Are there hotels near the park or is it best to stay In Chattanooga?

Stay in Hamilton its relatively close and the hotels are nicer unless you stay in Ooltewahs holiday inn

Better to stay in the ones closer to Summit. Safer

There are several within minutes of the fields.

There are a couple on exit 11 in Ooltewah, that is one exit north of Apison Pike/Volkswagen Exit. I think they're Hampton Suites and a Springhill by Marriott. Hamilton Place Mall Area about 3-5 Miles South of the Summit exit has plenty of choices, also the Bonny Oaks Exit (1 exit south) of The Summit exit has 3, but 2 cheap ones are nasty next to the Waffle House. Hope all these help, ur better off staying around the Hamilton Place Mall Exit and/or Ooltewah Exit 11.