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87 campgrounds and RV Parks near McDonald, TN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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3581 campsites
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From $20/night
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Best campgrounds near McDonald, TN
Chattanooga North / Cleveland KOA Journey
McDonald, TN (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(97 sites)
+10
Harrison Bay State Park
Harrison, TN (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(155 sites)
+8
Skull Island Campground
Harrison, TN (10 miles away)
Hawkins Pointe RV Park
Rossville, GA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+4
Adventures Unlimited
Tennessee (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(90 sites)
Holiday Travel Park of Chattanooga
Rossville, GA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(171 sites)
+11
Whitewater RV Park
Benton, TN (19 miles away)
Rivers RV Park Campground
Delano, TN (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground
Chattanooga, TN (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+12
Blue Water RV Resort
Dayton, TN (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+6
Gee Creek Campground
Delano, TN (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
Hiwassee Ocoee Scenic River State Park
Delano, TN (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+3
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Toilets Tables Internet Laundry Grills Dump station General store Firewood
Campgrounds near McDonald, Tennessee
McDonald sits in Bradley County just off Interstate 75, between Cleveland and Chattanooga in southeast Tennessee. The area works as a practical base for RV travelers heading to Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee Aquarium, the Ocoee River, and the southern Appalachian foothills. The location sits amid rolling hills between the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachians.
RV travelers have a short list of dependable options within a 30-minute drive. Chattanooga North / Cleveland KOA Journey is the closest full-service park, sitting right off I-75 near Cleveland. Harrison Bay State Park, on Chickamauga Lake, adds a public-land option with waterfront sites. Skull Island Campground, Hawkins Pointe RV Park, and Holiday Travel Park of Chattanooga round out the nearby private choices.
Expect a mix of pull-through interstate stopovers and lakeside state park loops. Terrain is hilly rather than flat, so some sites benefit from leveling blocks. The wooded parkland at Harrison Bay draws campers, boaters, and anglers from Chattanooga and the surrounding tri-state area, and it sits roughly 30 minutes northeast of downtown Chattanooga.
Things to do near McDonald
Chattanooga's headline attractions are the main draw. Nearby sights include Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, and Point Park. Downtown Chattanooga also offers the Riverwalk, Coolidge Park, and the Hunter Museum of American Art.
Outdoor options are strong within an hour's drive. The Ocoee River is a well-known whitewater rafting destination that hosted the 1996 Olympic canoe and kayak events. At Red Clay State Historic Park, visitors can use the picnic facilities and amphitheater, hike the trail to the overlook, and stop by Blue Hole Spring. Chickamauga Lake, reached from Harrison Bay State Park, adds boating, bass fishing, and swimming. The Cherokee National Forest, east of McDonald, offers hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
Camping spots and RV parks near McDonald, TN
Seasonal patterns and best time to visit McDonald
- spring
March - May
72° / 50°F 120 mmMild and green; thunderstorm risk rises through May.
- summer
June - August
88° / 68°F 100 mmHot and humid; book shaded and lakeside sites early.
- fall
September - November
72° / 52°F 90 mmDriest window; foliage peaks late October.
- winter
December - February
52° / 32°F 130 mmWettest season; brief freezes; protect water hookups.
The region has a humid subtropical climate. Chattanooga sees hot summers and cold winters, with high annual precipitation spread fairly evenly through the year, though winter is typically the wettest season. Spring and fall are the comfort windows for RV travel, with mild days, cooler nights, and lower humidity than summer.
Summer brings heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. About half of summer days at Chattanooga have highs in the 90s Fahrenheit. Shaded sites and hookups with strong 50-amp service for air conditioning become important. Lakeside sites at Harrison Bay State Park stay busy from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and popular loops book out weeks ahead.
Winter camping is workable but wet. A cold night usually means lows below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and that happens on average about seven nights per winter, though afternoon temperatures typically warm back above freezing. Freeze protection on water hookups matters on the coldest nights. Fall foliage across the surrounding ridges typically peaks in late October into early November.
