Community Forums

Indy Glenn · 10-03-2016, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinknkate

We're contemplating booking a group trip here. Any advice from anyone who's been here with a group? We can be flexible as far as time of year, but I'm thinking fall would be our first choice. The group would probably consist of about 6-10 units. Best sites to request?? Suggestions for things to see and do in the area would also be appreciated. Thanks!

Here is a page from the CG web site......it should get you started as what to do and where to go. Smokey Mountain NP should be at the to of your list for something to do.

The CP sits prominently on TVA's Lake Douglas so fishing and marine activities abound in season. We rented a pontoon one day and floated around the lake, swimming and tubing off the back. Another day we rented Jet Skis.......and skimmed the lake.......LOL We had lots of fun!

The CG map will give,you an idea of the sites, although you can see the mountains from just about every site, some are better than others though.

Sites 20 - 29 are up on the ridge and you actually look down on most of the campmground and other than the pull throughs, have tall trees for some shade - and sap!!!!! Other sites with good views are those on the edge facing the lake.......

All sites are a good size and would serve a group well no matter what price site you reserve.

Good luck,

g

reubenray · 10-03-2016, 07:41 PM

How long of a drive would it be to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?

palehorse89 · 10-03-2016, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

How long of a drive would it be to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?

25 miles, 40 minutes or so depending on traffic........the "Strip" is a busy place.....
Once on Gatlinburg, you are at the entrance to the National park.

Indy Glenn · 10-04-2016, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indy Glenn

Here is a page from the CG web site......it should get you started as what to do and where to go. Smokey Mountain NP should be at the to of your list for something to do.

Opps- sorry, I forgot to add the web page, here it is:

Emergency Contacts / Things To Do - Anchor Down RV Resort

g

Tom and Patty · 10-04-2016, 06:32 PM

From site 55. I think our next trip to Anchor Down we will try for 28 or 29. A great place with a view of the lake from most sites. Definitely a "10".

reubenray · 10-06-2016, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palehorse89

25 miles, 40 minutes or so depending on traffic........the "Strip" is a busy place.....
Once on Gatlinburg, you are at the entrance to the National park.

We are not that interested in the "strip". We want to enjoy the National Park more. Is the entrance to the SMNP at Gatlinburg to one to enter at or is there one closer/better.

Betr2Trvl · 10-06-2016, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

We are not that interested in the "strip". We want to enjoy the National Park more. Is the entrance to the SMNP at Gatlinburg to one to enter at or is there one closer/better.

We did separate trips to both sides of the park last year (Cherokee, then Seveirville in conjunction with the Tiffin rally, staying in River Plantation). Like you, not really interested in the "tourist attractions" and spent our time enjoying the park.

There are campgrounds closer to the park, west of Gatlinburg off 321 that get you away from the big tourist towns, and a couple we saw looked ok, and one them was kind of nice actually, but nothing like Anchor Down. I just don't remember the names unfortunately.

Otherwise, you are pretty much stuck with having to drive through Gatlinburg / Pigion Forge to get into any of the north entrances. Not that big of a deal, except on the weekends, and the traffic can be horrible.

River Plantation was nice too, but you really not that much closer or any less traffic to have to deal with than AD. The other big one in that area I think is Twin Rivers, which appeared to be very similar to RP, and with it you get to miss some of the Seiverville / PF traffic.

If we were to go back, I think we'd stay at AD, which we drove through while we were there, and as noted in this thread, it is REALLY nice. The only thing about AD is that they drop the lake level significantly in the fall, so there is a huge red clay shoreline around the lake that detracts from the beauty a bit.

Regards

reubenray · 10-06-2016, 06:20 AM

Will the time of the year make any difference? We would be there the last week of April into the first week of May. Also what would you recommend on how many nights to stay where we can see most of the area? I was looking at 4 or 5 nights.

Betr2Trvl · 10-07-2016, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

Will the time of the year make any difference? We would be there the last week of April into the first week of May. Also what would you recommend on how many nights to stay where we can see most of the area? I was looking at 4 or 5 nights.

It really depends on what you want to do in the park. If you are a "drive through" and hit a few key spots, then you can probably do it in a few days, including going over to Cherokee / Bryson City areas. But, if you like to get out and do some short hikes, and spend time exploring then, it's another time frame.

Last year we spent 4 days exploring the park from Cherokee on the south side of the park, then in conjunction with the Tiffin rally, spent another 3 days in the park from Sevierville. We could have easily spent a few more days on either or both sides. And don't miss Asheville and the surrounding area. Hitting all 3 places is an easy trip over a couple weeks.......

Late April early May would be really nice there, and well before the summer crowds. But, you also need to keep in mind that spring showers can dampen your time too.

Regards

reubenray · 10-07-2016, 03:14 PM

We are stopping for another 4 nights or so just north of Asheville.

powermaker · 10-08-2016, 07:54 AM

Yep, we got here(at Anchor Down) yesterday and it is a great place. Probably our favorite!

palehorse89 · 10-08-2016, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powermaker

Yep, we got here(at Anchor Down) yesterday and it is a great place. Probably our favorite!

Enjoy your stay Scott.........and your fire place!
If you run into Chad (owner) in his rounds...........tell him "Otis" with the African Gray Parrot...........Said hello

powermaker · 10-08-2016, 10:06 PM

Will do!

reubenray · 10-09-2016, 07:24 AM

How soon would I need to make a reservation for the end of April? Some of my trip is in jeopardy due to Hurricane Matthew. I was wanting to wait on the stops that may be jeopardy.