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Camping sites around the Smokies are plentiful
Visiting The Smokies Fall 2020 13 Camping sites around the Smokies are plentiful
Camping is a great way to enjoy all of the wonders nature has to offer, not to mention it is incredible family fun and it’s very inexpensive. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers several different types of campsites: Backcountry, for backpackers, which requires hiking several miles to a site located in the park’s backcountry. Front country camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. Group Campgrounds are large campsites suitable for groups of eight people or more and are located in front country campgrounds. Horse CampsSmall campgrounds, accessible by vehicle, which offer hitch racks for horses and primitive camping facilities. Campground facilities and the procedures for obtaining a site in each type are different, and in many cases, reservations are required. For more information on camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit their web site at www.nps.gov/ grsm, or call visitor information at (865) 436-1200.
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CHEROKEE DAM CAMPGROUND
This is a self-service campground. (800) 882-5263. Forty-two campsites with water and electric hookups, restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, children’s play equipment, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion available by reservation, swimming beach, boat ramps above dam and below dam, lake and river fishing, paved walking trail and bird watching.
BIG RIDGE STATE PARK
Big Ridge has 50 campsites on or near Norris Lake to accommodate RV’s, trailers, and tent campers. RV campsites have a paved slip and a soft gravel pad and can accommodate a unit up to 35 feet. Each site has water and 50-amp electrical hookups, picnic table and grill. A dumping station is provided, as well as three bathhouses with restrooms and hot shower facilities. Bathhouses #2 and #3 are closed during the off-season from November 1 to March 31. Address: Big Ridge State Park, 1015 Big Ridge RoadMaynardville, Tennessee Contact 800-471-5305 or 865-992-5523 at the Park Office for more information.
COSBY CAMPGROUND
The 157-site Cosby Campground is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and approximately 5 miles south of Cosby in Cocke County. Only 26 sites in the Cosby campground are available by reservation while the remaining sites are available only on a first come, first served basis. Except on holiday weekends, there are usually many sites available. Reservations are accepted only for May 15 thru October 31 by calling toll free (877) 444-6777, or (423) 487-2683. Directions: From Cosby, proceed south on TN 32 about 1.5 miles south of the junction with US 321. Turn right at Cosby sign. Campground is another 2 miles. Continue to page 14
From page 13
COVE LAKE STATE PARK
The Cove Lake visitor is served with 106 campsites. All sites are equipped with water and electrical hookups, and most with grills and tables. A dump station is available, as are two modern bathhouses containing hot showers, commodes, and lavatories. Stay limit is two weeks. Tents are allowed on all the campsites. Rates: $20 Taxes and fees are not included. Rates are subject to change. $3 reservation fee per site is non-refundable. Address: Cove Lake State Park, 110 Cove Lake LaneCaryville, Tennessee 37714 For more information about Cove Lake State Park contact 423-566-9701.
DOUGLAS DAM HEADWATER CAMPGROUND
This is a self-service campground (800) 882-5263. Sixty-five campsites, 61 with water and electric hookup and two handicapped-accessible sites. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, picnic tables, swimming beach, boat ramp, walking trail, wildlife viewing area, bird-watching. Trotter Bluff Small Wild Area features walking trails through 30 acres of mature hardwood forest, limestone sinkholes, spring wildflowers and vistas of the dam and tailwaters. Directions: 1680 Boat Launch Road, Sevierville, TN 37876. Near Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. From Interstate 40 take exit 407. Go south on Highway 66 then 3.5 miles east on Highway 139, then 2.5 miles south on Highway 338, then follow signs 1 mile north to campground.
DOUGLAS DAM TAIL WATER CAMPGROUND
This is a self-service campground (800) 882-5263. Sixty-two campsites with water and electric hookup and two handicapped-accessible sites. Restrooms with heated showers and flush toilets, dump station, children’s play equipment, picnic tables and grills, group pavilion available by reservation, boat ramp, river fishing with fishing pier, bait and tackle shop, wildlife viewing area, bird-watching 829 Riverview Way, Sevierville, TN 37876 Near Sevierville and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. From Interstate 40 take exit 407. Go south on Highway 66, then 3.5 miles east on Highway 139, then 0.5 miles south on Highway 338 to campground.
FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK
The park has 222 campsites in five different areas. All sites have tables, grills, water, and electricity and are served by six bathhouses. 92 sites have sewer connections. Some sites will accommodate an RV up to 45 feet in length. Ice and firewood may be purchased year-round. In addition to the 222 campsites there are 16 primitive sites, 9 are walk in the other
Fall Creek Falls State Park 7 are park on. There are 3 backcountry sites on the overnight backpacking trails. Most campgrounds are accessible by persons with a disability. Rates: $11 — $25: Taxes and fees are not included. Rates are subject to change. $3 reservation fee per site is non-refundable. Address: Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp RoadSpencer, Tennessee 38585 Contact 1-800-250-8611 for camping Information & Reservations.
