Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground

Raccoon Mountain Caverns offers families an unforgettable underground adventure just minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Kids will be amazed by sparkling crystal formations and winding cave passages on guided tours ranging from easy walks to thrilling wild cave expeditions. Extend your adventure by camping on-site with RV hookups, cabins, and tent sites surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

• ✓Stunning crystal formations and underground rooms on the 45-minute Crystal Palace tour
• ✓Wild cave expeditions where kids crawl through tight passages and get muddy
• ✓Gem mining station where children can pan for real stones and fossils
• ✓Campground playground, hiking trails, and evening campfire programs
• ✓RV sites, rustic cabins, and tent camping options for multi-day adventures

1. 1.Book the first tour of the day (9:00 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler cave temperatures before the summer heat.
2. 2.Bring layers and closed-toe shoes with good traction. The cave stays 60 degrees year-round, which feels chilly after the summer heat outside.
3. 3.If camping, request a site near the playground area so kids can easily access activities while you set up camp.
4. 4.The wild cave tours require advance reservations and fill quickly on weekends, so book at least a week ahead during peak season.
5. 5.Pack headlamps or flashlights for kids who want to explore the campground trails after dinner.

Weekday mornings in spring or fall offer the best experience with smaller tour groups and comfortable outdoor temperatures for camping. Summer weekends are busiest but offer extended evening hours perfect for families who want to tour the cave and then enjoy campground activities.

Cave tours range from $20 to $50+ per person depending on adventure level, with separate fees for camping (starting around $30/night). The property includes a camp store for basics, but stock up on groceries beforehand. Cave tours involve stairs and uneven surfaces, so may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Cave tours operate year-round with the cave maintaining a constant 60-degree temperature, making it a perfect hot weather escape in summer. Spring and fall offer ideal camping weather, while summer brings the most families. Winter camping is available but less crowded, and some campground amenities may have reduced hours.

Head to Bea's Restaurant (10 minutes away) for hearty Southern comfort food and kids' favorites like chicken tenders. Alternatively, Big River Grille near the Tennessee Aquarium downtown offers a fun brewery atmosphere with an extensive kids' menu and riverside views.