Maclellan Island- An Urban Oasis
Hosted by Chattanooga · Chattanooga, Tennessee
2 sites · Tent · 19 acres
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This Hipcamp is accessible by boat.
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Reviews
92% Recommend55 ratings · 27 reviews
Maclellan Island offers a unique camping experience, where the seclusion of a heavily forested island meets the convenience of city proximity. Campers appreciate the novelty of kayaking to the island and having the entire place to themselves. While many enjoy the maintained campsites and trails, the presence of poison ivy and some areas needing better upkeep are noted drawbacks. Despite some challenges accessing the island, the opportunity for urban birdwatching and enjoying views of downtown Chattanooga make it a popular choice.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Rain Shadow Campsite
Very unique camping area. Will be dry in the most drenching downpour.
R
Robert David S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Rain Shadow Campsite
Really fun camp spot, very adventurous. 10 out of 10 experience.
O
Owen S.
4 months on Hipcamp
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.
D
Derek S.
2 years on Hipcamp
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.
T
Teal T.
2 years on Hipcamp
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
T
Taylor L.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2022
Tent ·
Paddle Campsite
What a great experience kayaking to an island and camping overnight!
T
Thomas S.
3 years on Hipcamp
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
J
Jeffrey G.
3 years on Hipcamp
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.
Stephen U.
2 reviews
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.
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Wes B.
3 years on Hipcamp
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!
K
Kaitlyn B.
3 reviews
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.
Ashley P.
3 years on Hipcamp
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.
T
Thomas S.
2 reviews
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!
B
Bud W.
3 years on Hipcamp
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.
Kenneth M.
3 years on Hipcamp
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.
H
Hannah W.
2 reviews
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.
Shawn N.
2 reviews
Clean camp sight with plenty of privacy and clear paths to drag up your kayaks!
K
Kristen A.
4 years on Hipcamp
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!
D
David T.
4 years on Hipcamp
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!
Josh S.
4 years on Hipcamp
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.
D
Danique T.
4 years on Hipcamp
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.
N
Nicholas P.
5 years on Hipcamp
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.
M
Michael B.
5 years on Hipcamp
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.
Lisa W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2020
Group trip ·
Paddle Campsite
This was an amazing experience! Highly recommend!
Sydney L.
5 years on Hipcamp
We enjoyed ourselves. Since there is a healthy racoon population, we canoed to the island, set up camp, then canoed to the mainland to eat. We tied up our snacks in the middle of two ropes so the racoons could not reach them. We hiked the next morning all around the island. We brought 3 children and had a great time. We did not see any excessive trash anywhere. The bathroom spot near the campsite we never found so bring a shovel. We rented canoes from such a helpful company. Shawn at 423-653-4845 helped us with those and gave us many tips. His rates were very reasonable.
A
Andrea H.
5 years on Hipcamp
We had a good time, and it was definitely a unique experience. The campsites were pretty cool, but unfortunately people do not treat the island well. Lots of people come hang out on and around it during the weekend. There was a very loud group of men who anchored at the inlet near our campsite and kept us up. We did have a nice camp set up including both tents and hammocks, as well as an already established fire pit. However, neither the pit toilet or the shelter feel safe. Overall a cool spot but needs better maintenance/enforcement.
A
Abigail S.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2019
Group trip ·
Paddle Campsite
Good camping spot at the back of the island (north east side) There were hikers walking around, and could not find the “facilities” because of the growth. Current was also stronger than expected
A
Andrea C.
6 years on Hipcamp
Location
Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Chattanooga Audubon Society .
Joined in May 2019Things to do nearby
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