- Chattanooga
Maclellan Island- An Urban Oasis
Hosted by Chattanooga · Chattanooga, Tennessee
2 sites · Tent · 24 acres
Boat-in
This Hipcamp is accessible by boat.
Select a site
Tent-only sites
2 sites
Paddle Campsite
91%
(57)Boat access only
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Rain Shadow Campsite
100%
(6)Boat access only
Campfires allowed
Reviews
92% Recommend64 ratings · 33 reviews
Camping on this island offers a rare mix of seclusion and urban convenience. Many campers enjoyed the unique experience of being close to the city yet surrounded by nature, with pleasant views and opportunities for kayaking. However, some campers noted challenges like poison ivy, mosquitoes, and the occasional noise from city traffic, which might detract from the overall experience. While the campsite generally feels safe and well-maintained, the presence of other visitors and the lack of clear paths can be a concern for some.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· October 2026
Tent ·
Rain Shadow Campsite
Great place.
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent ·
Paddle Campsite
We stayed at the paddle campsite and I enjoyed every minute of it (besides the mosquitoes, but once we started a fire they were gone. However, if you're not planning to make a fire, bring some kinda bug spray. Otherwise it's an amazing location. Magically beautiful and I felt safe.
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
Rain Shadow Campsite
The island was very well kept. I camped alone and felt very safe the entire time. Lots of foot traffic during the day with people visiting. Need an easier way to get up from the waters edge. That drop off is no joke!
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Rain Shadow Campsite
We had a blast! The kiddos loved the goats! It was so pretty and the bridge was a lifesaver when it started raining.
Mixed feelings
· June 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Paddle Campsite
The island is amazing. Such a unique experience. My kids loved every minute of it.
But I got a very “locals only” vibe being out there and camping. There were several groups that came to the island and all were very polite and kind, but they looked at us with expressions that made me feel like I had crossed some invisible line.
We camped under the bridge. The kids thought it was the coolest spot. Many of those visitors walked right through the camp. There isn’t really any way around it. And I did not sleep well because I was on constant alert for someone else to come walking through.
I probably wouldn’t go back for those reasons, but if neither of those things bother you, it is a beautiful place. Such a unique experience to be on such a large island in the middle of a city. It is so deliberately maintained to try and make it as healthy and natural as possible.
Best camping experience we’ve had. We stayed at the Paddle Campsite and loved being able to dock the boat just steps from our site. It truly felt like the best of both worlds, the island is right downtown, so we could enjoy the city during the day and then head back to a secluded camping experience surrounded by nature.
You do hear some traffic, but honestly we loved the mix of distant city sounds while listening to birds in this beautiful green oasis.
The outhouse privy was clean and well maintained. One tip: there isn’t much campsite signage and no lights, so arrive while it’s still plenty light out to make finding your site easy.
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Rain Shadow Campsite
Very unique camping area. Will be dry in the most drenching downpour.
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Rain Shadow Campsite
Really fun camp spot, very adventurous. 10 out of 10 experience.
Recommends
· September 2023
Tent ·
Paddle Campsite
I enjoyed tent camping on the island. It was a novel experience and the signs and clear trails on the island made it easy to navigate once I landed on the shore with my kayak. Surprisingly quiet of urban noise inspite of being in the middle of a city.
Mixed feelings
· July 2023
Tent · Group trip ·
Paddle Campsite
River bank is flanked with poison ivy as is the entire island. It’s a lovely island but the poison ivy coverage kept us from camping.
Recommends
· June 2023
Tent ·
Paddle Campsite
Loved the island. The campsites are pretty well maintained and secluded. It’s pretty awesome that you get the whole island with the reservation too. Will definitely be going back
Recommends
· September 2022
Tent ·
Paddle Campsite
What a great experience kayaking to an island and camping overnight!
Recommends
· August 2022
Tent · Group trip ·
Paddle Campsite
The site worked well for my son and I who came in kayaks. There was a picnic table and fire pit and nearby privy which were all in good order. There was room for about 5 tents
We stayed at the "Paddle Camp" on the east end of the island and liked it. There was not very much noise from the road compared to other areas of the island, and the campsite felt a bit more undisturbed. It was our first time and we arrived at the island late at night so we were not exactly sure where to enter. Comments had said not to use the boat ramp, but it would have been fine to go there. The Desert campsite under the Veteran Memorial bridge seems to be the most established area, protected from the rain and with a large cleared out area. Next time, I will probably paddle up to where the Bridge support beam meets the island on the south side. There was a little area to pull in and the campsite would only be 50 yards away. There are currently a few trees blocking the walking paths between the Paddle Camp and Desert Camp. Nothing impassible, but we had to climb over a few logs.