Top Hosts near McDonald, TN
Darla14 trips - Joined Jul 2022
We opted for delivery and setup to the campsite which was great! When we arrived everything was set up and ready for us to move in. It was great to escape the heat at the event and have lunch and dinner at the camper. They were awesome to work with! We highly recommend them for a rental option!! We would definitely choose them again!!
CYNTHIA S. - Jun 2025
So glad I chose to rent an rv for the first time this weekend, as it rained 2 of 3 days and nights. Communication was smooth, even when a strange fluke occurred and I accidently got locked out. Matt immediately drove out to the site with a spare. It seemed to be a malfunction in the mechanism which I'm sure they will be addressing soon.The camper was clean, well equipped and simple to operate. The bed was comfy and I am particular. So , I was , a happy camper.
Beth R. - May 2025
Charissa5 trips - Joined Jul 2023
Had a wonderful weekend at Fall Creek falls. Charissa was very responsive. No issues with camper.
John P. - Jul 2026
Excellent host. Very responsive. Clean camper. We enjoyed our time utilizing it. Thank you!
Jessica H. - Oct 2024
How to book campgrounds near McDonald
Chattanooga North / Cleveland KOA Journey books through the KOA website, the KOA app, or by phone. As an interstate-adjacent Journey park, short stays turn over quickly, so last-minute nights are often available outside peak weekends and festival dates.
Harrison Bay State Park uses the Tennessee State Parks reservation system at tnstateparks.com, with a rolling window that opens up to one year in advance and a small non-refundable booking fee. Waterfront sites go quickly for summer holiday weekends, so plan several months out for July 4 and Labor Day.
Skull Island Campground, Hawkins Pointe RV Park, and Holiday Travel Park of Chattanooga each take reservations directly by phone or through their own websites. For any lakeside or festival weekend, expect two-night minimums.
What to expect on arrival in McDonald
Sites near McDonald range from tight interstate rows to open lakeside pads. The Chattanooga North / Cleveland KOA sits on hilly ground, and while most sites are level, some may need leveling blocks. Harrison Bay State Park offers water and electric hookups across four camping loops, with a centralized dump station and bathhouses in each loop. A limited number of Harrison Bay sites can accommodate rigs up to 65 feet.
Amenities at Harrison Bay include a marina, boat ramps, a swimming pool, a camp store during peak season, and the Bear Trace championship golf course on-site. Big-rig drivers should watch site turns and low branches on the state park loops. Propane and dump stations are straightforward to line up locally.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near McDonald, TN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in McDonald, TN?
An RV rental in McDonald, TN is more affordable than most travelers expect, with travel trailers averaging around $125 per night and motorhomes near $210 per night on RVezy. You can stretch your budget further by booking midweek, traveling in the shoulder seasons of late March through May or September through early November, and choosing a smaller Class C or campervan instead of a Class A. Many hosts near Cleveland and the Chattanooga area also offer weekly and monthly discounts between 10 and 20 percent, which is great for slow-paced trips out to the Ocoee River. Pro tip: filter for Instant Book listings to lock in your dates before the spring whitewater season fills up.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=McDonald%2C%20TennesseeWhat license do I need to rent an RV in McDonald, TN?
Good news: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in McDonald, TN, with no commercial driver's license (CDL) or special endorsement required for personal-use motorhomes and travel trailers in Tennessee. To book on RVezy you generally need to be 25 or older with a valid license, and you confirm your ID through the platform during checkout. Visiting from outside the US? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home-country license before you fly in, and you are set to drive anywhere from McDonald out to Cherokee National Forest. Most first-time renters are surprised how simple the paperwork side really is.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs RV rental insurance and roadside assistance included in McDonald, TN?
