Want to camp in the beautiful River Gorge? Well you're in luck. The Tennessee River Gorge Trust has two free campgrounds that are part of the Tennessee River Blueway network. We also offer backpacking campsites along our Pot Point Nature Trail. We welcome donations to TRGT so we can continue to manage these campsites for the community. Thank you!
General Camping Information
There is a 5-day maximum stay at our campsites. Consecutive reservations of 5 days must have a 7-day buffer period between reservations
Campers must check out by 11:00 AM ET and campers may check in as early as 12:00 PM ET
8 camper maximum per site
Campers must fill out the online application below
William’s Island Blueway Campground consists of 8 campsites in total. Choosing your specific campsite is on a first come, first serve basis
The Pot Point Blueway Campground has 1 campsite.
The Lower Pot Point Boulder Field has 3 campsites.
William’s Island Campground is paddle-in only, the Pot Point Campground and is paddle-in or hike-in, and the Lower Pot Point Boulder Fields are hike-in only.
The coordinates of the Lower Pot Point Boulder Fields are 35.07926853, -85.39119044.
The coordinates of the Pot Point Campsite are 35.087161, -85.390106
The coordinates of the Williams Island dock and trailhead are 35.085099, -85.340764
Enjoy your adventure!
Interactive Campsite Reservation Map
Camping Application
To secure your reservation to camp at our Pot Point or Williams Island Blueway Campsites, please fill out the form below at least one full business day before you plan to camp. You will be emailed a confirmation email if the spot is available. Blueway directions to campsites are below the application. Please call (423) 266-0314 or email info@trgt.org during normal business hours with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are the campsites pet friendly?
Absolutely! Feel free to bring pets on your camping adventure.
Where can I rent canoes/kayaks?
Check out Canoe Kayak Chattanooga at https://www.canoekayakchattanooga.com/
How long does it take to paddle to the campsites?
This will depend on your launch site, boat design, experience, and your paddling orientation (upstream or downstream). In general, a rough estimate would be that average paddlers can expect a single river mile to take 15-30 minutes. Longer, faster kayaks will be on the faster end, while large canoes may be on the slower end. Also, be sure to check TVA’s Chickamauga Dam release schedule at https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Lake-Levels/Chickamauga (for reference, 20,000 cfs is slower moving current, 50,000 cfs is moderate/strong current, and 70,000 cfs is very strong current).
Do I have to pay to camp?
Nope, the campsites are free so everyone can get out and enjoy the Gorge! But of course, feel free to make a donation to TRGT so we can continue to manage these campsites for the public at www.trgt.org/donate!
Can I access the campsites by land?
The Pot Point Campsite is accessible by land (see directions on the Pot Point Camping page), but William’s Island is only accessible by boat.