Beautiful little island tucked in the heart of downtown with incredible views of the bluffs and sunset. Campsite is clear and well maintained. They just put in a composting toilet nearby. Only accessible from the Tn River.
Recommends
· June 2022
Tent · Group trip ·
Paddle Campsite
This is a beautiful destination with a rare mixture of natural seclusion and urban convenience. The island is heavily forested and the trails, sites and facilities are well-maintained. The journey from the north shore to the island was easy on SUPs and kayaks. The birdwatching was great, too!
We tried multiple times to access the island and find the campsite. The side of the island notated to have a “beach” had instead a very steep mud slide into the water. Couldn’t even stand with out slipping back down into the water. We could not locate anywhere not overgrown enough to place a tent. When we did access the island through the small dock. I tried calling your office Sunday to get more exact information on finding the campsites advertised. Someone answered and laid the phone down. I could hear them speaking in the background. I tried shouting hoping they would hear me and pick the receiver back up, to no avail. I called back twice. I left 2 messages asking for a call back to discuss the refund of the camping fee and I still have not been contacted. Renting out the island definitely sounds like a fun and exciting adventure if there were more care put into the property. I understand trying to preserve that natural state of the island but if you’re going to allow people to stay it should be taken better care of so people don’t feel like they’re getting ripped off like we did.
Recommends
· April 2022
Tent · Group trip ·
Paddle Campsite
We camped at the "Paddle Camp" site, which was beautiful. Great place for a group with 1-3 tents. We had a great time!
There was some road noise from the bridge running over the island, but not enough to be disruptive.
Beautiful spot. Had the whole place to myself. Although you can definitely hear the city noise, the chorus of almost constant birdsongs overwhelm it.
Campsite was easy to find as were the trails.
Highly recommend!
If you like poison ivy and mosquitoes, this is the place for you. Seriously, you know what you're getting into when you book this, and it's not comfort. The incongruity of sleeping rough on an island literally in city center was an experience I couldn't pass up. Portage your boat to the campsite as my kayak came up missing one morning and I had to swim to Coolidge Park. No worries and no regrets.
Not recommend
· September 2021
Group trip ·
Paddle Campsite
The island was beautiful, secluded, and fairly clean. Howevee, getting there was quite a pain and staying for more than one night just isnt worth the trouble of lugging all that stuff across the river. We enjoyed the island very much but i dont think it is something we would do again without a boat that has a motor.
Reserving the island was a breeze 9n thr website.
Everything on thr island was as expected.b maybe think about boat/kayak rental for those who would like to enjoy yhe island but have no vessel to get there in.
Clean camp sight with plenty of privacy and clear paths to drag up your kayaks!
It was a great weekend of photography and relaxation. Some cool pics of downtown that you can’t get from anywhere else. Traveled by kayak from Coolidge Park. Good times! Loved it!
Recommends
· June 2021
Group trip ·
Paddle Campsite
Nice place to camp! Especially if you are not into crowds like most of the other camp grounds You are surrounded by other campers . I think taking a boat would be your best option for getting yourself and supplies there though. I took my jet skis so the tent and cooler was a little bit of a pain next time I will use my boat because I plan to camp here again. Thank you!
Cool island. Camp site was nice. Too bad there was some trash on the island here and there. Would be nice if there was a general cleanup once in a while. It’s nice for one night but I wouldn’t stay any longer. Well worth the 25 dollars. We enjoyed our time there.
Maclellen Island is a favorite campsite of ours because of the location and exclusivity of having the whole island to yourself. The view of downtown Chattanooga is beautiful at night.
The island has potential to be a great attraction but is currently in need of some work. Clearing an area for another campsite on the west end of the island would allow for group to see the spectacular views all night.
We enjoyed the camp at Maclellan Island. We explored along the trail. It still does need some upkeep. The Camp area was not marked. I knew where to paddle to from info I received from the Chatt Audubon Society. But there needs to be a marker posted there. Pretty quiet camp being close to downtown. We had to paddle upriver a mile to get there. The closer you get to island...the stronger the current is for sure.
The island has not been kept up. There is poison ivy everywhere. There is no sign to point to where you stay. There was no beach area as described. The banks were either very high or washed out. One end of the island was completely inhabited by birds which was beautiful - but it smelled horrible. There were many makeshift fire pits directly under the bridge and trash everywhere, giving the appearance of a party site. Many many boats were docked at the island. Not to mention you have to travel upstream with your gear in very turbulent water. We were not able to find the camp spot and ended up going back to the dock and never stayed on the island for more than 20 minutes. Very disappointed and traveled a ways to get there.
Recommends
· May 2020
Group trip ·
Paddle Campsite
This was an amazing experience! Highly recommend!
Location
Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking