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.
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.
If you're seeking a remarkable RV adventure, a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an absolute must. This park offers an unparalleled natural experience for travelers, making it worth the trip.
The park provides well-maintained RV campsites equipped with essential amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature's grandeur. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly facilities, such as playgrounds and educational programs, that foster unforgettable moments amid beautiful landscapes. If you are interested in relaxing, you will find solace and inspiration in the park's serene ambiance, which is ideal for unwinding after a hectic schedule.
As you traverse the park, you'll encounter diverse terrain, ranging from lush forests to cascading waterfalls. Wildlife you can expect to see includes black bears, deer, and many bird species. Hiking trails cater to all skill levels, offering opportunities for leisurely strolls or challenging treks.
Mammoth Cave National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders and history. It boasts the world's longest-known cave system, with over 400 miles explored by geologists. Visitors can marvel at impressive underground formations while learning about the cave's rich human and geological past. Above ground, the park offers hiking trails, like the Green River Bluffs Trail, showcasing majestic views of the surrounding landscape. You can partake in guided tours that lead adventurers deep into the heart of this mesmerizing underground labyrinth.
The proximity of state parks near Chattanooga opens doors to a wealth of nearby attractions, including the Bluff View Art District. One such outdoor recreation area is Booker T. Washington State Park. Nestled along the shores of Chickamauga Lake, this park boasts rolling hills and picturesque woodlands, providing a serene setting for RV camping. Visitors can enjoy stargazing, trail running, and swimming in the lake. Hiking trails offer opportunities to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature. Large, level campsites with water and electricity connections, as well as updated bathroom and shower facilities, are available to RV guests.
Chickamauga Lake is the highlight of Harrison Bay State Park, which is northeast of Chattanooga. The dam constructed to create the lake was completed in 1940. Visitors can take advantage of the 18-hole golf course and well-maintained hiking trails. Alternatively, you can learn more about the area's past at the on-site historical museum. The campground has 128 paved RV campsites with water and electrical hookups.
South Cumberland State Park sits roughly 50 miles from Chattanooga. Here, you can enjoy rock climbing at the Stone Door, a natural rock formation offering challenging routes. You can also discover the historic ruins of the Stagecoach Road, offering a glimpse into the area's past. If you enjoy fishing, you'll want to fish for trout in the waters of the Collins River, known for its excellent angling opportunities.
Russell Cave National Monument, located approximately 100 miles northwest of Chattanooga, offers a glimpse into prehistoric Native American life through guided tours and interpretive exhibits. The site's proximity to Chattanooga makes it easily accessible for RV travelers, who can enjoy its paved parking area and RV-friendly facilities. The terrain features wooded areas and a limestone bluff, with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, including deer and various bird species.
Little River Canyon National Preserve, about 60 miles southwest of Chattanooga, boasts stunning canyon views, waterfalls and hiking trails. RV travelers can take advantage of the preserve's campground, which offers RV sites with electric hookups. The rugged terrain has scenic drives and opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and whitewater paddling. Wildlife sightings may include black bears, deer, and various bird species.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, located just a short drive from Chattanooga, provides spacious RV sites with full hookups and amenities like laundry facilities and a swimming pool. With plenty of room and convenient access, it's perfect for bigger RVs.
Sweetwater Campground, situated amidst the beauty of the Cherokee National Forest, offers RV sites nestled along the banks of the Hiwassee River. This campground caters to smaller RVs and tent campers, with picturesque views and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Nearby attractions include the Ocoee River for whitewater rafting and the Lost Sea Adventure for underground exploration.
Chester Frost Campground, located on the shores of Chickamauga Lake, offers waterfront RV sites suitable for all rigs and features electric and water hookups. The campground has a beach area, boat ramps, and playgrounds, providing opportunities for swimming, boating, and family fun. Nearby attractions include Coolidge Park, which has a carousel and splash pad, and the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges.
When traveling the state, you will not have difficulty finding dump stations to empty your tanks. Some facilities near Chattanooga, like Chester Frost Park and Blue Water RV Resort, offer free dump stations for guests. If you're not staying at one of these sites, you can always pay a fee to use a dump site at Raccoon Mountain RV Park or KOA Lookout Mountain. Anyone staying the night or passing by can also use the Camping World of Chattanooga dump station.
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 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!
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.
