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from 
$36
 / night

Starr Mountain Camp

100%
(2)
43mi from Harrison Bay State Park · 8 sites · RVs · Tellico Plains, TN
Starr Mountain Camp is a private and quiet 9 acre, six site mini camp surrounded by nature. Each site provides an all-season, beautiful view of Starr Mountain and full hook up water, electric, septic and Wi-fi service. A short walk on the property, nearby the sites are Powdermill Branch Creek and Consauga Creek. Enjoy a cup of coffee listening to the birds, lounging by the shaded creek in the hammock and you may spot a deer or other wildlife. It’s a magnificent spot for stargazing and a perfect spot for rest and relaxation by campfire. Starr Mountain Camp is conveniently located 9 minutes from downtown Tellico Plains where you will find restaurants such as Peach Street Grill and Senor Lopez. In downtown Tellico Plains, you will also find Tellico Grains Bakery, Tellico Goods and Gear, Tellico Outfitters, The Bookshelf bookstore and other shopping options. The Blue Line Grill is also a delicious option if you are looking for a good burger. If you are looking for adventure in nature in the Appalachian Mountains, the Cherohala Skyway, Indian Boundary Lake, Bald River Falls, Tellico River, Big Bear tubing, Citico Creek, and other scenic waterfalls and hiking trails are a short drive away. The Lost Sea underground cave and lake adventure is a 24 minute drive, Fort Loudon State Historic Park is a 36 minute drive, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are located nearby as well. If you are looking an adventure in the city, Knoxville is located an hour drive east and Chattanooga is located an hour drive west. Pigeon Forge is located 1.5 hours away, Gatlinburg is located 2 hours away, Cades Cove is located 2 hours away, and Newfound Gap and Kuwohi (Clingman’s Dome) in the Great Smoky Mountains are located about 2.5 hours away. Bryson City, NC is located 2 hours away. There is so much to do if you are looking for an adventure! Access the Starr Mountain Camp entrance off Mecca Pike, just west of Daugherty Springs Rd across from Shady Grove Church and Cemetery and one-way pull through exit onto Daughtery Springs Rd at the end of your stay. Site 1 is situated on the top level layout and ideal for larger campers and trailers. Site 2 and 3 are situated on the middle level layout and ideal for mid-sized campers and trailers. Site 4, 5, and 6 are situated on the lower level layout and ideal for mid-sized and smaller-sized campers and trailers. There is no community bathhouse. All ages are welcome. Pets on leash are welcome. Check in time is 11 AM and Check out time is 4 PM but ask the host if you need accommodations on check in or check out timing. Quiet period between 10 PM and 7 AM and peace and rest for all is a priority at our mini camp. Host family asks that you keep the property in the same state that you found it, so please pick up your trash and animal droppings. Please do not chop down any trees or branches or affix anything foreign to them and do not leave any items in the creek. There are no fish in the property creek but Tellico River is ideal and just a short drive away. Vehicle parking is located just off Site 1 on the Mecca Pike side so you can enjoy an unobstructed view mountain view. One vehicle is recommended but ask host for accommodations if a second vehicle is needed. About your Host: Starr Mountain Camp is family operated and lives on the property. The Newman family hosts have a deep love and respect for our savior Jesus Christ, the United States of America, and public safety service. Your Host's have a combined public safety service of 30 years. A peaceful and quiet stay for our guests is a host priority. Active and retired law enforcement officers are welcome for a well-deserved restful stay!!! Host is available at all times by text or call. Host observes the Lord’s Day so please text or call on Sundays only if there is an urgent, immediate matter. Out of privacy, please do not walk up to the host family house unless invited. With full appreciation for having a restful stay, the Host provides the amenity of grocery shopping for the guest with a small fee and please text if you are interested. Welcome and please enjoy your stay!
Pets
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from 
$32
 / night

Rolling Ridge Stays

99%
(103)
40mi from Harrison Bay State Park · 3 sites · Lodging · 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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from 
$64
 / night

Running Water Creek

84%
(337)
24mi from Harrison Bay State Park · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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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from 
$26
 / night

