Harrison Bay
Overview and Location
Situated at 8411 Harrison Bay Road, Harrison, TN, Harrison Bay State Park lies on a wooded peninsula that stretches into Chickamauga Lake, part of the Tennessee River system. The park’s location offers easy access from Highway 58, making it ideal for day trips, extended camping, or a quick getaway from Chattanooga. Visitors often start their adventures from the main marina or campground, where amenities are modern yet surrounded by the tranquility of the water.
Originally developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1930s, Harrison Bay was created as a model of recreation and conservation. The TVA’s development of Chickamauga Dam transformed the region, submerging the historic town of Harrison beneath the lake’s waters and giving birth to the bay that now bears its name. In 1937, Tennessee designated Harrison Bay as its first state park, a milestone that continues to define its legacy today.
From sunrise fishing trips to golden-hour cruises, Harrison Bay invites visitors to experience the best of the Tennessee outdoors while staying within easy reach of the city. The park’s well-planned layout, spacious facilities, and serene water views make it a natural choice for those who love boating and lakeside relaxation.
History and Heritage of Harrison Bay
The history of Harrison Bay stretches back well before its establishment as a state park. Long before the Tennessee Valley Authority reshaped the landscape, this area was home to Cherokee settlements whose influence still echoes through the region’s cultural memory. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked alongside the TVA to develop public facilities here, many of which still stand as testaments to early conservation design and craftsmanship. The park’s namesake, the original town of Harrison, was a small Tennessee River community that was flooded when Chickamauga Dam was completed. What remains is a deep bay and surrounding peninsula that continue to hold historic significance. Today, park exhibits and interpretive signage highlight this transformation, reminding visitors how progress and preservation can coexist when thoughtfully managed.
Harrison Bay represents more than scenic beauty, it embodies a story of rebirth and resilience. The blending of historic roots with modern recreation has made the park a living legacy of Tennessee’s outdoor heritage. Whether walking through its quiet woods or boating across the bay, visitors connect to a landscape that tells the story of both people and progress.
Natural Beauty and Wildlife
Few parks in Tennessee rival the biodiversity of Harrison Bay. The combination of mature hardwood forests, wetlands, and open lake water provides ideal habitat for wildlife. Birdwatchers are drawn here year-round for sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and migratory waterfowl. The park’s famous “Eagle Cam” offers a live view of nesting bald eagles at The Bear Trace golf course, an educational tool that captures the majesty of nature in real time.
Over 130 bird species have been documented in and around Harrison Bay, making it a premier stop on Tennessee’s birding trail. In addition to avian life, the park’s forests and shoreline support white-tailed deer, raccoons, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Morning visitors often spot deer grazing near the water’s edge, while evenings bring the sounds of frogs and crickets echoing through the trees.
Environmental stewardship remains central to Harrison Bay’s identity. Park staff and volunteers have implemented programs for shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration, and litter-free boating. Visitors are encouraged to “Leave No Trace,” preserving the park’s natural serenity for generations to come. For boaters, the calm coves and reflective waters of Harrison Bay offer endless opportunities for peaceful exploration.
Boating, Marina, and Water Access
Harrison Bay is one of the best boating destinations on the Tennessee River system. Its full-service marina is renowned among TVA lakes for its quality amenities and accessibility. The marina features ethanol-free fuel, clean restrooms, a pump-out station, ice, snacks, and a 24-hour public boat ramp with free access. With roughly 135 slips, it accommodates both transient and long-term docking for boats of various sizes.
Boaters often launch from Harrison Bay to explore Chickamauga Lake’s winding channels and quiet inlets. The lake connects seamlessly with the Tennessee River, offering expansive routes for cruising and fishing. For those without their own vessels, Erwin Marine Sales provides premium Harris pontoon rentals, perfect for relaxing days on the water between April and October. These pontoons combine stability, comfort, and performance, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of Harrison Bay at a leisurely pace. Whether docking for lunch at the seasonal Dockside Café or anchoring in a secluded cove, Harrison Bay offers a boating experience that balances comfort with adventure. The marina’s reputation for cleanliness and friendly service reflects the care that has kept this park a favorite among local and visiting boaters alike.
