Harrison Bay State Park Campground Loop C

lake chickamauga camping

Are you a Tennessee local yearning for a refreshing outdoor escape that combines the tranquility of nature with convenient access to water-based activities? Harrison Bay State Park Campground, particularly Loop C, in Harrison, TN, offers a compelling option for your next camping adventure. Nestled along the expansive shoreline of Chickamauga Lake, this state park campground provides a serene setting where the beauty of the outdoors is readily accessible. Whether you're an avid boater, a keen angler, or simply looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a campfire under the stars, Loop C presents itself as a favored choice among many campers for its unique charm and natural appeal.

Harrison Bay State Park is a beloved gem among Tennessee State Parks, known for its extensive shoreline on Chickamauga Lake, which covers the old town of Harrison. This historical significance, combined with its natural allure, makes it a unique destination. While facilities are continuously maintained and upgraded, Loop C specifically is highlighted by some campers for its potential to offer beautiful water views and a generally quieter experience, especially with sites like C23 and C25 providing excellent lakeside access for canoes or boats. The commitment of park staff to cleanliness, even in older facilities, ensures a basic level of comfort, making it a reliable choice for your Tennessee camping excursions.

Harrison Bay State Park Campground Loop C is situated at 7855 Bay Marina Circle, Harrison, TN 37341, USA. This location places it on the northern outskirts of Chattanooga, offering an excellent balance of natural immersion and convenient access to urban amenities. For Tennessee locals, it's a relatively easy drive from many parts of the state, making it a popular choice for weekend getaways or longer vacations.

The park boasts approximately 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake shoreline, providing ample opportunities for water-based recreation. Access to the campground and its various loops is generally straightforward. While some older reviews suggest challenges with larger rigs in certain loops due to trees or tight turns, the overall accessibility to the park itself is very good. Beyond the campground, the proximity to Chattanooga opens up a world of attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, and a vibrant downtown area. For daily necessities, there's a Mexican restaurant and a small convenience store nearby, with a Food City grocery store just a couple of miles away. This blend of secluded natural beauty and convenient access to city comforts makes Harrison Bay State Park a highly accessible and attractive destination for Tennessee residents.

Harrison Bay State Park Campground, including Loop C, provides a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable camping experience. As a Tennessee State Park, it adheres to certain standards of amenities. While specific details can vary by loop and over time, general services offered include:

• RV Campsites: Offers 128 RV campsites across the park with water and electrical hookups (including 50, 30, and 20 amp options).
• Tent-Only Campsites: 27 tent-only campsites are available in Area D, generally without water or electrical hookups at the site, but with centrally located water spigots.
• Centralized Dumping Station: A convenient facility for RV waste disposal.
• Bathhouses: Restrooms and showers are located in each of the four camping areas. While some facilities might be older, park staff regularly clean them. (Note: Specific comments mention Loop C bathhouses needing renovation, but Loop A may have more updated facilities).
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits/Grills: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a grill or fire ring for outdoor cooking and enjoyment.
• Camp Store: A well-stocked store offering last-minute camping essentials, drinks, souvenirs, and firewood.
• Wi-Fi Access: Available throughout the campground, though signal strength may vary.
• Boat Ramps and Marina Facilities: Extensive marina facilities are available, providing boat ramps and slips for boaters.
• Firewood Sales: Heat-treated wood is available for purchase at the park.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed, though specific guidelines (like leash laws) apply.

• Lakeside Access: Loop C, particularly sites like C23 and C25, offers excellent direct lakeside access, perfect for launching canoes or small boats.
• Scenic Water Views: Many sites, especially those closer to the lake, provide beautiful views of Chickamauga Lake.
• Tree-Shaded Sites: The campground features ample trees, offering shade and a natural, wooded feel to many campsites.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being a popular state park, the campground generally maintains a quiet and peaceful environment, especially during non-peak times.
• Spacious Campsites: While some sites might be closer than desired, many are noted as spacious.
• Fishing Opportunities: Excellent fishing in Chickamauga Lake for species like bass, catfish, and crappie.
• Hiking Trails: Various trails within the park provide opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural surroundings.
• Playground: An on-site playground for children.
• Golf Course: Bear Trace Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course, is located just 1.5 miles away.
• Restaurant at Marina: A new restaurant facility opened in 2022 at the marina, offering a convenient dining option.
• Boating and Water Recreation: Ideal for all types of boats and water recreation vehicles, with rentals available for kayaks and paddleboards.
• Historical Significance: The park lands are historically significant, derived from the last Cherokee Campground, offering a unique cultural dimension.

Address: 7855 Bay Marina Circle, Harrison, TN 37341, USA

Park Office Phone: (423) 344-6214 (General park inquiries)

Camp Store Phone: (423) 344-7966 (For camping specific inquiries and supplies)

For Tennessee locals, Harrison Bay State Park Campground, especially its Loop C, stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Its strategic location on Chickamauga Lake near Chattanooga offers an ideal balance of a natural escape and convenient access to urban amenities. This means residents don't have to travel far from home to immerse themselves in the tranquility of a beautiful state park, making it perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or extended family vacations. The ease of access to a major waterway like Chickamauga Lake is a significant draw, providing unparalleled opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking right from their campsite.

The campground's appeal for locals is further enhanced by its peaceful atmosphere and the natural beauty of its surroundings. The presence of mature trees offering ample shade and the option for lakeside sites, some with direct water access, cater to a diverse range of camping preferences. While older bathhouse facilities in Loop C have been noted, the commitment of park staff to cleanliness, combined with the availability of other well-maintained areas within the park, ensures a respectable level of comfort. The fact that the park is a Tennessee State Park also means residents are supporting a local institution dedicated to preserving natural resources and providing public recreational spaces.

Beyond the campground itself, the wealth of activities within Harrison Bay State Park, from golfing at Bear Trace to exploring various hiking trails and enjoying the newly opened restaurant at the marina, provides ample entertainment without needing to leave the park. Moreover, its close proximity to Chattanooga offers an easy detour for dining, cultural experiences, or last-minute supplies. For Tennessee residents, Harrison Bay State Park Campground Loop C represents a cherished local resource—a place where they can reliably find a clean, quiet, and amenity-rich environment to create lasting memories with family and friends, all while enjoying the picturesque landscapes of their home state.

Harrison Bay State Park Campground Loop C

7855 Bay Marina Circle, Harrison, TN 37341, USA