Chickamauga Dam Day Use Area

River Views & Relaxation

Nestled along the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Chickamauga Dam Day Use Area offers a peaceful retreat at the base of the impressive Chickamauga Dam. This secluded area combines natural beauty with recreational amenities suitable for everything from solo outings to family adventures.

Sprawling grassy areas provide plenty of space to spread out a blanket and unwind. You'll catch stunning views of the Tennessee River while you're there - and if you time it right, the sunrise over the water is absolutely worth setting an early alarm for.

Kid-Friendly Fun

The modern playground here is a hit with the younger crowd, featuring a zip line that never seems to have a shortage of eager riders. Beyond that, slides, swings, monkey bars, and a climbing rock round out the offerings. What's nice is that much of the playground sits in partial shade, so you won't be baking in the summer heat while watching the kids play.

Water enthusiasts can take advantage of the well-maintained boat ramp to launch their vessels, while fishing fans can cast lines from the dedicated fishing piers if boating isn't your thing.

The swimming area deserves special mention - it's roped off for safety and features stairs that make getting in and out of the water much easier. Just a heads-up: the riverbed is pretty rocky rather than sandy, so tossing some water shoes in your bag is a smart move. The gentle slope makes this spot particularly great for families with children who are still getting comfortable around water.

Picnics with a View

Scattered around the park are numerous picnic tables, many thoughtfully positioned under shade trees. Several come equipped with charcoal grills - excellent for cooking up a simple lunch or dinner while enjoying the outdoors.

The picnic areas maintain a nice balance of being close enough to amenities while still offering enough space between them that you don't feel like you're dining with strangers. Find your spot, fire up the grill, and enjoy your meal with the peaceful backdrop of river views.

Connect to the Riverpark

A notable feature of this park is its connection to the broader Tennessee Riverpark system. A smooth multi-use trail extends for miles along the riverbank, offering a wonderful path for a post-picnic walk, morning jog, or leisurely bike ride.

As you move along the trail, you'll be treated to continuously changing views of the river and surrounding landscape. Some sections even feature outdoor exercise equipment if you're feeling ambitious about turning your park visit into a full workout.

Natural Surroundings

The park's position near the dam creates a unique environment where infrastructure meets nature. Bird enthusiasts might want to bring binoculars, as various species make appearances year-round.

The open spaces invite impromptu games of frisbee or kite flying when the breeze picks up. Despite being relatively accessible from the city, there's something wonderfully peaceful about the combination of flowing water, green spaces, and mountain backdrops that helps you disconnect from urban life for a while.

Good to Know

You'll come across clean restrooms conveniently located within the park, including changing areas that come in handy after swimming.

Note that the riverbank areas don't have fencing, so you'll want to keep a close eye on little ones near the water. The park stays open 24 hours daily, but some areas may have nighttime restrictions. Even during busy summer weekends, parking is typically plentiful.

If you're bringing your four-legged friend, be aware that while dogs are welcome in certain areas, they aren't allowed in the swimming area or playground sections. Thankfully, dog waste stations are available in the pet-friendly zones.