Camping and Overnight Comfort
For those who prefer to extend their stay, Harrison Bay State Park provides some of the most accommodating campsites in Tennessee. The park features 128 RV sites equipped with electric and water hookups, accommodating vehicles up to 65 feet in length. An additional 27 primitive tent sites offer a more rustic experience beneath the canopy of oak and hickory trees. Each loop includes modern bathhouses, picnic tables, and fire rings, ensuring comfort while maintaining a close connection to nature.
Campers enjoy easy access to the lake for fishing and kayaking, as well as nearby hiking trails that wind through the peninsula. The camp store stocks essentials like ice, firewood, and snacks, while friendly park rangers are available for assistance or recommendations. Evenings at Harrison Bay are especially tranquil, campfires flicker beneath starry skies, and the distant call of owls completes the atmosphere of relaxation. Reservations can be made online through the Tennessee State Parks system, and many visitors return year after year for family traditions that center around boating, grilling, and lakefront fun. The blend of convenience and peaceful natural surroundings makes camping at Harrison Bay an experience that’s both refreshing and restorative.
Golf and Recreation at The Bear Trace
Golf enthusiasts visiting Harrison Bay are in for a treat. The park is home to The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, a stunning 18-hole championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Opened in 1999, the course stretches over 7,100 yards and offers panoramic views of Chickamauga Lake from several holes. Its fairways flow naturally with the contours of the land, creating a balance of challenge and beauty for players of all levels.
The Bear Trace is part of the Tennessee Golf Trail and is celebrated for its environmentally friendly design. The course’s maintenance team has received national recognition for wildlife habitat conservation, especially its efforts to protect the resident bald eagles. Whether teeing off at sunrise or finishing an afternoon round under the golden light, golfers find Harrison Bay a perfect blend of sport and serenity.
Beyond golf, the park’s recreation options include hiking, picnicking, and educational programs led by rangers. The Bay Point Loop Trail, approximately 4.5 miles, circles the peninsula, offering lake views and shaded paths ideal for walking or running. Its gentle terrain and scenic variety make it one of the most popular trails in the Chattanooga area.
Fishing and Outdoor Enjoyment
Harrison Bay offers direct access to Chickamauga Lake, one of Tennessee’s premier fishing destinations and a Bill Dance Signature Lake. Anglers can expect to catch largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass, as well as crappie, sauger, and catfish. In fact, Chickamauga Lake produced the state-record largemouth bass, an impressive 15 pounds, 3 ounces, caught in 2015. With such potential, it’s no wonder that Harrison Bay draws anglers from across the region.
The park’s fishing piers and shoreline access points make it easy to cast from land, while boaters can explore deeper channels and submerged structures known for attracting trophy fish. Local fishing guides frequently operate on the lake, offering chartered trips and expertise for those seeking big catches. The calm waters of Harrison Bay and its adjacent coves provide ideal conditions for both casual and competitive anglers alike.
Why Harrison Bay Captures the Heart of Every Visitor
More than a park, Harrison Bay represents a way of life centered around water, community, and relaxation. Its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and recreation makes it one of Tennessee’s true hidden gems. Whether spending the day boating, camping, golfing, or simply watching eagles soar overhead, visitors leave with a sense of renewal that only comes from time spent near the water.
For those looking to explore the Tennessee River system in comfort and style, Harrison Bay is the perfect starting point. With Erwin Marine Sales offering pontoon rentals and a team of local boating experts ready to assist, every trip can be tailored to fit your pace. From peaceful family outings to solo escapes into nature, Harrison Bay continues to welcome all who seek tranquility on Chickamauga Lake.