Harrison Bay Highlights

Notification Alert

Construction from Brand New Playscape

Harrison Bay State Park

Please excuse our mess as we work to build a brand-new learning playscape! Work has begun paving the way for a nature-based playscape that will combine the fun of a play area with opportunities to learn and help children connect with nature through a hands-on experience. Due to the heat, work may begin each day in the early morning hours before quiet time is over, causing noise for our campground guests. Please contact the park office for additional details. Thank you for your patience during this project!

  • Two small boats float on a peaceful lake surrounded by lush green forest under a clear blue sky. The scene conveys tranquility and natural beauty.
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    The Making of a Lakeside Haven

    Step into Harrison Bay State Park, where the echoes of history mingle with the serenity of Chickamauga Lake. From ancient Native American settlements to the bustling town of Harrison now submerged beneath the waves, this park holds a captivating story within its 1,200 acres. Discover the hidden gems and unique experiences that await. Uncover the secrets of Harrison Bay.  

    Discover Harrison Bay State Park

    Harrison Bay State Park is both a beautiful place and a testament to human ingenuity and the power of nature. The park owes its existence to the creation of Chickamauga Dam in the 1930s, a project that transformed the landscape and created the vast Chickamauga Lake. As the Tennessee River swelled, it engulfed the town of Harrison, forcing its relocation and giving rise to the bay that now defines the park. Today, Harrison Bay State Park offers a unique blend of recreational opportunities, historical significance, and natural beauty, inviting visitors to connect with the past while enjoying the present.

    A small, brown wooden cabin stands in a sunlit forest. Surrounding trees cast dappled shadows, evoking a peaceful, secluded atmosphere.

    History

    The story of Harrison Bay State Park is woven from many threads, stretching back centuries.

    Before the arrival of European settlers, the land was home to various Native American groups, most recently the Chickamauga people of the Cherokee Nation. Chief Joseph Vann, a prominent figure, had a town in the area. Later, it became the site of the town of Harrison, a farming community that served as the county seat.  

    During the Civil War, a skirmish took place on the site, featuring a three-gun artillery placement that attacked a Union force moving south. The park was also used during World War I and World War II for gardens to support food for the local community.   

    In 1937, the park was established under the newly formed Department of Conservation, supported by the Department of the Interior, TVA, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC had a hand in shaping the park, building some of the structures that still stand today. The park was once segregated and shares a history with Booker T. Washington State Park. 

    From the Rangers

      • A serene marina at sunset with docks and covered boats reflected on calm water. The sky is tinged with pink and purple hues, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

      The Perfect Day 

      Start your day with a scenic hike along the Lakeshore Loop Trail, keeping an eye out for trilliums and mayapples. Then, head to the Point, a day-use picnic area at the end of Campground Drive, for a lakeside picnic and recreation. In the afternoon, explore the lake by kayak or canoe, taking in the views of the islands and shoreline. End your day at the lakefront day-use area, the Point picnic area, or the Patten Hill Group camping site to watch the sunset over Chickamauga Lake. 

      • Two tents, one red and gray, the other green and gray, are set up by a lakeside. Three bikes are parked nearby, and autumn trees surround the campsite.

      Insider Information 

      Venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of Harrison Bay State Park. Explore the islands dotting Chickamauga Lake, featuring remnants of past settlements and havens for wildlife. These islands, mostly undeveloped, offer a glimpse into the area's rich history and natural wonders. You can also find a sinkhole along the island trail.  

      The Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Trace Golf Course is highly rated for playability and for its conservation and habitat practices. It was the state’s first registered Groundwater Guardian Green Site.

      • A serene lakeside campsite at sunset, featuring a parked RV next to a tree and a Jeep. The sky is pinkish-purple, and there's a calm, tranquil vibe.

      Know Before You Go 

      If you're planning to bring an RV, it's recommended to approach the park via Highway 60, Ferdinand Piech, or Highway 153 to Highway 58 — especially if you have a very large camper. Keep in mind that cell service can be limited in the Park Office/Marina area for some carriers.  

      Harrison Bay has 128 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups, and a limited number can accommodate RV’s up to 65 feet. There are also 21 primitive tent-only campsites.

