Recommendations for Smoky Mnts Area

[GDeen]

Jennifer is thinking of going on a singing retreat at Lake Junaluska, NC next summer. We may roll it up into a trip to the area in the bus. Any recommendations on nice bus friendly camp spots?

http://www.creekwoodfarmrv.com/ has some nice reviews and looks to be prospective. Anyone camped there? Other recommendations? Can't miss activities while in the area or in transit?

[sawdust_128]

We have spent a lot of time in the western NC area over the last couple of years. Narrow it down a little by defining what you like to do (e.g. hike, scenic sight seeing, golf, eat, etc.). Also, let me know a little about your time budget.

[GDeen]

We have spent a lot of time in the western NC area over the last couple of years. Narrow it down a little by defining what you like to do (e.g. hike, scenic sight seeing, golf, eat, etc.). Also, let me know a little about your time budget.

Hey Ed,

We could probably have up to a week in the general area freed up for sightseeing, etc. Love to hike, mountain bike, eat, sight see. Have always focused summer trips to the Rockies but this is shaping up as a chance to see the eastern mountains.

[sawdust_128]

When we are in southern/western NC we use this campground in Jonathan Valley along side Jonathan Creek:

http://www.pridervresort.com/

It is not fancy, but it is clean, well maintained, with good power and water and not overly expensive. It is a C2C campground and recognizes many other discouts. You might want to reserve ASAP.

Downside: If the wind is right/wrong, you will pick up the scent of some large dairy operations across Jonathan Creek. Also, the scent of a lumber mill specializing in Oak.

Upside is that it sems to be the nicest campground between Ashevile and Waynesville which accomodates 45' rigs. We have actually been told by campgrounds out there, when we asked if they could accomodate a 45' rig, "Ain't no reason to worrabout that, ain't no such thang."

It is right off the I-40 and is also central to many of the things you might consider on your agenda:

-Asheville - Biltmore Estate
-Waynesville - Supplies and sundries
-Murphy to Brevard on Hwy 64 for waterfall viewing.
-Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) whitewater rafting http://www.noc.com/index.php/whitewater-rafting.html
-Blue Ridge Parkway (Mt Mitchell - highest peak east of the MS)
-Klingman's Dome Highest in TN.)
-Cades Cove
-TAIL OF THE DRAGON http://www.tailofthedragon.com/, with 318 curves in 11 miles, is America's number one motorcycle and sports car road. The nearby CHEROHALA SKYWAY (http://www.tailofthedragon.com/cherohala.html) is quickly becoming number two with its remote 60 miles of scenic mountain highway. The area also has other incredible roads like the DEVILS TRIANGLE (http://tailofthedragon.com/DevilsTriangle/DevilsTriangle.html), THE SNAKE (http://tailofthedragon.com/ShadyValley/ShadyValley.html), BLOOD MOUNTAIN (http://tailofthedragon.com/GA_Trip/trip.html),
-Chatloochee Elk and bear http://palms-americana.blogspot.com/2007/03/elks-of-chataloochee.html
- The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest (the last remaining stand of Virgin Appilachian hardwood forest) http://www.main.nc.us/graham/hiking/joycekil.html
-The Cherokee Indian Reservation Cultural Center (and the casino)
-trout fishing

There are three or four reknowned scenic routes to drive in the area as well.

I pm'ed you my phone number, please use it. I easily gave you a heavy month's worth of activity (at least for us because we stop and shoot a lot of pictures).

You should have a great time and if I can help at all, let me know how.

[sawdust_128]

Jennifer is thinking of going on a singing retreat at Lake Junaluska, NC next summer. We may roll it up into a trip to the area in the bus. Any recommendations on nice bus friendly camp spots?

http://www.creekwoodfarmrv.com/ has some nice reviews and looks to be prospective. Anyone camped there? Other recommendations? Can't miss activities while in the area or in transit?


This is right in the vicinity of Pride. I think that they are/were limited on the number of sites which support 45' at 50amp. Looking at their www page, they may have updated since the last time we looked.

This looks like a nice place and all of the things I said about location for Pride apply as well here.

Cheers.

[GDeen]

Thanks for all the info Ed! I will start studying.

[Loc]

Gordon,

We have been to the Smokys several times. We have stayed in different rv parks each time. I did a fair amount of research this time and found two that looked really nice. Two Rivers Landing RV Resort located just north of Seiverville looks like it is Buckhorn type quality with concrete pads, paved roads and nice landscaping. It is smaller than Buckhorn but has pull in sites looking out on the river. The only negative is that it is located north of Sevierville and traffic down to Gatlinburg can make Houston look like a picnic. Pine Mountain RV Park is located just east of traffic light 6 in Pigeon Forge (more in the middle of things). It is relatively new and has concrete pads and paved roads. According to the employee, the owner who owns several hotels in the area spent $2 million on the RV park (probably a fair amount on the land). We will be there on Sunday and I will provide a report after the new year.

Loc

[GDeen]

Gordon,

We have been to the Smokys several times. We have stayed in different rv parks each time. I did a fair amount of research this time and found two that looked really nice. Two Rivers Landing RV Resort located just north of Seiverville looks like it is Buckhorn type quality with concrete pads, paved roads and nice landscaping. It is smaller than Buckhorn but has pull in sites looking out on the river. The only negative is that it is located north of Sevierville and traffic down to Gatlinburg can make Houston look like a picnic. Pine Mountain RV Park is located just east of traffic light 6 in Pigeon Forge (more in the middle of things). It is relatively new and has concrete pads and paved roads. According to the employee, the owner who owns several hotels in the area spent $2 million on the RV park (probably a fair amount on the land). We will be there on Sunday and I will provide a report after the new year.

