When we stayed at Harrison Bay State Park just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, we discovered one of those special places that reinforces why we love camping in state parks. With scenic lakeside campsites, easy access to outdoor recreation, and nearby attractions, it struck the perfect balance between nature and convenience—all at a price that’s hard to beat.
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First Impressions of Harrison Bay State Park
The campground itself is well laid out, with plenty of big rig–friendly sites. Pulling our Class A motorhome in wasn’t stressful at all—a win in our book. Many of the sites back right up to the lake, giving you those picture-perfect sunrise and sunset views without even leaving your chair.
What stood out right away was how spacious and shaded the sites were. Mature hardwoods stretch overhead, offering natural cover from the sun and making the campground feel tucked into the forest. The mix of water views and wooded serenity is exactly the kind of setting that makes you want to sit outside with your morning coffee and just listen to the birds.
Things to Do in Harrison Bay State Park
We’re always looking for campgrounds that offer more than just a place to sleep, and Harrison Bay delivered.
- Hiking & Walking Trails – The park has several trails that wind through woodlands and along the shoreline. They’re not difficult, which makes them perfect for morning walks or evening strolls with Sierra.
- Fishing & Boating – Chickamauga Lake is a fisherman’s paradise. We saw plenty of anglers out chasing bass, crappie, and catfish. If you bring your kayak (or in our case, the Hobie Mirage Outback), you can paddle out and explore quiet coves.
- Wildlife Watching – This park is actually known for its Heron Rookery. We spotted great blue herons, ospreys, and a surprising number of deer wandering near the campground.
- Golf – Believe it or not, Harrison Bay has a Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course right on site. Not exactly something we took advantage of this time, but for RVers who golf, it’s a rare perk.
Exploring Beyond the Park
One of the best aspects of Harrison Bay is its proximity to Chattanooga. In less than half an hour, you can be in the heart of downtown exploring attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, Walnut Street Bridge, or grabbing some authentic southern barbecue. We love it when a campground gives us both the peace of nature and the option for a city day trip.
Campground Atmosphere
Even though it’s a popular park, it never felt overcrowded or noisy. Fellow campers were friendly, and the park had a laid-back vibe throughout. Families biked the loops, kids fished along the banks, and evenings were filled with campfires glowing against the lake.
Our Campsite – Campground A, Site 16
We stayed in Campground A, site 16, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The site was level, roomy, and offered enough shade to keep things comfortable throughout the day. The back-in gave us a good view of the lake through the trees, and it was just a short walk down to the water’s edge.
Campground A seemed especially suited for bigger rigs like our Class A motorhome. The spacing between sites gave us some privacy while still feeling part of the campground community. If you like being close to the water but also want a bit of shade, sites in this loop are worth seeking out.
Why We Love State Parks
One of the biggest reasons we choose state parks whenever possible is the value. Harrison Bay was no exception. For a reasonable nightly rate, we had a spacious site, beautiful scenery, access to hiking trails, and direct access to the lake. Compare that to private RV resorts, and the savings really add up—especially when you travel full-time like we do.
Beyond cost, state parks often provide a more natural, peaceful atmosphere. You’re not lined up in rows of concrete pads but instead surrounded by trees, wildlife, and open spaces. That’s what RV living is about for us, and Harrison Bay delivered.
Final Thoughts
Our stay at Harrison Bay State Park gave us exactly what we love about RV life: beautiful views, plenty to do, and a comfortable, shaded site to call home for a few nights. Adding in the day trips to Russell Cave, Rock City, and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park made this stop even more memorable.
If you’re RVing through Tennessee, Harrison Bay is a perfect example of the value state parks provide—a chance to connect with nature, explore history, and save money compared to private campgrounds. It’s a place we’d gladly return to.
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