Yes, every RV rental in McDonald, TN booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan with 24/7 roadside assistance built in, so you are covered from the moment you pull onto I-75. The protection plan helps cover damage to the vehicle during your trip, and you choose the coverage level that matches your comfort during checkout (it is set by RVezy, not the host). If you get a flat heading up Highway 64 toward the Ocoee River or have a battery hiccup at the KOA in McDonald, one phone call gets help dispatched to you. It is the kind of peace of mind that makes a first-time Tennessee RV trip genuinely relaxing.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat is the cancellation policy if I need to change my McDonald, TN RV trip?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy (not individual hosts) sets the cancellation policy for every RV rental in McDonald, TN, including a money-back grace period right after you book. That means if your Ocoee rafting plans shift or a Tennessee thunderstorm rolls in, you have a clear, consistent process to follow rather than guessing at host-specific rules. Cancellation outcomes depend on factors like how many days before your trip you cancel and whether a natural disaster is involved, and the RVezy support team is available to walk you through your options. Pro tip: book early to maximize flexibility, since the grace period gives you breathing room to finalize your route.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I find a pet-friendly RV rental in McDonald, TN?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in McDonald, TN is easy to find on RVezy: just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you'll see listings from hosts who welcome dogs (and sometimes cats) on board. Once you arrive, your pup will love the off-leash dog park and shaded walking trails at the Chattanooga North/Cleveland KOA on Pleasant Grove Road, plus the leash-friendly trails at nearby Red Clay State Historic Park. Harrison Bay State Park, about 25 minutes southwest, also welcomes leashed pets across its lakefront loops. Pro tip: message the host before booking to mention your dog's size, and ask about any pet cleaning fee so there are zero surprises at pickup.
tnstateparks.com/parks/red-clayCan the RV be delivered to my campground in McDonald, TN?
Yes, RV delivery in McDonald, TN is offered by many RVezy hosts, and it is hands-down the easiest way to start your trip, especially for first-timers. Your host can tow or drive the rig directly to the Chattanooga North/Cleveland KOA on Pleasant Grove Road SW, Harrison Bay State Park, or even your private property, then level it, hook up water, power and sewer, and walk you through every system before handing you the keys. To find delivery-ready listings, turn on the Delivery filter and enter your campsite address so hosts can quote an accurate fee. Pro tip: book a stationary delivery setup if you are nervous about towing on I-75.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=McDonald%2C%20TennesseeHow does mileage work and how far can I travel from McDonald, TN?
Most hosts in McDonald include a daily mileage allowance, and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is perfect for a multi-stop Tennessee RV trip. From McDonald you are within easy reach of incredible destinations: Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain are about 25 miles south, the Ocoee River whitewater area is roughly 35 miles east, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is around 120 miles northeast, Nashville is about 175 miles northwest, and Asheville, NC sits about 165 miles east via scenic Highway 64. Before booking, check the listing's mileage policy and message the host with your route so they can confirm the package fits. Pro tip: stacking weekly discounts with unlimited-mileage rigs is the cheapest way to road-trip the South.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=McDonald%2C%20TennesseeWhere are the best campgrounds near McDonald, TN?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping in McDonald and the surrounding Bradley and Hamilton counties. The Chattanooga North/Cleveland KOA Journey right in McDonald on Pleasant Grove Road offers full hookups, a pool, and 100-foot pull-throughs just off I-75 Exit 20. Harrison Bay State Park on Chickamauga Lake (about 30 minutes southwest) has four loops with waterfront sites, while Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park in Delano puts you on the river. For boondocking-style adventure, Chilhowee Recreation Area in Cherokee National Forest has electric sites high on the mountain. Pro tip: book Harrison Bay waterfront sites in loop C months ahead, they're the most scenic spots in the region.
tnstateparks.com/parks/harrison-bayWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip from McDonald, TN?
McDonald sits in a sweet spot of southeast Tennessee where the RV season runs nearly year-round, but April through early June and September through early November are the absolute best windows. Spring brings 65 to 80 degree days perfect for Ocoee rafting and dogwoods in bloom, while fall delivers crisp 70-degree afternoons and brilliant color along the Cherokee National Forest ridges. Summers are hot and humid with highs in the upper 80s to mid 90s, so look for an RV with strong AC if you're booking July or August. Winters are mild with daytime highs in the 50s, making December trips to Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights very doable.
weather.gov/mrx/I've never rented an RV before. How does the pickup process work in McDonald?
