🌤 Weather at Harrison Bay State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42–81 °F | 67–90 °F | 40–84 °F | 32–56 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Chattanooga Lovell Airport, 11 mi away, elevation 671 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Activities
It’s safe to say you can plan your weekend getaway to Harrison Bay State Park regardless of the number in your company. The park has activities for people of all ages and abilities. You could seek a relaxed stay at the shoreline and take evening walks as you watch dusk approach. Or you could opt for an active weekend at the park. The most popular activities at Harrison Bay State Park are Camping, boating at the Marina, and golfing. The unlimited access to the shoreline provides great opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Hikers have lots of trails to explore with varying difficulty levels and phenomenal views of the lake and forest. The bike trail at Harrison Bay State Park is exceptional with fun challenges on the way that is possible for people of all abilities.
Camping
Camping at Harrison Bay State Park provides for both RV and primitive camping. There are 128 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups. Although only a limited number can accommodate RVs of up to 65 ft. The RV campsite has one dumping station and bathhouses that are located in each of the four camping areas and playgrounds. The park has firewood available for purchase. You can set up a tent beside the RV but it’s limited to only one per site. The camp has a store that offers essentials such as drinks, t-shirts, souvenirs, and some educational material. There are 27 tent-only campsites if you want the primitive camping experience. These sites don’t have water or electrical hookups but there is a water spigot located at the center of the camp. The campsites all have a fire ring and a grill. Pads are grave and in the shade.
Boating /Marina
Boating at Harrison Bay is an activity we recommend you add to your itinerary. The miles upon miles of shoreline provide an ideal place to float on the water. You can rent rowboats and fishing boats by the week or day. Recently, transient boats are also available for rent on a first-come basis. With the park stretched along the shoreline of Chickamauga Lake, it’s no surprise that paddling would be popular at this park. The park allows all types of boats or water vehicles. There is one boat launch ramp that’s free for the public located at the marina while another one is located at Wolftever off Highway 58. There are plenty of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boats available for rental seasonally by the hour. Check out the rates below;
Golfing
Bear Trace course will attract golfers to Harrison Bay since it boasts Jack Nicklaus’s handprint. His designs are infamous and loved by many golfers. This phenomenal course is situated about 20 minutes north of downtown Chattanooga. The Bear Trace course carries Jack Nicklaus’ signature emphasis on the playability of the course. The course has on-site amenities including a Driving Range, Pull Carts, Club Rental, Practice Green, and even a Snack Bar. Lessons are available in case you are interested in trying out golfing.
Hiking
There are a variety of trails ranging from easy to moderate. You can explore the shoreline using the Lakeshore loop trail. This is a multi-use trail that can be used by everyone from hikers to runners or people who want to take a walk. At every turn, this trail rewards you with gorgeous views of the lake. One of the highlights of Harrison Bay State Park is its wooded forest.. Use the 1.5-mile wooded nature loop for some more challenging hiking. This trail has some steep inclines and is considered moderate. If you want to explore some grassland, take the half-mile walking trail through the native grassland. Here are some of the main trails in Harrison Bay State Park:
- Bay Point Loop: 4.5 miles, natural surface, moderate.
- Lakeshore Loop: 1.5 miles, natural surface, moderate
- Fitness Loop: 0.5 miles, gravel, easy.
Biking
You can bring your mountain bike to Harrison Bay State Park. Bay Point Loop is ideal for moderate biking as it meanders along the shore. This 4.5 miles of natural surface trail is used by both bikers and hikers. It’s wide and popular with local bike clubs with a few climbs and excellent views of the lake.
Fishing
Chickamauga Lake is an excellent place to fish. At Harrison Bay, you can access over 35,000 acres of the lake. There are also many nearby islands and good spots for fishing at your disposal. The best thing about fishing at Harrison Bay is that the park allows for any type of fishing you desire. Whether by boat, at the bank, or at the park’s accessible pier. There is plenty of bluegills, bass, crappie, gar, and crackers to be found here. Remember to secure a fishing license before you embark on your trip.
