So you're thinking about camping at Harrison Bay State Park? Good call. I've pitched my tent here maybe half a dozen times over the years, and let me tell you – it's one of those places that keeps drawing you back. The way the light hits Chickamauga Lake at sunset? Pure magic. But I've also had my share of frustrations, like that one rainy weekend when site 47 turned into a mud pit. I'll give you the real scoop so you don't make my mistakes.
Getting Down to Campsite Basics
First things first: Harrison Bay State Park Campground isn't some tiny patch of dirt. We're talking 40 miles of shoreline with over 120 campsites. The main decision? RV vs tent vs cabins. Each has its own vibe.
RV Camping: Where to Park Your Beast
Look, if you're rolling in with a 40-footer, you'll want the Harrison Bay RV sites near the marina. Sites 1-45 have 50-amp hookups and concrete pads. Pro tip: Book site 12 or 15 – they're pull-through and have killer lake views. Last summer I saw folks struggling to back into site 8 because of that awkward oak tree. Cost you ask? $32/night for standard, $37 for premium lakeside. Not terrible.
| Site Type | Best Sites | Hookups | Price Range | Why Pick These |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Lakeside (RV) | 12, 15, 22, 28 | Water/50-amp electric | $37/night | Direct water access, sunrise views |
| Standard RV | 5, 9, 33, 41 | Water/30-amp electric | $32/night | Quieter, more shade |
| Tent-Only | 63, 71, 78, 82 | None (water nearby) | $25/night | Secluded, wooded areas |
Tent Camping: Where to Find Solitude
The tent-only loop (sites 60-85) feels like a different world. My personal favorite is site 71 – tucked behind blackberry bushes with a private path to the water. Bring a good mattress though; the ground gets surprisingly rocky near site 68. They've got water spigots every 5 sites but zero electricity. $25/night feels fair until you realize showers cost extra ($1.50 for 5 minutes).
Cabins: When You Want Walls
Okay, I'll admit it – after that monsoon weekend, I caved and tried Cabin 3. These aren't luxury glamping pods, but the A/C works and kitchens have basic cookware. The screened porch saved us from mosquitos. Rates jump from $120-$145/night depending on season. Worth it if you hate dew-soaked sleeping bags.
Don't Miss These Activities
Most folks come for the water, and man does this park deliver. The marina rents pontoon boats ($180/half day) and kayaks ($15/hour). Last July we spotted bald eagles near the islands – bring binoculars!
Hiking Trails Worth Your Time
- Bay Point Loop (1.8 miles): Easy lakeside stroll. Best at dawn for deer sightings.
- Sinkhole Trail (3.2 miles): Moderate with weird geological formations. Gets muddy after rain.
- Hidden Hills (5.7 miles): Serious incline but panoramic views. Carry water – no fountains.
Fisherman's tip: The pier near campground loop B is great for catfish at dusk. Just watch for snapping turtles – lost a bluegill to one last fall.
Booking & Logistics: What They Don't Tell You
Reservations open 12 months ahead on ReserveAmerica. Summer weekends sell out by March. Here's what I wish I knew sooner:
Reality Check: The Harrison Bay State Park Campground map online lies about shade coverage. Sites labeled "wooded" near the playground (like 53-58) lost half their trees in that 2021 storm. Call the ranger station (423-344-6214) for current conditions.
Essential Packing List
Beyond your standard gear:
- Water shoes (rocky shorelines + zebra mussels)
- Industrial bug spray (Thermacell works best for site 70+)
- Extra-long extension cords (power posts are oddly placed)
- Cash for showers and firewood ($7/bundle at camp store)
Harrison Bay FAQs
Can you swim anywhere in the park?
Technically yes, but avoid the marina area – boat traffic gets hairy. The sandy cove near cabin 6 is safest for kids. No lifeguards though, ever.
Do RV sites have sewer hookups?
Only 18 sites do (mostly 20-30 range). The dump station near the entrance gets chaotic Sunday afternoons. Go before 10am.
Is there cell service?
Verizon works decently near the campground office. AT&T drops out past site 40. Don't rely on streaming – download movies beforehand.
Can you bring your own firewood?
Nope, thanks to emerald ash borers. Buy onsite or get certified bundles from the Exxon at Highway 58 and Harrison Bay Road.
The Not-So-Great Stuff
Let's be real: no place is perfect. The campground roads need repaving – potholes near loop C rattled my coffee cup right out of its holder last spring. And the raccoons? They're next-level burglars. We watched one unzip a cooler at site 89 like he'd trained at raccoon MIT.
Also, noise carries weirdly over water. That bachelor party at site 24 last June might as well have been in my tent. Spring for sites 90+ if you're light sleeper.
Local Eats & Supplies
Forgot ice? The camp store stocks basics but charges resort prices ($5 for a bag!). Better to hit Pruett's Market (15 mins south) for supplies. For post-camping burgers, Lakeshore Grill has dockside seating. Try the fried catfish – they source it locally.
Seasonal Secrets
October is the hidden gem month. Fewer boats on the lake, maples turning fire-red along the Sinkhole Trail. Just know the water taps get turned off November 1st. Winter camping exists but only 20 sites stay open. Saw negative reviews about frozen pipes – can confirm from my January experiment.
Why This Place Sticks With You
At the end of the day, Harrison Bay State Park Campground works because it's real. Not some manicured resort. You'll get muddy, you'll battle ants, you'll curse when your fish gets stolen by a turtle. But when you're sipping coffee watching mist rise off the bay? That's the stuff. Just maybe avoid site 47 when it rains.
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