Elk Head Overlook

95%
(317)
42mi from Harrison Bay State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Pelham, TN
**Please note the address is 9665 SR 50, Pelham, TN 37301** The best part about this site are the views! Relax on the side of the Cumberland Plateau while overlooking Burroughs Cove and the Elk River. You can see the camp sites from the main road, so there will be some road noise. Sites 1/2 are hard/large graveled, tent camping will be very challenging, heavy duty tent stakes are highly recommended with mats/padding. There is an electrical box at each end of the hard graveled parking areas (Sites 1 and 2) with 20- and 30-amp plugs, plus 110v. If the power is not working, please check the panel and turn on/reset the breakers, many of our guests turn them off when departing. If you are at Site #2 and the steps above do not work, please check/do the same at the Site #1 panel (it is the master power source). Water is NOT available on site. NOTE: Depending on the time of year (warmer months only) a water container with a limited amount of NON-POTABLE water is on site for your use. Please plan on filling your water reservoir(s) PRIOR to arriving. There is an outhouse for all guests, picnic tables and fire rings for Sites 1 and 2. The camping area is fairly close to SR-50 so please expect to hear some road noise, more so in the winter months. The entrance/driveway is on a small incline, if you are traveling in a light vehicle and a heavy camper, it's best to maintain a slow and steady speed to the camp site (for almost everyone, this is not an issue). If you are towing a camper, we recommend the total length of the vehicle and the trailer not exceeding 30ft, There is not a significant place to "turn around" at the sites and novice drivers (not used to backing out of tight spots with longer rigs) may find this very challenging. There is a double gate that is usually closed, and latched so it stays closed, it is not "locked". The site is self-serve (not manned), Site #1 is to the left, Site #2 is to the right, and Site #3 is down the path past the outhouse at the bottom of the path. It is recommended that campers set up early for Site 3 (still daylight) to get an idea of the layout. Parking for Site #3 is by the shed at the main entrance and power is not available at the site.
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from 
$38
 / night

Deer Valley RV Park

96%
(84)
33mi from Harrison Bay State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Chatsworth, GA
Deer Valley RV Park - Chatsworth, Georgia Deer Valley RV Park is a touch of country in the city. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Deer Valley RV Park offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. Located in the heart of Chatsworth, Georgia, this park provides easy access to local shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want the best of both worlds. Deer Valley is on county land tucked away but with access to local creature comforts to make your stay effortlessly relaxing! We are committed to easy in and easy out service. Deer Valley RV Park features spacious, well-maintained sites with full hookups, accommodating rigs of all sizes that rival larger RV camp spots. Guests can enjoy modern amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s proximity to hiking trails, waterfalls, and nearby attractions such as Fort Mountain State Park and the Cohutta Wilderness. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or an extended vacation, Deer Valley RV Park offers a welcoming atmosphere and a peaceful environment to relax and reconnect with nature.
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from 
$45
 / night

Hammock’Sway Private Off Grid Camp

98%
(533)
36mi from Harrison Bay State Park · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rock Island, TN
Get Lost or Find Yourself. Sway Camping is a private, Off Grid camping experience in Rock Island TN. Situated between Isha Yoga center, Fall Creek Falls, and Rock Island state park, this property is something special. Each campsite offers a private space perfect for getting away, or large enough for family and groups. Pet Friendly property with lots of room to be a part of nature along the beautiful Rocky River. Camp along the river or up in your own private forest. One of the darkest skies around so be ready for some stargazing at night by the fire. This is a property I purchased in 2018 to create a camping experience that reflected the image of camping as a kid. This isn’t a "hotel without walls" like state parks and KOA's/ This is real camping. No neighbors. No electric wires. Just nature and beauty in a quiet environment. Clothing optional sites available and great space for small events and large groups. Get lost or find yourself relaxing along the Rocky River. Stay in a hammock, a tent, camper, RV, or one of our cabins. Privacy and freedom is what we are about. Pet friendly camping that should be shared, but please don't tell everyone you know. Only your favorite people.. Then come camp!
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from 
$25
 / night

Other options near Harrison Bay State Park

The best camping in Harrison Bay State Park, TN guide

Overview

About

On the shores of the Chickamauga Lake, 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Harrison Bay State Park is surrounded by lush forested hills and serves as a haven for campers, boaters, and anglers. Hiking trails range from easy to moderate and include a 4.5-mile, multi-use loop trail that meanders along the shoreline. Golfers can tee off at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Trace course, then cool off in the open-air swimming pool. Harrison Bay Campground has 128 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups (a limited number can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet) and 27 primitive tent-only sites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Booking in advance is recommended and can be easily done online and up to one year in advance.
  2. Same-day booking is not available online, so you will have to call to book.
  3. Double-check your dates before booking—there’s a non-refundable booking fee.

When to go

Harrison Bay State Park is open year-round and great to visit at any time. Summer, when temperatures are typically in the high 80s, is peak season and the best time of year for cooling off in the lake or the seasonal, Olympic-sized, open-air swimming pool. Keen birdwatchers should consider visiting in the winter months when the lake is a haven for wintering waterfowl. 

Know before you go

  • Canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards can be rented by the hour, seasonally. 
  • Visit the camp store for last-minute snacks and supplies.
  • Free wifi is available in the campground.
  • Only certified, heat-treated firewood is allowed to enter the park as outside firewood.
92%
6 ratings · 1 review