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 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, THE SNAKE, BLOOD MOUNTAIN,
-Chatloochee Elk and bear http://palms-americana.blogspot.com/...taloochee.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

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.