HIWASSEE/OCOEE STATE PARK
The Hiwassee State Scenic Rivers’ Gee Creek campground is a haven and a home-away-from-home to many river users. Campsites are more tent-friendly than most. Some of the campsites are close enough to the river to be lulled to sleep each night by the sound of rushing water. An easy walk will lead you along the rivers edge for fishing, nature walks or a brisk dip in the cold waters. Gee Creek primitive campground has 47 sites, each with a table, fire ring and a grill. There is a fee for their use and the stay limit is two weeks. Public water and a bathhouse containing sinks, commodes, and hot showers are located near the center of the campground. The bathhouse is available to campers at no additional charge. Gee Creek offers a Group Camp field with 8 separate group campsites. These sites vary in size. Rates: $12 — $80 Taxes and fees are not included. Rates are subject to change. $3 reservation fee per site is non-refundable. Address: Hiwassee / Ocoee State Park, 404 Spring Creek Road Delano, Tennessee 37325 Contact 423-263-0050 for more information. Continue to page 15
From page 14
INDIAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Indian Mountain is a popular camping park. There are 47 sites with paved pads to serve both tent and RV campers. The sites have water, electricity with 30-amp breakers and a dump station. All sites have picnic tables and grills, which are located throughout the camping area. A modern bathhouse with restrooms and showers is available to campers. Indian Mountain’s campground is open year-round. The campground is winterized (all water including bathhouse is turned off) from November 1 — March 31. Rates: $17 — $20 Taxes and fees are not included. Rates are subject to change. $3 reservation fee per site is non-refundable. For information about Indian Mountain State Park contact 423-784-7958.
KOA CAMPGROUND, NEWPORT, TN
The KOA campground in Newport, TN provides a unique camping experience with the many amenities that it offers. The campgrounds have electrical hookups, Wi-Fi, Cable TV, Snack Bar, Pool and Pavilion. Firewood and Propane are available for purchase as well. Directions: From I-40: Take Exit 432-B to 25W-70, then 1.6 miles to KOA on right. From I-81: Take Exit 8 to 25E south for 12 miles, then right on 25W-70 to KOA 1/3 mile on left.
KOA Campground, Newpor, TN
MARTHA SUNDQUIST STATE FOREST
The Cherokee National Forest surrounds Martha Sundquist Forest on three sides and is just a short drive for visitors in Tennessee and North Carolina. There are six campsites along the graveled road that runs through the forest. A permit is not needed to stay at any of the campsites, but there is a 14-day maximum to allow others the chance to enjoy the area. Directions: From downtown Hartford, TN follow Big Creek road onto Gulf Road 8.8 miles to the entrance of Martha Sundquist State Forest. The campsites are spaced out generously along two gravel roads.
Norris Dam State Park
NORRIS DAM STATE PARK
The park has two campgrounds. A dump station is located at each campground. All sites have a table, grill and fire pit. A bathhouse is centrally located in each campground, open during the in-season. A laundromat is located next to the park office, open seasonally. The maximum stay during in-season is 14 nights, and during off-season is 28 nights. The East side has 25 sites with water and electric hook-up and 10 primitive sites for tents only, with no water and electric hook-up. The west side has 50 sites with water and electric hook-up. The west side also has three paved sites suitable for persons with disabilities. If reserved, proper identification will be required upon check-in. Rates: $8 — $20 Taxes and fees are not included. Rates are subject to change. $3 reservation fee per site is non-refundable. Address: Norris Dam State Park, 125 Village Green Circle Rocky Top, Tennessee 37769 For information contact 865-426-7461.
PIGEON RIVER CAMPGROUND
3375 Hartford Road, Hartford, Tennessee, 37753 Next door to Smoky Mountain Outdoors White Water Rafting Cabins on the river, RV hookups, Tent camping, Swimming pool and Adventure packages available. For Reservations call 1-844-766-2267. Continue to page 16
From page 15
PAINT CREEK CAMPGROUND
Camping and picnicking are on a first-come, firstserved basis. Located on the banks of Paint Creek, the campground offers18 single sites and two double sites each equipped with grill/fire ring. Camping fee is $10 per night for single site or $20 for a double site. Cherokee National Forest: Lower Paint Creek Rd Greeneville, TN 37743.
ROAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
All of the park’s 107 family campsites have a grill and picnic table and are located near a bathhouse with hot showers. A dump station is located at the campground check-in. The campground has 87 RV sites with water and electric hookups and 20 tent sites, each with water. The tent camping area does not have electric hookups. Four group sites, which will accommodate approximately 25 people each, are available to non-profit groups. These four sites may be reserved up to two years in advance. Rates: $11 — $27.50 Taxes and fees are not included. Rates are subject to change. $3 reservation fee per site is non-refundable. Address: Roan Mountain State Park, 1015 Hwy 143Roan Mountain, Tennessee 37687 For more information about Roan Mountain State Park contact 423-722-0190.
SHOESTRING CREEK CAMPGROUND
The Shoestring Creek Campground is a rustic campground with cabins and tent sites. It has 40 acres to explore, and sites are secluded. Shoestring is located near The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The campground is just outside the towns of Hartford and Cosby, close to rafting, zip lines and kayaking on the Pigeon River. You will be able to get away from it all and still be less that an hour from favorite tourist attractions like Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Shoestring Creek is located three miles off of I-40 at
Roan Mountain State Park
mile marker 447. For more information call 925-759-6579.
TANA-SEE CAMPGROUND
The Tana-See Campground provides the opportunity to turn your weekend into a special memory. Tana-See is located off I-40 near exit 432B in Newport. It’s only 45 minutes to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The new owners have upgraded several of the amenities on the property. The campground boasts upgraded electrical services, laundry, remodeled bathhouses, and an overall improved grounds. Tana-See has everything your family will need to enjoy their next camping experience. Play horseshoes, putt-putt golf, or on the playground. The pool also provides cooling relief of hot summer days. The campsites are pet friendly and are available for special events. Tana-See Campground is located at 112 Carson Springs Road. For more information call 423-415-5000, or visit www.tanaseecampground.com.
Tana-See Campground
TRIPLE CREEK CAMPGROUND
Triple Creek Campground is a family owned and operated campground surrounded by the beautiful mountain creeks of the Great Smoky Mountains. They are a short drive from Pigeon Forge and
From page 16 Gatlinburg. Most of their campsites are located creekside with large shade trees. Some of the things you will find at the campground are RV, camper and tent camping sites, camper nightly rentals, a camp store, tubing, fishing, outdoor games, kids’ playground, outdoor live music, special events, and more. Located around you will find some of the best home style restaurants, like Carver’s, The Woodshed and Janice’s. There are also hiking trails like Mt. Cammerer and Greenbrier. The Foothillls Parkway, whitewater rafting, Douglas Lake, Chattahoochee Valley, Asheville, NC, Maggie Valley, Cherokee, NC, Hot Springs and many other places are located close by. So come let us help you make the most of your family camping experience. Triple Creek Campground looks forward to seeing you this year. Located at: 141 Lower Bogard Rd. Newport, TN 37821 Visit: www.triplecreekcampground.com for more information.
TVA CAMPING & RECREATION
TVA operates 80 public recreation areas throughout the TVA region, including campgrounds, day-use areas and boat launching ramps. TVAs 11 seasonal campgrounds on reservoirs throughout the Tennessee River Valley will open for the 2011 recreation season on Friday, March 18. The campground season runs through Nov. 14. In response to stakeholder input, three sites will remain open through Dec. 12: Douglas Dam Headwater Campground, Douglas Dam Tailwater Campground and Pickwick Dam Tailwater Campground. Camping with campfires is a traditional way of enjoying the outdoors. However, moving firewood from county to county can spread pest infestations that kill trees. TVA recommends buying firewood that was cut locally; preferably within the same county where it will be burned. With water and/or electric hookups: $20. With water, electric and sewer service: $24; with out hookups: $16.
TVA Camping & Recreation Douglas Dam Headwater Campground
TVA Camping & Recreation Douglas Dam Tailwater Campground
TVA Camping & Recreation Pickwick Dam Tailwater Campground For Picnic Pavilion Reservations call our toll free number, (866) 494-7186. There is a flat fee of $50 for pavilion use.
WARRIORS’ PATH STATE PARK
The park has 134 campsites, all with tables and grills, and 94 are equipped with water and electric hookups. The other 40 sites are located in the overflow campground, which is only open from Memorial Day — Labor Day. Modern bathhouses provide hot showers and lavatories. Renovations to the men’s bathhouse were completed in 2015. There are 2 dumping stations available for self-contained RV’s and Trailer rigs. Length of stay is two weeks year around. The campground check-in station is located near the campground entrance. Rates: $11 — $20 Taxes and fees are not included. Rates are subject to change. $3 reservation fee per site is non-refundable. Address: Warriors’ Path State Park, 490 Hemlock RoadKingsport, Tennessee 37663 For more information contact 423-239-8531.
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