Group Camp

Located within the picturesque Harrison Bay State Park, the Group Camp offers a unique and practical solution for large gatherings in the Chattanooga area. This is not your typical individual campsite; rather, it is designed specifically for groups, such as church camps, family reunions, or school outings, who want to reserve a private space for their event. The camp provides a rustic but functional environment that encourages community, teamwork, and outdoor fun. It's a place where you can host a large number of people in a natural setting, providing an opportunity for them to bond and create shared memories. The camp's design, with a dining hall and cabins, makes it a step up from traditional tent camping for groups, offering a dedicated space for meals and activities, making the logistics of a large gathering much simpler. This is an ideal venue for a multi-day event, allowing your group to fully immerse themselves in the experience without external interruptions.

The philosophy of the Group Camp is to provide an affordable and functional space for communal living and outdoor recreation. It's a place to leave the screens behind and get back to basics with your group. The camp's facilities, including a dining hall with a full kitchen, are designed to support large numbers of people, making it easy to prepare meals and organize group activities. While the facilities have a rustic feel, they are a practical and economical option for groups looking for an immersive experience. The camp's location within the larger Harrison Bay State Park means that your group has access to a wide array of activities, from hiking to enjoying the lake. It's a place that fosters a sense of togetherness and provides the perfect setting for making new friends and strengthening existing bonds. The camp is not about luxury, but about community and adventure, and for many groups, this is exactly what makes it so appealing.

The Group Camp is situated at 8411 Harrison Bay Rd, Harrison, TN 37341, and is part of the expansive Harrison Bay State Park. Its location just a short drive from Chattanooga makes it a convenient choice for groups coming from all over the region and beyond. The camp provides on-site parking, which is a practical necessity for large groups arriving in multiple vehicles. The park itself is a hub of activity, with easy access to Chickamauga Lake, and this camp provides a private base within that vibrant environment. For those with accessibility needs, the camp has a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all visitors. The proximity to the city of Chattanooga means that while you are enjoying a rustic retreat, you are never too far from modern conveniences or other city attractions if needed. This blend of a secluded feel with practical accessibility is a major selling point for groups planning their trip.

Services Offered

• Group Lodging: Provides rustic, open-air cabins that can accommodate up to 144 people.
• Dining Hall: A large dining hall with a full kitchen and walk-in refrigerator for preparing group meals.
• Toilets: Public toilets are available on-site for campers' use.

Features / Highlights

• Recreational Facilities: Includes a playground, swings, a ball field, basketball courts, and volleyball courts for group activities.
• Kid-Friendly: The playground, swings, and open spaces make it a great place for children of all ages.
• Hiking: Access to a variety of hiking trails within Harrison Bay State Park, suitable for different skill levels.
• Dogs Allowed: Your canine companions are welcome to join you, so long as they are on a leash.
• Accessibility: Provides a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance for the convenience of all guests.
• Picnic Tables: Ample picnic tables are available for outdoor meals and gatherings.

Customer reviews for the Group Camp at Harrison Bay State Park are a mix of praise and constructive feedback, which provides a balanced view for future visitors. One review from a church group that rented the entire camp praised its function for their event, but also provided a detailed list of areas for improvement. They noted the need for more maintenance, citing issues with poison oak, old cabins with holes, and outdated sports facilities. They also suggested adding fans or air conditioning, which points to the rustic, no-frills nature of the cabins. This feedback, while critical, is also a testament to the camp's potential and the genuine desire of campers to see it improved.

Another review offered a similar perspective, acknowledging both the "good points" and the "bad." The camper praised the "lovely shady campsites" and the "lots of activities for the kids," which highlights the camp's family-friendly appeal. However, they were "disappointingly unkept," noting that the bathrooms were in "terrible shape," with no locks on the doors and a lack of cleanliness. They also mentioned that the lake shoreline and some campsites were littered. This review, like the first, points to maintenance issues as a significant area for improvement. While they noted the camp was packed, they felt the funding wasn't being used for upkeep. However, they also praised the affordability, calling it a "cheap place to set up a tent," and confirmed that there are "lots to do in the park," even with the maintenance issues. The conflicting feedback, with some reviews pointing to well-maintained facilities and others highlighting disrepair, may be related to ongoing renovations or the specific area of the park where the camper stayed. Both reviews are valuable, as they set realistic expectations for visitors who may be drawn to the camp's amenities but need to be prepared for its rustic condition.

Contact Information

Address: 8411 Harrison Bay Rd, Harrison, TN 37341, USA

Phone: (423) 344-7966

What is worth choosing

The Group Camp at Harrison Bay State Park is a compelling choice for any group in Tennessee looking for an affordable, dedicated space for a large gathering. What makes it worth choosing is its specific focus on group accommodations, which provides a level of privacy and convenience that individual sites cannot. The availability of a large dining hall with a kitchen significantly simplifies the logistics of feeding a crowd. The camp's location within a larger state park is a huge plus, as it provides access to a wealth of activities, from hiking and sports to lake access and a playground for the kids. While some reviews mention maintenance issues, these should be seen in the context of a rustic, state park facility, and they are balanced by positive comments about the many amenities and the overall affordability. This is a place for a group that values community, outdoor recreation, and shared experiences over modern luxury. The camp offers a chance to get back to basics and connect with each other in a beautiful, natural setting. For a church group, family reunion, or youth organization, the ability to rent the entire facility for a multi-day event at a reasonable price is an invaluable opportunity. It is a place that, despite its potential flaws, holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate its simplicity and focus on building lasting memories together.

Group Camp

8411 Harrison Bay Rd, Harrison, TN 37341, USA