Loc

Good deal Loc - look forward to hearing your take on the area.

[michaeldterry]

We stayed at the Tom Johnson Campground in Marion, NC for a Prevost owners rally (not POG related) earlier this year and were very impressed with the facilities there!
Tom Johnson Camping Center Campground (http://www.tomjohnsoncamping.com/camping/tjc_camp_ground/default.aspx)

Google maps says that Marion is about 60 miles from Lake Junaluska, but the general area offers alot in terms of things to do and see! The campground itself is designed with big rigs in mind and is easy to navigate. We found the park to be in immaculate condition, the pad sizes generous, and the hook-ups like brand new.

Tom Johnson is a first class operation with a side benefit of having a large and complete service facility right there onsite.

[Kenneth Brewer]

I am thinking about a trip that will take me on I40, north to the NE. Is the
Blue Ridge Parkway friendly (passable) its entire length for buses? I see a photo of an underpass under an arched stone bridge, but I don't know where the photo (ad) was taken. Help, please.

[sawdust_128]

I am thinking about a trip that will take me on I40, north to the NE. Is the
Blue Ridge Parkway friendly (passable) its entire length for buses? I see a photo of an underpass under an arched stone bridge, but I don't know where the photo (ad) was taken. Help, please.


The I-40 goes east-west from Wilmington NC to Barstow CA. The I 40 is still closed near the NC/TN line because of the landslide that occurred late Oct. However, it may be getting close to reopening. Will Garner posted a link to a site which gives details about the progress of the repairs.

Try east on I-40 to Knoxville then I-81 N/NE, And don't forget that you have to pay tolls to the local commanders of the Tennessee stainless steel oyster barge fleet. But, you only have to pay if they are wearing their plumbing bay tour guide and liberty driver's hats:D.

[Kenneth Brewer]

Very familiar with I40 and I81 etc., but I have never used the Blue Ridge Parkway or visited Smoky Mtn NP or the area, and I need to know if there will be a problem getting under underpasses without damage to an almost maximum height vehicle, an H3, anywhere along the Parkway, or if there are other restrictions, such as length. Thanks.

[sawdust_128]

There are tunnels and overpasses an H won't go through, at least I won't try to take mine through. I would keep it off the parkway and I would keep it off the skyline drive in VA as well. When we go, we use a campground nearby an entrance to the parkway and then use our toad to sight see.

If you are thinking that you could use the parkway as a way to traverse the western NC area in your coach, that won't work IMO. Here is the link to the mile marker/tunnel/height information from the NPS. (Note, these tunnels are not straight and there are few if any places to get turned around. Also, another landslide and construction have portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway closed to through traffic. I believe that a section north of Grandfather mountain is or was closed when I was there in October.

http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/tunnel-heights.htm

Lastly, much of the enjoyment of the Parkway is taking advantage of the scenic turnouts. I don't believe you would find much joy in trying these in an H as they are relatively small, tight and frequent. They may be impossible for an H if any other vehicles are in them.

Hope that helps.

P.S. The Parkway information line at (828) 298 0398 is the best up-to-date list of road closures and other park-related information.

[Kenneth Brewer]

Well, that takes care of that. Thank you for the excellent information.

[sawdust_128]

Anytime. Glad to help.

[Loc]

Gordon,

Here is the update on our trip to the Smokys. Pine Mountain RV Resort is very nice. In my opinion the highest quality RV park in the area. Pine Mountain opened in July 2008. It has approximately 60 sites including pull throughs and back-ins along a nice creek. All of the spaces have concrete pads with excellent width and first class hookups. Unlike most of the campgrounds in the area the entire park is paved. The bathhouse facilities are top notch. There is a nice outdoor pool and in the winter you have access to an indoor pool across the street at the Mainstay Hotel which is also owned by the Ogle family. There were only two nits - no dog run and no playground for the kids. Although there is more than enough in the area to keep the M&M's busy. The location is also very good located more in the middle of the area just off the main Parkway at traffic light 6. I highly recommend Pine Mountain to anyone looking to visit the Smokys. Having stayed in four other parks in the area and looked at least 5 more, Pine Mountain would be an 8 or 9 compared to a lot of 2 to 6's.

[Will Garner]

Kenneth,

I've been the entire length of the parkways in a car. They would not be friendly for a coach. I'd suggest you site some campgrounds/RV Resorts that are in the Shenandoah Valley (Blue Ridge Parkway); park the coach then go exploring with the towed vehicle on the Parkways. There are too many curves and too many grades for my liking to risk driving a coach. That is not to mention overhead clearances (rock bridges as well as overhanging tree limbs). There are plenty of places to stop, use the towed and be safe. For example, there are many scenic overlooks along both parkways. They will NOT fit a 40' coach pulling a towed vehicle.

That is my two cents worth. You can't even get a cup of coffee for that.

[GDeen]

Thanks for the update Loc. Hope you and the crew had a nice stay.

[Gary Carmichael]

Everyone is right you do not want to travel the parkway in your bus to sight see. I live on the parkway at mile post 163 in V.A. I have to drive for two miles on it to get to state road. Also they do not scrape the roads in the winter. had to clear the road with my tractor to get bus out to fla. lots of low limbs!

[rfoster]

Gave you that warm toasty feeling about the taxes you pay didn't it?

[Gary Carmichael]

rfoster, yes makes you wonder where it all goes, pork I guess!

[Gary Carmichael]

By rhe way I am heading to the eastern shore of Maryland in Sept. to be at the Vintigers side by side competition. It is at Pintail Point . can any body give me directions to a good campground. most are state sites and its hard to get in and out without limbs etc. Its Sept 20,24 and 20 miles west of Easton

[Woody]

ORA at Lake Toxaway is great.