Chattanooga is located in southeastern Tennessee, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and along the Tennessee River. Top attractions in the city include the Incline Railway, which allows you to take a steep trolley ride up to Lookout Mountain. This is where you can find Point Park, which is the site of a Civil War battle which you can learn more about during your visit by taking time to stop by the Battles of Chattanooga Museum.
Chattanooga is Tennessee’s fourth-largest city with a population of 181,099. It became a crucial city during the Civil War because of all of the railroads that went through the area. These railroads allowed Chattanooga to become one of the country’s largest industrial hubs in the southeast. Major industries that support the city today include automotive, food and beverage products, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and tourism. The city is still a major transportation hub with several interstate highways going through it, along with many railroad lines.
The Tennessee River divides Chattanooga. The city serves as a transition between the Ridge and Valley Appalachians and the Cumberland Plateau. It has been given the nickname “Scenic City” due to the beautiful ridges and valleys surrounding it. Chattanooga gained notoriety from Glen Miller's 1941 hit song Chatanooga Choo Choo.
There are many exciting things to do while visiting Chatanooga, such as the Tennesee Aquarium with its 9,000 animals on display. Racoon Mountain Caverns is well worth a visit to see the thousands of diverse formations and the area's tallest underground waterfall. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-see with restored locomotives and cars from the railroad's past on display. Chattanooga's notoriety as a railroad town was memorialized in Glen Miller's 1941 hit song, "Chatanooga Choo Choo".
Among the many excellent RV parks near Chattanooga to choose from, you’ll find Chester Frost Park Campground in nearby Hixson. This pet-friendly campground is located on the lovely Lake Chickamauga and has 175 sites. Guests can enjoy the three playgrounds, two tennis courts, and a volleyball court. Conveniences include a laundry facility, a dump station, and a pavilion. Daily rates start around $30.
Another popular RV campground near Chattanooga is at Harrison Bay State Park. This is the perfect campground for picnics, fishing, boating, and golf. Along with 128 sites, you'll appreciate the on-site camp store, dump station, and marina. Daily rates range from $14 to $35.
Camping World of Chattanooga is the ultimate RV park when it comes to convenience. It's located behind the Camping World store with 55 full hookup sites. At this facility, you'll have access to laundry, a dump station, an RV repair shop, and a staffed RV wash on the property. Cell reception, cable TV, and Wi-Fi are available.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only 107 miles from Chattanooga. It's the most visited national park in the country with rushing mountain streams, panoramic views, and wildlife that includes black bears, white-tailed deer, and elk. You can explore the park's 500,000 acres by hiking, biking, or driving along the park's scenic roads in your RV. The park straddles Tennessee and North Carolina with elevations ranging from 876 feet to an impressive 6,643 feet. The numerous hiking trails allow you to get up close to the lush forests and wildflowers that bloom throughout the year. Some of the best scenic views are found at Clingmans Dome's observation tower.
Mammoth Cave National Park is located 225 miles from Chattanooga, in Kentucky's rolling hills. Here, you’ll find the world’s longest-known cave system. It’s one of the country's oldest tourist attractions with 400 miles of explored caves. Ten miles of the caves are open to the public. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping are popular activities within this park.
Congaree National Park is 347 miles from Chattanooga in South Carolina, and is the home of the east coast's tallest trees. The name comes from the Native Americans that lived here. You'll find a wide range of areas to explore such as the hardwood forests, the Congaree River, and the swampy floodplains. The park's hiking trails are fairly easy to navigate due to the flat terrain.
Harrison Bay State Park is located 20 miles northeast of Chattanooga, on the 35,800-acre Chickamauga Lake. Harrison Bay State Park encompasses 40 miles of the lake's shoreline with 1,200 acres of developed land to enjoy. Visitors can take advantage of the lake's view, a professional-level golf course, and three hiking trails. Fishing enthusiasts can fish for bluegill, gar, crappie, bass, and catfish, while bird watchers will want to catch a glimpse of the eagles and osprey that call the park home.
Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of Georgia's largest and most scenic parks. You’ll find it at the edge of Chattanooga's Lookout Mountain. The thousand-foot canyons are the centerpiece of the park, but the caves, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs are just as stunning. There's a fishing pond with trout and bass, an 18-hole disc golf course, and caves that are open for exploring. Other activities include 30 miles of bike trails and hiking trails that range from a short overlook trail to the challenging Waterfalls Trail.
South Cumberland State Park encompasses 30,845 acres filled with cascading streams, waterfalls, rocky gorges, and amazing rock formations. All of this can be accessed by the twelve trailheads, and 90 miles of backpacking trails provide hikers with panoramic views. Start your visit at the visitor's center where the exhibits explain the area's history and wildlife. Guests will discover numerous activities to keep busy with, such as swimming in Grundy Lake or the splash pools and creeks throughout the park. Courts and fields are provided for volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, basketball, and baseball. Equipment can be rented in the park. There are also four party pavilions available and eight picnic areas with grills.
Russell Cave National Monument is located in northeastern Alabama. It is an archaeological site that allows visitors to learn about prehistoric people and their culture. The tribes that lived in this area from 10,000 BC to 1650 AD used the cave as protection and shelter, especially during the winter months. The forest was used for hunting, collecting materials they needed to make tools, gathering produce, and finding fuel for fires.
The Trial of Tears National Historic Trail allows you to follow the same trail that the Cherokee Native Americans hiked along when the federal government moved them to Oklahoma. After signing the 1835 Treaty of New Echota, more than 16,000 native American people from Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina were forced along this trail by militia. Over 1,000 of their people died during the journey. There are several spots along the Trail of Tears where you can learn more about this historical event.
Little River Canyon National Preserve is found in northeastern Alabama. It encompasses 15,288 acres on top of Lookout Mountain. Little River is the country's longest mountaintop river. It has carved-out canyons, valleys, and caverns that provide visitors with stunning vistas. You'll discover three waterfalls, as well as several languid pools of water that are used as swimming holes. Wildlife is abundant here. Many are protected species. Animals you may see in the area include bobcats, black bears, and otters, along with 147 species of birds and 40 species of fish.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest encompasses two national forests in northern Georgia. Chattahoochee's tall peaks are perfect for hiking, while Oconee has flatter land with small hills. Camping, boating, fishing, and swimming are all popular activities within the 886,468 acres. The forests have a variety of flora and fauna. You’ll find Japanese honeysuckle, wild cherry trees, and dogwood as you explore the area. The forests are home to 190 species of birds, and the waters are home to trout, bass, and catfish. When the sun goes down, the area is ideal for stargazing, as it's far from the urban lights.
The Nantahala National Forest includes 530,000 acres of southwestern North Carolina. Camping, fishing, and white-water rafting are popular activities here. Explore the forest from over 600 miles of hiking trails or by taking advantage of the scenic drives. You'll see a variety of plants like ferns, wildflowers, and wild blueberries. Wildlife you may spot includes white-tailed deer, beavers, and mountain lions. The area is known for its excellent trout fishing in the many lakes, rivers, and streams. Bird watchers will appreciate the endangered peregrine falcon that was brought to the forest in 1985.
In northwestern Alabama, you’ll find the 181,230 acres that make ups the William B. Bankhead National Forest. It’s known as the "Land of a Thousand Waterfalls". In addition to the many beautiful waterfalls, you’ll discover the Sipsey Fork Wild and Scenic River. Over 90 miles of trails include several separate hiking and equestrian paths. There’s even an ATV trail. Coyotes and timber wolves inhabit the higher ridges, while deer and squirrels can be found in the forest. Lake Lewis Smith is the perfect spot for fishing with plenty of bass, trout, crappie, and catfish.
When renting an RV in Chattanooga, TN, you can expect to pay about $250 a night for motorhomes and around $110 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Chattanooga, TN RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Chattanooga, TN?Chattanooga, TN has plenty of freeway access to make RV driving a breeze. The city also has plenty of parks and bodies of water. Be sure to include time in your plans to explore the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City Gardens, and other local landmarks.
What are the RV rental requirements in Chattanooga, TN?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites if you are unsure about traveling there. and any regulations they may have.
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Chattanooga, TN?Renting an RV in Chattanooga, TN means blue skies, open roads and some epic BBQ. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food before you hit the road. You'll find plenty of RV campgrounds with pools and other fun amenities. Busy season is in the summer so book early to get your spot, or off-season to avoid crowds.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Chattanooga, TN?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Chattanooga, TN RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Chattanooga, TN?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Chattanooga, TN RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Chattanooga, TN?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
