What to Pack for a Camping Trip in Chattanooga

Contributed By: Guest Blogger, Rachel Brown 

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the Chattanooga area and Ruby Falls. With both public and private campgrounds to suit anyone from those seeking luxury, to those happy for things to be a little more basic! If you don’t have much experience camping, knowing what to pack can be a minefield, but here’s a quick rundown of the essentials. 

Hiking Shoes: 

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Chattanooga, with beautiful rivers, mountains and trails just waiting to be explored. A good pair of hiking boots is essential - both for comfort and helping to prevent injury. Just make sure to break them in before heading off to avoid any nasty blisters! 

All Weather Clothing: 

Weather in Chattanooga can be unpredictable, especially in the spring. Including a rain jacket and planning for layers is wise. While temperatures rarely get too extreme, the weather can change quickly. Chattanoogans will tell you, if you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes because it will change! Even summer days can start off cool and rainy, and get very hot just a few minutes later. For this reason, it’s best to prepare for all scenarios. Layer in case it gets chilly including warm socks, a waterproof jacket as well as sunscreen and bug spray should all be packed and carried with you. For the latest forecast, see here. 

Food:

Fresh air and lots of activity can really work up an appetite, and you’ll need to have something when the midnight munchies hit!  Protein bars, nuts, and small chocolate bars are easy to tuck into small quarters AND take along on hikes. Take more food than you need, but keep it packed away or you might find some unwanted visitors in your tent! 

Map: 

Yes, we all now have smartphones that can pinpoint our exact location in seconds, but not only do these only work if we have a good signal (which isn’t often the case in forests and mountains) being able to read a map is an important skill. If you’re camping with kids, getting them reading maps is a great way to get them away from tech - as they’re not relying on an electronic device to get them around! Of course, be sure to pack a cell phone (with a reliable battery) too, but trying to find your way without one can be a fun challenge! 

Comfortable Day Pack: 

A comfortable day pack is essential if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Cheap backpacks are of course appealing, but they will get uncomfortable quickly. Ensure your day pack fits comfortably on your back and has enough space for your water, snacks and extra clothing. Roll top backpacks will give your things extra protection if you get caught in the rain. 

Quality Tent: 

Of course, no camping trip is complete without a tent! While some campsites in the Chattanooga area will have tents that are already set up for you (or even yurts for something more luxurious), if you are going it alone or even staying in a more basic campsite, you will need a tent.

Try not to focus too much on the price of the tent, and more the practicality, especially if you are going to be using it a lot. While Chattanooga doesn’t get hugely windy, it’s best to be prepared, so ensure your tent has good support. It’s also worth noting how long a tent takes to set up, the amount of internal space it has and whether it has mesh panels, as these will stop the tent getting hot in the night. 

This post was written by Rachel Brown, an outdoor enthusiast and self-confessed camping geek! For more of her helpful tips and advice, check out her beginner’s guide to camping.