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Tennessee
511

Tennessee State Parks

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USA Parks
Tennessee
Cumberland Plateau Region
Harrison Bay State Park
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HARRISON BAY STATE PARK
HARRISON BAY STATE PARK
8411 Harrison Bay Road
Harrison, Tennessee   37341
(lat:35.1703 lon:-85.1181) map location

Phone: 423-344-6214
The 1,200-acre Harrison Bay State Park, with approximately 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake shoreline, was originally developed as a Tennessee Valley Authority recreation demonstration area in the 1930's. Its name is derived from a large bay at the main channel of the Tennessee River that covers the old town of Harrison, and the last Cherokee Campground. The parklands are of historic significance because the Cherokee Campground consisted of three villages which was ruled by one of the last great Cherokee Chieftains, Chief Joe Vann. This beautiful wooded park is a haven for campers, boaters and fishermen, as well as picnickers and other day-use visitors from Chattanooga and the surrounding tri-state area.
Meeting Rooms
The park has one large meeting room available that is capable of seating 100 people. For more information contact the park office: 423-344-6214.
Golf Course
Just a short drive from downtown Chattanooga, The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay State Park designed by world renowned Jack Nicklaus, has been called the 'best natural piece of land for a golf course.' Seven of its eighteen holes skirt along the water providing views of the Chickamauga Reservoir shoreline. This 7,140 yard, links-style bentgrass course features two notable holes: number 4, a 184 yard, par 3 with a well trapped green; and the 434 yard, par 4 number 18 with a rewarding view of the lake.

For information call toll free 1-877-611-2327.
Camping
There are 128 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups and a limited number that can accomodate RV's up to 65 ft. There is one centralized dumping station. Bathhouses are located in each of the 4 camping areas as well as a playground.

There are 21 tent only campsites that do not have electrical/water hookups. Tents can be put up beside the RV but is limited to one family unit per site.

No reservations are taken...space is available on first-come, first-served basis.

For more information call: 423-344-7966.

Group Camping:

The park's group camp consists of 24 rustic cabins that can accommodate up to 144 persons. The group camp kitchen is fully equipped with utencils, commercial stove and oven (gas), household size refrigerator/freezer and a walk-in cooler. A common bathhouse houses both men's and women's restrooms and showers. Each section has six showers.

For more information call: 423-344-2272
Swimming
The park has an olympic size swimming pool and a wading pool for small children. The pool is open from Memorial Day through late summer. A lifeguard is on duty.
Boating
All types of boats and water recreation vehicles are allowed at the park. Boats are not available for rent. A boat ramp is available to the general public and there is no fee. The marina can accomodate 20 ft. - 60 ft. boats. The park also has a marina that features 161 covered slips, 28 uncovered slips and four sailboat slips. There is no transit or overnight slip rental available. Fuel is available at the dock.

There is a pump out charge of $5 if you are not docked at our marina. The pump out station is closed after November 1 when the dock is winterized.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in Chickamauga Lake, known for its largemouth bass. Other species include crappie, bluegill and catfish. Fishing from the shore or a boat is possible here. The park also features two public piers perfect for casting off into deeper waters.


Location
Harrison Bay State Park is located near Chattanooga, Cleveland and Dunlap

Picnicking
The park has 3 large pavilions to accommodate large groups. Pavilions may be reserved up to one year in advance. Grills and water spigots are provided.

There are four individual picnic areas, each equipped with a grill.
Trails
There are three hiking trails at the park. There is a 4.5 mile trail, a .5 mile trail and 1 mile trail. Trails are open year-round. There is a biking trail available at the marina.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy a 4.5-mile loop trail, but be aware it's shared with hikers and runners.

The terrain is moderately challenging; beginners should proceed carefully due to occasional steep inclines and sharp turns.

Mountain bikers will appreciate the off-road trails which are not recommended for inexperienced riders because of their difficulty level.

For safety reasons, biking after dark isn't allowed so plan your ride accordingly during daylight hours only.

Always wear protective gear like helmets while riding as some areas may have loose gravel or sudden dips in the path.

Remember that wildlife sightings are common - maintain distance and do not disturb them for everyone's safety.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot species like the Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Bluebird and Northern Cardinal. The park is home to over 200 bird species including waterfowl during migration season. Birding trails offer opportunities for spotting songbirds, raptors and shorebirds. Visitors may also see Bald Eagles nesting in winter months.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 23 DO NOT TENT CAMP HERE! by BrandywineFarm
park review stars; one to five AGGRESSIVE NUISANCE RACOONS that can unzip tent doors. They will come in your tent at night. It happened to us twice. We left early. No one at the office cared. TRAP and RELOCATE these nuisance animals!
March 22 love the campground mostly peaceful by susan baker
park review stars; one to five
November 3 Only complaint is the restrooms
park review stars; one to five The staff that cleans the restrooms really should not pound on a bathroom door at 6am to see if anyone is in there, shouting so loud they wake up everyone in the campground. Other than that the park is great!
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Jack's Bait & Tackle Shop
4228 Bonny Oaks Dr
Chattanooga, TN
(423) 698-8339
Hamilton Sport Shop
6308 Highway 58
Harrison, TN
(423) 344-4841
Blaylock Barber & Style Ctr
7710 Hixson Pike
Hixson, TN
(423) 842-5121
Soddy Custom Tackle
11236 Dayton Pike
Soddy Daisy, TN
(423) 332-3401
Union Fork Bait & Tackle
12169 Old Dayton Pike
Soddy Daisy, TN
(423) 332-4664
Area Cabins and Lodges
Legends Salon & Day Spa LLC
1930 Gunbarrel Rd # 100
Chattanooga, TN
(423) 894-9504
Country Inns & Suites by Carlson: Country Suites by Carlson-Chattanooga
7051 Mccutcheon Rd
Chattanooga, TN
(423) 899-2300
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Chattanooga: Take Exit 4 off I-75 onto State Route 153. Travel North on Hwy. 153 and at the sixth exit , Hwy. 58, turn north. Travel approximately 12 miles to Harrison Bay Road on the left. Follow the signs to the park entrance. The park entrance is approximately one mile on the left.

From Knoxville: From I-75, take Exit 25, Hwy. 60. Travel on Hyw. 60 approximatley nine miles to Hwy. 58. Turn South at Highway 58 and travel approximately 15 miles to Harrison Bay Road. Turn right onto Harrison Bay Road. The park entrance is approximately one mile on the left.

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Tennessee
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Tennessee State Parks

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