Birding
Harrison Bay State Park runs along the shores of Chickamauga Lake. The park is situated on the largest open area making it an excellent habitat for many bird species. There are shorebirds, osprey, wintering waterfowl and bald eagles to be spotted here. The Bear Trace golf course has a bald eagle nest and has been designated as the site for “Eagle Cam”.
Park Location
Harrison Bay State Park 8411 Harrison Bay Road Harrison, TN 37341 Phone: 423.344.6214 Park Website
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Harrison Bay State Park:
Chickamauga Lake Near Chattanooga
Harrison Bay is Chattanooga’s lakeside state park on Chickamauga Lake (Tennessee River). Excellent fishing, camping, and the largest accessible playground in Tennessee.
Camping
| Type | Sites | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 128 | Electric/water hookups |
| Season | Year-round | |
Reserve: tnstateparks.com or (888) 867-2757.
Playground
Tennessee’s largest fully accessible playground—designed for all abilities!
Wildlife & Nature
Harrison Bay SP — on Chickamauga Lake — provides lakefront recreation near Chattanooga. The park’s lake, forest, and wetlands support bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys are common. Largemouth bass, crappie, and striped bass provide fishing.
Nearby Attractions
Harrison — adjacent. Chattanooga — 15 miles southwest — has the Tennessee Aquarium and Lookout Mountain. Booker T. Washington SP — nearby. Chickamauga NMP — 20 miles south.
Is there an accessible playground?
Yes! Harrison Bay has Tennessee’s largest fully accessible playground designed for visitors of all abilities.
Explore More Tennessee State Parks
Harrison Bay State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Tennessee. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Tennessee guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Insider Tips
Chickamauga Lake: Harrison Bay is the only Tennessee state park on Chickamauga Lake — a 36,000-acre TVA reservoir near Chattanooga. Pro tip: The park’s 40-slip marina makes it a premier boating destination. Golf: Bear Trace at Harrison Bay — a Jack Nicklaus-designed course — is adjacent to the park.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Boating and swimming. Fall: Lake foliage. Spring: Bass fishing. Winter: Golf and birding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Jack Nicklaus golf course at Harrison Bay?
Yes. Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is a Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course — part of Tennessee’s statewide Bear Trace trail of Nicklaus courses. The lakeside layout is considered one of the most scenic public courses in Tennessee. Green fees are very reasonable for a designer course.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Booker T. Washington State Park is a short drive away, and North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Harrison Bay State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 128 RV campsites with water+electric hookups, plus 27 tent-only primitive sites, across 4 camping loops; rates $22-$28/night; full hookup sites for RVs up to 50 ft |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Fisherman's cabins with geothermal heating and cooling (count not stated on page) |
| Pets | Pets welcome on leash; dog run and pet cleaning service available |
| Reservations | reserve.tnstateparks.com; $5 non-refundable Advanced Reservation Fee per campsite; up to 1 year in advance |
Camping questions about Harrison Bay State Park
Can you camp at Harrison Bay State Park?
128 RV campsites with water+electric hookups, plus 27 tent-only primitive sites, across 4 camping loops; rates $22-$28/night; full hookup sites for RVs up to 50 ft.
How do you reserve a campsite at Harrison Bay State Park?
reserve.tnstateparks.com; $5 non-refundable Advanced Reservation Fee per campsite; up to 1 year in advance.
Are there cabins at Harrison Bay State Park?
Fisherman's cabins with geothermal heating and cooling (count not stated on page).
Are pets allowed at the Harrison Bay State Park campground?
Pets welcome on leash; dog run and pet cleaning service available.
Source: tnstateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Harrison Bay State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft physical leash required; pets must not be left unattended
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches and at pools at all times
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in park lodges and cabins except designated pet-friendly units; each park offers a limited number of pet-friendly lodge rooms and one pet-friendly cabin ($20 per pet per night)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or campground pet fee; $20 per pet per night in designated lodge rooms/cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park management may post additional no-pet areas on trails; proof of rabies vaccination may be required
Are dogs allowed at Harrison Bay State Park?
Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tnstateparks.com. More: Tennessee state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Harrison Bay State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