    • red marked trail
    • wodden pathed trail
    • paved starry night trail

    Trails

    Lace up your hiking boots and explore the trails of Harrison Bay State Park. The Lakeshore Loop Trail is a popular choice, offering scenic views of Chickamauga Lake and opportunities to spot wildflowers. The Starwalk Trail has many grassland and wetland species as well. But be aware — the Baypoint Loop Trail and the Island Trail may have water over them at high lake levels. 

    A 4.5-mile loop bike trail features nice uphill climbs with some fast downhill opportunities and is rated for all abilities. 

      • Wooden boardwalk in a sunlit forest with green foliage.

      Mountains and Vistas 

      While Harrison Bay State Park isn't nestled within a mountain range, it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Head to the lakefront day-use area, the Point picnic area, and the Patten Hill Group Camping area for excellent sunset viewing. 

      • People kayaking on a calm lake surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.

      Water Features 

      Chickamauga Lake is the heart of Harrison Bay State Park, offering a wealth of recreational opportunities. Whether you're swimming, boating, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore, the lake provides a refreshing escape. 

    Support Trails at Tennessee State Parks

    With donations made through the Tennessee State Parks Trail Pack, you can help directly fund trail maintenance projects and new builds that will improve the future of trails at Tennessee State Parks. Plus, we'll send you some unique, annual vinyl stickers with each donation.

    Plants

    Harrison Bay State Park is home to a diverse array of flora.

    The park's undeveloped shoreline provides a critical habitat, where forest meets the water's edge, supporting a variety of plant species. To truly appreciate the park's botanical wonders, join a Park Ranger for an interpretive program and learn about the unique adaptations of these plants.  

    • bumble bee resting on a flower
    • red Berrys of a holly tree peek through the white snowy branches

    Plant Types

    • Grasses
    • Wildflowers (General)
    • Aquatic Plants
    • Coniferous Trees 
    • Deciduous Trees 

    Birds

    Bald eagles, osprey, and many species of waterfowl are frequently seen at Harrison Bay State Park.

    The fishing pier is popular with great blue herons and one is often seen on the peak of the roof. One hundred thirty species of birds have been observed. 

    • Bird in flight against a blurred green background.

    Bird Species

    • American Bittern
    • Bald Eagle
    • Belted Kingfisher
    • Black-throated Green Warbler
    • Blackpoll Warbler
    • Brown Creeper
    • Brown-headed Nuthatch
    • Canada Goose
    • Caspian Tern
    • Common Loon
    • Common Yellowthroat
    • Bay Ducks (Generic)
    • Eastern Kingbird
    • Eastern Phoebe
    • Flycatchers
    • Great Blue Heron
    • Great Egret
    • Gull
    • Horned Grebe
    • Killdeer
    • Common Merganser
    • Northern Flicker
    • Orchard Oriole
    • Osprey
    • Pine Siskin
    • Pine Warbler
    • Semipalmated Plover
    • Purple Finch
    • Red-breasted Nuthatch
    • Red-headed Woodpecker
    • Red-shouldered Hawk
    • Red-tailed Hawk
    • Rusty Blackbird
    • Spotted Sandpiper
    • Greater Scaup
    • Shorebirds
    • Song Sparrow
    • Field Sparrow
    • Tennessee Warbler
    • Common Tern
    • Hermit Thrush
    • Vireos
    • Bay-breasted Warbler
    • Waterfowl
    • Wild Turkey
    • Winter Wren
    • Greater Yellowlegs

    Birding at Harrison Bay

    Find the best spots to view our many species of birds who call Harrison Bay home plus migratory birds who stop by to visit.  

    Go to Birding Page

    Animals

    Wildlife abounds at Harrison Bay State Park, offering visitors the chance to observe a variety of creatures in their natural habitat.

    From birds of prey soaring overhead to deer grazing in the meadows, the park is a haven for animal lovers. 

    • Close-up of a small turtle with vibrant striped markings on its skin, partially submerged by a mossy log in calm water, creating a tranquil scene.
    • 2 raccoons nestled on a branch looking down at you

    Animal Species

    • Turtles
    • Herons
    • Bald Eagle
    • Osprey
    • Squirrels
    • Rabbits
    • Raccoon
    • Deer

    Inspiration

    Get Inspired

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    Plan your visit with the Tennessee State Parks app and discover guided adventures with the Explore Tennessee State Parks app.

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