First time renting an RV? You are in great hands. Every RVezy host in McDonald provides a hands-on orientation at pickup (or at delivery, if you choose that option), walking you through the slide-outs, propane, water systems, generator, dump procedure, and driving quirks of that specific rig, usually taking 30 to 60 minutes. You will leave with the host's phone number, so a quick text from your campsite at Harrison Bay or the Cleveland KOA gets answers fast. Before booking, message the host with any concerns, you can also filter for Class C motorhomes or smaller travel trailers that are easier to drive on I-75. Most renters feel confident within the first hour behind the wheel.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if I have a breakdown during my McDonald, TN RV trip?
You are never on your own: every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so help is one phone call away whether you are parked at the KOA in McDonald or climbing the mountain into Cherokee National Forest. Roadside covers common issues like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and fuel delivery. Cleveland, just 10 minutes north, also has RV service shops if you need anything beyond roadside fixes. Save the RVezy support number and your host's number in your phone before you leave the driveway. Pro tip: do a quick tire-pressure check before tackling the steep grades on Highway 64 east of Ocoee.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best RV road trips from McDonald, TN?
An RV road trip from McDonald, TN opens up some of the South's best scenery, and you can stay within Tennessee or cross into neighboring states with ease. Popular routes include the 25-mile drive south to Chattanooga for the aquarium and Lookout Mountain, a 35-mile run east on Highway 64 to the Ocoee River whitewater corridor, a 120-mile loop northeast into Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Townsend, a 165-mile cruise east to Asheville, NC, and a longer 250-mile southern swing down to Atlanta. Cross-border travel into Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Kentucky is generally welcomed by hosts. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Confirm your full itinerary with your host before pickup.
tnvacation.com/What kind of fuel mileage and gas budget should I plan for?
Budgeting fuel for your McDonald, TN RV trip is straightforward once you know the rig. Class B campervans typically get 18 to 22 mpg, Class C motorhomes 8 to 12 mpg, Class A coaches 6 to 9 mpg, and trucks pulling travel trailers around 10 to 14 mpg. Tennessee gas prices tend to run a bit below the national average, and you'll find easy fuel stops right at I-75 Exit 20 in McDonald (Pilot Travel Center) plus diesel-friendly truck stops in Cleveland. For a typical 4-day, 400-mile trip in a Class C, plan on roughly $150 to $200 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Tennessee before crossing into Georgia or North Carolina, where prices often tick higher.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near McDonald, TN?
For the best campgrounds near McDonald, TN, aim to reserve four to six months ahead for peak summer weekends and holidays, and one to two months ahead for spring and fall weekday stays. Tennessee State Parks like Harrison Bay and Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River accept reservations through tnstateparks.com up to 12 months in advance, and waterfront sites on Chickamauga Lake disappear fast. The Chattanooga North/Cleveland KOA books through koa.com and tends to fill during Hot Slaw Festival weekend in April and Tri-State Exhibition events. Cherokee National Forest sites at Chilhowee book through recreation.gov. Pro tip: set a Campnab-style cancellation alert if your dream waterfront site shows as full, openings happen daily.
tnstateparks.com/reservationsWhat are driving conditions like around McDonald, TN?
Driving an RV around McDonald is very manageable: the town sits right off I-75 Exit 20 with flat, wide roads and easy access to Cleveland and Chattanooga. The main thing to watch for is the steep grades and switchbacks east of town on Highway 64 as you climb toward the Ocoee River and Chilhowee Mountain, where pulling in low gear and using engine braking on the descent is smart. Summer afternoons can bring quick thunderstorms, so check radar before heading into Cherokee National Forest. Standard RV rentals clear Tennessee's vehicle height limits with room to spare. Pro tip: avoid downtown Chattanooga's narrow streets near the aquarium, park at the North Shore lots instead.
tn.gov/tdot.htmlWhat amenities can I expect at campgrounds near McDonald, TN?
