Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground in Chattanooga: Cave Tours and Overnight Camping Combined
A 110-acre property on the city's west side, Raccoon Mountain pairs a working limestone cavern with a 50-site campground, making it one of the few regional campgrounds where guests can base themselves and spend time both above and below ground without driving elsewhere.
What Raccoon Mountain actually is
Raccoon Mountain operates as a dual attraction: the cavern occupies a natural cave system with paved walking paths descending roughly 280 feet underground, while the campground sits on the surface above. The property has been open since the 1960s and draws mix of day-trippers taking cave tours and overnight campers who want access to both experiences. The cave itself requires no special gear; visitors walk on marked trails rather than climb or rappel.
Campground sites and pricing
The campground has 50 sites split between gravel full-hookup pull-throughs and tent spaces without hookups. Full-hookup sites run approximately $42 to $52 per night depending on season (verify current rates directly, as pricing adjusts seasonally and for holidays). Tent sites cost roughly $28 to $38 per night. The property includes two bathhouses with showers and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is available throughout the campground but is not always reliable in remote corners of the property.
Campground amenities are basic: picnic tables, fire rings, and a small camp store stocked with firewood, ice, and limited supplies. There is no on-site restaurant or prepared food service, and the nearest substantial food options are on Cummings Highway, about 2 to 3 miles away.
Cave tour pricing and logistics
Cave tours run daily and typically last 45 to 60 minutes. Tours depart regularly throughout the day; exact schedules vary seasonally. Adult admission is approximately $18 to $22; children (usually ages 3 to 12) run $12 to $16. Group rates apply for parties of 15 or more. The cave stays at a consistent 59 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so layering is necessary even in summer. The paved paths are smooth but include some stairs and modest elevation changes; the walk is accessible to most fitness levels but not suitable for mobility devices.
How it compares to other Chattanooga campgrounds
Harrison Bay State Park, about 12 miles north near the Tennessee River, offers 150 sites, a boat launch, and day-use beach access but no cave experience. Sites run $25 to $35 for standard camping. Raccoon Mountain's advantage is its dual-use model: campers can tour the cave without leaving property or paying separate day-use fees.
Immediate alternatives are limited. Cloudland Canyon State Park lies 45 minutes south in Georgia and offers hiking and canyon views but no cave. The YMCA Camp Hidden Valley, also outside the city, focuses on group reservations rather than individual campers. For urban campers wanting proximity to downtown Chattanooga attractions (Hunter Museum, North Shore restaurants), Raccoon Mountain sits about 6 miles from downtown and is less convenient than some parking options, though the trade-off is acreage and privacy.
Who this suits and who it does not
Raccoon Mountain works well for families with children interested in geology, multi-day visitors who want a basecamp for exploring Chattanooga, and RV travelers with full-hookup needs on the city's west side. The cave tour is age-appropriate for children as young as 3, though very young children on a 45-minute walking tour may need breaks.
It does not suit campers seeking extensive amenities (pools, fitness facilities, events), those with accessibility needs beyond basic paved paths, or visitors looking for a downtown location or active nightlife nearby. Solo travelers on tight budgets will find cheaper camping at state parks, though without the cave attraction bundled in.
What to expect on arrival
Campers check in at the entrance office and receive site assignments. Most overnight guests arrive in afternoon; check-in closes at dusk. The property is relatively quiet, with few organized activities beyond cave tours. Visitors typically either schedule a cave tour in advance (recommended during peak seasons) or drop in during the day. The cave entrance sits within walking distance of most camping sites.
Hours, access, and getting there
The property sits at 319 Cummings Highway on Chattanooga's west side, accessible via Highway 41. Hours run roughly 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for cave tours; verify exact hours seasonally. Parking at the cavern entrance is free and separate from campground parking. The cave entrance is not far from campsites, but walking distance varies by site assignment. There is no public transit serving this location.
Raccoon Mountain fills a specific role for overnight visitors wanting both outdoor accommodation and underground exploration without two separate trips, a pairing that makes it worth considering for multi-day Chattanooga visits.
