Dispersed Camping in Hamilton County, Tennessee
Showing 27 locations in Hamilton County.
Cable Crossing Campsite
A rustic hike-in campsite situated near the historic cable crossing on North Chickamauga Creek.
Chattanooga Riverfront & North Shore Parking
This zone encompasses multiple public street parking locations, paid municipal lots, and park-adjacent parking areas along both the North Shore and downtown riverfront of Chattanooga. It offers a convenient, highly walkable option for exploring local shops, parks, and dining options. However, because these are active city streets and high-traffic public lots, overnight stays require strict adherence to parking meters and time limits, with regular enforcement patrols. Expect notable noise from vehicle traffic, late-night cruising, trains, and bridge crossings. Rigs must be small enough to fit within standard parking stalls to avoid ticketing.
Cooper Creek Campsite
A primitive hike-in campsite located near Cooper Creek with access to flowing water.
Cracker Barrel - Collegedale
A large paved parking lot located directly behind the restaurant just off Interstate 75. It is a highly convenient overnight stop, though subject to standard highway traffic and nearby train activity.
East Ridge Parks & Rec
This municipal park campground offers gravel sites with water and electric hookups adjacent to Camp Jordan's athletic fields and the river. Operating primarily on weekends and during park events, reservations should be made in advance.
First Lutheran Church Camp
A private church camp facility along Armstrong Road near Possum Creek Recreation Area. This is a private property that requires permissions or reservations and is not open for standard public dispersed camping.
Hemlock Branch Campsite
A hike-in backcountry campsite located along the Cumberland Trail loop, offering a primitive camping experience near Snooper's Rock.
Hixson Walmart Parking
This Walmart parking lot in Hixson offers a convenient and well-lit overnight stop for self-contained rigs, situated within a larger shopping plaza. The lot is relatively quiet at night and features level parking areas, shared with other travelers and professional drivers.
Holly Branch Campsite
A remote, hike-in campsite situated near Holly Branch in the scenic pocket wilderness of the Cumberland Plateau.
Mowbray Mountain Private Camping
A private residential property on Mowbray Mountain offering primitive camping in a large yard or wooded area. Requires prior permission and nightly fee payment. Best suited for smaller setups.
North Chickamauga Campsite
A scenic, hike-in backcountry campsite located deep within the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge.
North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Trailhead
The main trailhead parking area for North Chickamauga Creek Gorge. Managed as part of the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail, overnight parking in this lot is restricted to hikers holding active reservations for designated backcountry campsites along the trail. The entrance gate is locked nightly. Ranger presence is common.
North Chickamauga Gorge Backcountry Campsites
A collection of secluded, hike-in backcountry campsites nestled along the rugged trails of the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge. These sites offer primitive camping near rushing creeks, waterfalls, and steep sandstone cliffs.
Planet Fitness - East Brainerd
A Planet Fitness parking lot in East Brainerd. Provides a convenient, paved spot for self-contained vehicles seeking a brief overnight stop.
Planet Fitness Red Bank
A commercial parking lot located at the Planet Fitness off Northgate Park in Red Bank.
Raccoon Mountain Campground
A large, full-service commercial RV park located just outside Chattanooga and adjacent to the Raccoon Mountain Caverns. Features include standard full-hookup sites, clean bathhouses, a laundry room, pool access, and cave tours. Note that local regulations may restrict sleeping inside basic unconverted passenger vehicles or cars outside of designated camping hookup spaces.
Rock Creek Campsite
A hike-in backcountry campsite located along the scenic Cumberland Trail near Rock Creek.
Soddy Creek Backcountry Site A
A primitive backcountry tent clearing located along the Cumberland Trail near the gorge floor.
Soddy Creek Backcountry Site B
A scenic primitive backcountry campsite nestled within the Soddy Creek Gorge along the Cumberland Trail path.
Soddy Creek Gorge Backcountry Zone
A scenic backcountry zone located along the Cumberland Trail within the Soddy Creek Gorge. Accessible only by hiking, this area offers peaceful and primitive camping opportunities next to flowing water.
St. Elmo Historic District Stealth Parking
Quiet historic residential area near public greenways in Chattanooga. Offers opportunities for discreet overnight stealth parking near local parks and walkable city amenities.
Staples Red Bank Parking
A commercial parking lot situated near the Staples off Northgate Park, where trucks and campers occasionally park on the outer edges.
Stevenson Branch Campsites
A secluded, primitive hike-in campsite situated along the Stevenson Branch trail.
Tennessee Riverpark
A series of paved parking lots located directly along the Tennessee River. Extremely convenient for accessing the Tennessee Riverwalk trails, but subject to regular train noise from the adjacent railway bridge. Overnight stays are highly visible and subject to local enforcement policies.
Walmart - East Ridge
A standard Walmart parking lot in East Ridge near the highway, suitable for a quick overnight stay.
Walmart - Soddy-Daisy
A commercial retail parking lot north of Chattanooga. Features a side parking area near the auto service bays, though adjacent railroad tracks generate overnight noise.
Walmart Chattanooga
A spacious commercial parking lot located near downtown Chattanooga. Travelers have reported successfully staying overnight with management permission, although local signs prohibit unauthorized parking.