From one far corner of Tennessee to another, there are 57 state parks dedicated to recreation and the preservation of natural and historical resources. Like anything that exists in multiples, there has to be a first of its kind. In the case of Tennessee State Parks, that honor goes to Harrison Bay State Park on the shores of Chickamauga Lake in Hamilton County.
The park, which today covers about 1,200 acres and has approximately 40 miles of shoreline, actually began as a Tennessee Valley Authority recreation area in the 1930s before becoming the first state park in 1937. Like many parks built during the Great Depression, Harrison Bay owes a lot to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work relief program. In fact, similar to several other parks, there are still structures in the park that were built by the CCC.
“Something that visitors might overlook is the historical aspects,” says Don Campbell, park manager for Harrison Bay. “The old town of Harrison is underwater off our shore. It was once the county seat for Hamilton County. When the water is lower, you can still find old sidewalks and curbs.”
Even before the former Harrison was built, however, the area was the site of a Cherokee campground, which consisted of three villages ruled by one chieftain.
Camping
Many years after the Cherokee camped in the area, Harrison Bay State Park is still a go-to place for campers. The park’s campground has 128 RV sites and 27 tent-only campsites.
It was visitors to the park’s campground who provided one of Campbell’s most memorable moments during his 42 years working at Harrison Bay.
“Our campground is a great meeting place,” he says. “I met a camper once during the 1980s who was meeting another camper. They had served in World War II together and hadn’t seen each other since the war. They were meeting a third person and were going to travel together to the site of the former Army air base in Halls in West Tennessee. When they told me this, I shared that my dad had been a civilian fireman at that same base.”
The park also has a group camp that can accommodate up to 144 campers in rustic, open-air cabins. A dining hall, picnic shelters, volleyball and basketball courts, a playground and a ball field are also part of the group camp area, which is available to reserve April 1–Oct. 31.
Golfing
Harrison Bay is home to the second Bear Trace golf course — designed by Jack Nicklaus — to open. With its combination of woodlands and water surrounding the course, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy a few rounds with friends. A driving range, practice green, snack bar, club rental and golf lessons are also available. Only 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Harrison Bay is also attractive for those who want to add a stop in the city while they’re in the area.
Hiking and biking
Trails are a favorite perk of state park adventures, and Harrison Bay has 6.5 miles of trails, including the 4.5-mile Bay Point Loop that is used for both hiking and biking. With the park’s lakeside location, the trails offer some beautiful views.
Because of the abundance of shoreline and woodlands, time on the trails will also likely present sightings of a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds. You might even want to download an app that will help you identify the birds you see based on their plumage or their songs and/or calls. There’s even a bald eagle nest at the golf course.
Water recreation
It should be no surprise that a park situated on the shores of a large, beautiful lake provides a lot of opportunities for water recreation. If you enjoy fishing, you can throw a line from the bank, a boat or the park pier.
Boating, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities, and canoes, kayaks and paddleboards can be rented by the hour at the park seasonally. Boaters can also make use of the park’s marina, with covered and uncovered slips, and boat launch.
Shopping
Whether you need items for use during your time at the park or souvenirs to take home, you can find a wide variety of goods at the camp store, marina gift shop and visitors center gift shop.
Harrison Bay State Park
For more information, visit tnstateparks.com/parks/harrison-bay or call the park office at 423-344-6214.
