Friends of Harrison Bay State Park: Tennessee’s Oldest State Park and a Dedicated Friends Group

Tennessee’s oldest state park has a strong, vibrant Friends group. Harrison Bay State Park spans 1,200 acres and includes nearly 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake shoreline. TVA originally developed it as a recreation area in the 1930s.

The park’s name comes from a large bay along the Tennessee River’s main channel. That bay covers the old town of Harrison and the last Cherokee Campground. The Cherokee Campground included three villages ruled by one of the last great Cherokee chieftains.

Harrison Bay became Tennessee’s first state park in 1937. Today, it sits in Hamilton County near Chattanooga.

A Grassroots Effort Since 2009

The Friends group formed in 2009. A small group of locals founded it, many of whom grew up nearby and had strong ties to the park.

Park Manager Matthew Vawter explained that the Friends group provides funding flexibility. Specifically, it can support projects beyond traditional state budgets and regulations.

Supporting Park Improvements and Programs

Jim Morgan, the Friends president, shared several recent projects. The group installed new benches and split-rail fencing along the waterfront. Members also provided new paddleboards and built a bird aviary. The aviary houses a red-tailed hawk, an owl, and a turkey vulture.

In addition, the group sponsors Junior Ranger and Spirit of America boating camps. Currently, the Friends group has 50 members.

Vawter said the group also provides volunteer support for major park events. Furthermore, it hosts fundraisers that strengthen grassroots efforts to improve park features.

“The most important part of our group to me is that the group has consistently pushed for what is best for the park itself,” Vawter said. “They focus on the park, not individual goals. They are selfless people who give their evenings, blood, sweat, and tears to make Harrison Bay State Park the best place it can be for its community.”