Campgrounds near McDonald, TN generally come well-equipped, especially for an easy first trip. The Chattanooga North/Cleveland KOA offers full hookups (50/30 amp electric, water, sewer), free Wi-Fi, a pool, propane refills, laundry, and a stocked camp store. Harrison Bay State Park provides water and electric sites with a centralized dump station and bathhouses, plus a marina for boat rentals. Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park has electric sites and modern restrooms. Most TVA and Cherokee National Forest campgrounds have potable water fill stations and dump stations available to registered campers. Pro tip: top off your fresh water tank at the campground spigot before heading into more remote sites along the Ocoee.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2737What's inside the RVs available for rent in McDonald, TN?
RVs available for motorhome rental in McDonald, TN come fully outfitted for comfortable living on the road. Expect a real bed (often a queen) plus convertible dinette and bunk options sleeping 4 to 8, a functional kitchen with fridge, stovetop, microwave and sink, a private bathroom with toilet and shower, AC and furnace, a TV in many rigs, and seatbelted seating for traveling passengers. Many listings include a generator for boondocking, outdoor speakers, and an awning for shaded afternoons at Harrison Bay. Wi-Fi hotspots and solar are common upgrades on newer Class B campervan rental McDonald options. Check each listing's amenity list, and message hosts to confirm anything specific like a CPAP-friendly outlet.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=McDonald%2C%20TennesseeWhat add-ons and pickup options are available with McDonald, TN RV rentals?
RVezy hosts in McDonald typically offer a menu of optional add-ons that make life easier: linen and kitchen packages, outdoor camp chairs and tables, generators, bike racks, propane top-offs, dump-station service, and pet cleaning fees if you are bringing a dog. Pickup is usually at the host's location in McDonald, Cleveland, or nearby Ooltewah, with delivery available for an additional fee based on distance to your campsite. Mileage policies vary by listing, with some offering unlimited mileage and others charging a per-mile rate beyond a daily allotment. Pro tip: bundle generator and dump add-ons together when booking, several hosts discount the combo.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=McDonald%2C%20TennesseeHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure: when you book your RV rental Tennessee trip through RVezy, you pay directly on the platform with a credit card, and your booking is confirmed once the host accepts. A security deposit is held (not charged) on your card before the trip starts, typically between $500 and $1,500 depending on the RV, and it is released after pickup-condition is verified at return. To avoid any hold-up, take date-stamped photos of the RV's interior and exterior at pickup, return it with the fuel and propane levels matching the start of the trip, and follow the host's dump and cleaning instructions. Pro tip: keep all receipts in case of a billing question.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksIs there a local insider tip for making the most of an RV trip in McDonald, TN?
Here's the local move that most visitors miss: use McDonald as your basecamp and do day trips in a tow vehicle or smaller car rather than moving the RV every day. You are 25 miles from Chattanooga's aquarium and Lookout Mountain, about 15 minutes from downtown Cleveland's craft breweries, 35 minutes from world-class Ocoee River whitewater rafting (the 1996 Olympic course), and 20 minutes from Red Clay State Historic Park's Cherokee heritage trails. Park the rig at the Chattanooga North/Cleveland KOA with full hookups, set up the awning, and explore. Pro tip: catch sunset at Harrison Bay's marina overlook, it is one of the best free views in Bradley County.
tnstateparks.com/parks/harrison-bayNearby cities with campgrounds
Atlanta, GANashville, TNChattanooga, TNKnoxville, TNDallas, GAAthens, ALBlairsville, GATyrone, GADunean, SCFarragut, TNVilla Rica, GAFlowery Branch, GAPleasant View, TNBuford, GALoganville, GAMarietta, GAWilliamson, GAJackson, GAClarksville, TNShackle Island, TNFairmount, GATravelers Rest, SCCarrollton, GAGreensboro, GA