Great Smoky Mountain Camping

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milani74

Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Messages
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Hi all. I was looking to go out of town this week end to go car camping in the Smoky Mountain Ntl Park. Most of the camp grounds I see online are full. I know it is last minute planning and most of the larger camp grounds are full, but is there a recommended camp ground that might be in the area that you guys know of that:
1) isnt so busy
2) is close to hiking trails/water
3) is semi kid friendly (have 2 boys, 7 and 5)

Thanks in advance.
 
I know a few that, while they aren't exactly in the Smokies, are between you and the smokies. In the mountains of North Georgia. There is Dry Creek campground and The Cotton Wood Patch that match what you are looking for. Both places have primitive sites that are free and Cotton Wood Patch has a campground with water on site for ( I think) 8 bucks a night.

Both places are close to water (Cotton wood patch is a larger river but still suitable if the kids have supervision/ life jackets). Dry Creek has nice shallows for the kids to play in and at least one spot deep enough for them to swim. Both places also have public bathrooms ( the bathrooms are a little closer at cottonwood patch if you pay to camp, about the same distance if you go with the primitive camping).

As for the trails, you may have to watch your step because the trails at both places are multi use ( horse, bike and hiking).

Hope this helps
David
 
checkout campground 18 in the park It is usually very empty because it is a mile hike from the parking area (honestly, why don't more people walk?). Otherwise, Abrams creek is pretty good on the Townsend side of the park for car camping. Swing into Little River Trading Company in Maryville for info. You can also call them at 865-681-4141. Have Fun!
 
I had a stroke of good luck. It seems someone canceled their reservation on a campsite so I was able to squeeze into the dates I was hoping for. It's at Elkmont in the GSMNP.
Can't wait for this trip!

Thanks all for your input. I'll have to check those sites out later. I really wanted to see the Smokies though. Havent been there since I was a kid.
 
Awesome! Too bad the synchronous fire flies have already done their thing. At least the trout fishing at the higher elevations is still good. We've had lots of rain up here lately, but we've also has lots of bear encounters. No need to be paranoid about, just be aware. Have fun.
 
Thanks Tenkara. Besides keeping the food in storage bins and sealed, what other precautions should be taken? I assume that the food should be stored as high as possible too and not in the car?
 
clemsonreeder said:
Moonshine creek campground is about 30-40 min. from the smokies, in Balsam, NC. Very kid friendly. Highly recommended. Been there dozens of times as a kid growing up and still go there now... http://www.moonshinecreekcampground.com/
Click to expand...

I second Moonshine Creek. Very family friendly. You might do a search for the Townsend,TN area,a litlle closer to you and 20miles or so south of the Gatlinburg=Pigeon Forge traffic jams. Cades Cove is close by as well as a nice river for tubing.:thumbup:
 
i went to smokemont a few years ago. we had no problems....it wasnt the best time of year... but it was a nice weekend

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Hi Milani. It's all pretty common sense, just remember that anything with a scent (lip balm, candy, toothpaste) is considered fair game by a bear. Other than that, being a watchful dad is enough. Just enjoy yourself and your kids :)
 
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