image

Harrison Bay State Park Tennessee (TN) RV Rentals

RV Rentals Dates
Home / National & State Park Guides / State Parks /  Harrison Bay State Park

Looking for RV rentals, camper van rentals or travel trailer rentals near Harrison Bay State Park?


Introduction

Harrison Bay State Park is an excellent spot for RV camping due to its rich history, cultural significance, and unique natural features. Established in the 1930s, the park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. The park’s landscape was shaped by the Chickamauga Dam’s construction, which created a stunning reservoir and the picturesque Harrison Bay. The park’s natural beauty includes lush forests, diverse wildlife, and stunning views of the water.

The park’s weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 80s, depending on the season. However, RV renters should be aware of potential thunderstorms during the spring and summer months and take necessary precautions to protect their vehicles. RV renters can enjoy a variety of activities at the park, including fishing, boating, hiking, and birdwatching. The park’s peak season for visiting is during the summer months when families and outdoor enthusiasts flock to the area to take advantage of the park’s amenities.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Harrison Bay State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Harrison Bay State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

View more RV Rentals

Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

Harrison Bay State Park offers several transportation options for visitors. Private vehicles are the most common mode of transportation and the park has multiple entrances to accommodate them. Visitors can access the park from Highway 58 or Highway 60 with clear signage directing them to the park’s entrances. Rig size restrictions apply with a maximum length of 50 feet for RVs. Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website for specific restrictions and guidelines before arriving.

  • Parking area

RV parking is available in designated areas throughout Harrison Bay State Park. Overnight parking is restricted to these areas only. RV camping is a popular option for exploring the park but using alternative transportation such as biking or hiking is recommended for getting around.

  • Public Transportation

Harrison Bay State Park offers several transportation options for visitors. Shuttle buses run throughout the park during peak season and walking paths are available for those who prefer to explore on foot.

Top Campsites in Harrison Bay State Park

  • Reservations camping

The most popular campsites near Harrison Bay State Park that require reservations are

Harrison Bay Campground

This is the largest campground within the park offering 128 sites with electric and water hookups. It’s situated near the marina and picnic areas making it a perfect spot for outdoor activities like boating fishing and hiking. The campground has modern amenities such as laundry facilities hot showers and a camp store. It’s pet-friendly and open year-round catering to RVs up to 40 feet in length.

Chickamauga Campground

Located just 10 miles away from Harrison Bay this campground has 61 sites with full hookups including electric water and sewer. It’s nestled in a peaceful wooded area providing a serene atmosphere for campers. The campground offers amenities like a swimming pool playground and a camp store. It’s open from April to October and welcomes pets. RVs up to 45 feet are permitted.

Raccoon Mountain Campground

This campground is approximately 15 miles from Harrison Bay and has 53 full hookup sites including electric water and sewer. It’s located near the Raccoon Mountain Caverns and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The campground features amenities like a swimming pool laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. It’s open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs up to 40 feet are allowed.

Lookout Mountain / Chattanooga West KOA

This KOA is about 20 miles from Harrison Bay and has 140 sites with full hookups including electric water and sewer. It’s situated at the base of Lookout Mountain and offers amenities such as a swimming pool hot tub mini-golf course and a dog park. The campground is open year-round and welcomes pets. RVs up to 70 feet are permitted.

  • First-come first-served

First-come-first-served campgrounds in Harrison Bay State Park include

Harrison Bay primitive campground

This campground has 33 sites available on a first-come first-served basis with no hookups. It’s ideal for campers seeking a more rustic experience. The campground is open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 25 feet are allowed.

Group Camp

This area has 11 sites available for group camping on a first-come first-served basis. It can accommodate up to 60 people and offers picnic tables grills and a pavilion. The group camp is open from April to October and is pet-friendly.

Backcountry camping

There are several backcountry campsites available in Harrison Bay State Park for those who wish to hike in and camp. These sites are located along the park’s trails and require a permit. Pets are allowed and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. The sites are available year-round.

  • Alternate camping

Alternative camping options near Harrison Bay State Park include

Private campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds in the area such as Harrison Bay RV Resort and Lookout Mountain Campground. These campgrounds offer various amenities including full hookups Wi-Fi and recreational facilities. They cater to RVs of different sizes and are pet-friendly.

Backcountry camping

For those seeking a more adventurous experience backcountry camping is available in nearby Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Campers must obtain a permit and follow Leave No Trace principles. Pets are allowed and the sites are accessible year-round.

  • General activities

Harrison Bay State Park is a haven for outdoorsy RV campers who enjoy recreational activities. Hiking is by far the most popular activity in the park with over 20 miles of trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding forests. The Bay Point Loop Trail is a favorite among hikers as it winds through the park’s scenic woodlands and provides access to the park’s marina.

Fishing is another popular activity at Harrison Bay with several fishing piers and boat ramps located throughout the park. The park is home to several species of fish including bass catfish and crappie. The park’s marina also offers fishing boat rentals for those who don’t have their own.

Biking is a great way to explore Harrison Bay’s many trails and scenic roads. The park’s bike trails offer a range of difficulty levels from easy to challenging and provide stunning views of the lake and forests. The park’s paved roads are also popular with cyclists as they offer a smooth and scenic ride.

Camping is a popular activity at Harrison Bay with several RV campsites located throughout the park. The park’s campsites offer easy access to the lake and the park’s many trails making it an ideal base camp for outdoor adventures.

Water sports are also popular at Harrison Bay with opportunities for swimming kayaking and paddleboarding. The park’s marina offers rentals for kayaks and paddleboards making it easy for visitors to get out on the water and enjoy the lake’s calm waters.

  • Alternative activities

For those who prefer less strenuous activities Harrison Bay State Park still has plenty to offer. One popular option is sightseeing with several scenic overlooks located throughout the park. The park’s Visitor Center offers maps and information on the best spots to view the park’s natural beauty.

Nature watching is another popular activity with several species of birds and wildlife calling the park home. The park’s woodlands and wetlands provide ample opportunities for birdwatching while the park’s lake is a popular spot for viewing waterfowl.

Instagram-worthy photo opportunities are plentiful at Harrison Bay with several picturesque spots located throughout the park. The park’s iconic lighthouse located on the shore of the lake is a favorite among photographers as is the park’s scenic boardwalk.

Picnicking is a popular activity at Harrison Bay with several picnic areas located throughout the park. The park’s picnic areas offer stunning views of the lake and are a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

Finally the park’s many educational programs offer a unique opportunity to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history. The park’s rangers offer guided hikes and programs on topics ranging from birdwatching to local history.

Season-specific experiences in Harrison Bay State Park

  • Spring activities

Springtime at Harrison Bay State Park is a wonderful time for RV campers to enjoy various recreational activities. One popular attraction is the Harrison Bay Fishing Marina where campers can rent boats and fishing equipment to catch a variety of fish species in the park’s lake. The marina is located on the eastern shore of the lake near the park’s campgrounds.

Another must-see landmark is the Harrison Bay Civilian Conservation Corps Museum which showcases the history of the park’s development during the Great Depression. The museum is located near the park’s entrance and offers exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.

For those who enjoy hiking the Bear Trace Trail is a scenic and moderately challenging hike that winds through the park’s forests and offers stunning views of the lake. The trailhead is located near the park’s nature center.

Birdwatching is another popular activity during the spring as the park is home to over 200 species of birds. The Harrison Bay Birding Trail is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through some of the park’s best birdwatching spots.

Finally the Harrison Bay Disc Golf Course is a fun and challenging recreational activity that offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests. The course is located near the park’s campgrounds.

  • Summer activities

Summer is an exciting time for RV campers at Harrison Bay State Park with a variety of recreational activities and landmarks to explore. One popular attraction is the Harrison Bay Beach which offers swimming sunbathing and picnicking opportunities. The beach is located on the western shore of the lake and is easily accessible from the park’s campgrounds.

Another must-see landmark is the Harrison Bay Observatory which offers stargazing programs and planetarium shows for visitors. The observatory is located near the park’s nature center.

For those who enjoy water sports the park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals as well as guided tours of the lake. The boat rental facility is located near the Harrison Bay Fishing Marina.

Hiking is also popular during the summer with several scenic trails that offer views of the park’s forests and wildlife. The Harrison Bay Lakeshore Trail is a moderately challenging hike that follows the shoreline of the lake.

Finally the Harrison Bay Campground offers a variety of recreational activities for campers including volleyball courts horseshoe pits and a playground. The campground is located near the park’s entrance and offers full hookups for RVs.

  • Fall activities

Fall in Harrison Bay State Park is a magical time with its vibrant foliage and crisp air. Here are five recreational activities landmarks and famous attractions that draw RV campers to this beautiful park during the fall season.

Hiking

Harrison Bay has over 20 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging that offer breathtaking views of the park’s forests wetlands and the Tennessee River. The Bay Point Loop Trail is a popular choice with its stunning views of the lake and wildlife sightings.

Fishing

The park is home to a variety of fish species including bass crappie and catfish making it a popular destination for anglers. The marina at Harrison Bay offers boat rentals and fishing supplies.

Birdwatching

Harrison Bay is a haven for birdwatchers with over 200 species of birds including the majestic bald eagle spotted in the park. The Harrison Bay Birding Trail is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts.

Historic Site

The Chickamauga Dam located on the Tennessee River was built during the Great Depression and is a fascinating piece of history. Visitors can take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its construction and importance to the region.

Fall Festival

The annual Fall Festival at Harrison Bay State Park is a beloved tradition with live music arts and crafts food vendors and hayrides. The festival takes place in late October and is a great way to celebrate the fall season.

  • Winter activities

Winter is a peaceful and serene time at Harrison Bay State Park with its snow-covered landscapes and quiet beauty. Here are five recreational activities landmarks and famous attractions that draw RV campers to this beautiful park during the winter season.

Hiking

While some trails may be closed due to snow there are still several miles of hiking trails that remain open during the winter season offering a unique and peaceful experience for hikers.

Wildlife Viewing

Winter is a great time to see wildlife in the park including deer turkeys and owls. The park’s wetlands are also a popular spot for birdwatching.

Ice Fishing

When the lake freezes over ice fishing becomes a popular activity at Harrison Bay. Anglers can catch a variety of fish including crappie and bluegill.

Historic Site

The Harrison Bay Civilian Conservation Corps Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. The museum tells the story of the CCC which played a vital role in the development of the park during the 1930s.

Winter Camping

For those who love camping year-round Harrison Bay offers winter camping for RVs. The park’s campsites offer electric hookups and there are heated bathhouses available for campers. Winter camping is a unique and memorable experience that allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the park during the winter season.

View more RV Rentals
(Limited time offer expires soon)
Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*
(Limited time offer expires soon)
Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*