Community Forums

BFL · 03-15-2020, 10:38 AM

My wife and I live in middle Tennessee and take frequent trips to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Townsend TN. What I'm looking for are some more unique beautiful places to visit and camp in the East Tennessee Western North Carolina area that are not overrun with tourist and tourist traps like Pigeon Forge is now.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Ben

wfnichol · 03-16-2020, 06:05 AM

I'm there with you, can't stand the tourist crowds! We love going to Big South Fork and staying at Bandy Creek campground, no crowds at all, electric and water only plus it's cheap. It can be a little intimidating driving into it if you have a big rig coming in from the I-75/Onieda side but isn't bad at from the Jamestown side. Lots of great hiking/fishing/biking/horseback riding.

On the Smokies side we go to Townsend a lot and stay at Little Arrow Resort, last one on the left before entering the park. A little pricey but we love all they have done to the campground over the past 2 years.

BFL · 03-17-2020, 03:49 PM

Thanks a bunch for the info!
I'll put both locations on my list!
Ben

Miamicamper · 03-17-2020, 04:22 PM

Deep Creek Campground in Bryson City, NC. Its a hidden gem. About 20 minutes from Cherokee. You can actually tube down to your campsite and its only five dollars a day. Very, very fun. You can youtube 'tubing in Bryson City' to see. Also lots of trails and the campground is super nice

Tooth Doc · 03-24-2020, 02:19 PM

Creekwood Farms CG in Waynesville NC. Waynesville is a neat little arts ,shopping, antiques, friendly town. Maggie Valley and Waynesville are so close they touch. Several other little interesting towns within 30 or so miles. Cataloochee entrance to GSMNP 15 minutes from cg. Ashville with Biltmore estate 30-40 minutes away. Blue Ridge Parkway fairly close. Apple Harvest time in October very popular event. Cherokee NC maybe 1 hr away,very crowded and junky touristy.

Hatchee · 03-24-2020, 03:24 PM

Born and raised in Waynesville and agree that it is still a very nice town with lots to do in the surrounding area. You could spend a month there and not hit all the neat attractions within a 45 minute drive.

We are now closer to Mt Rogers, VA. Much more remote with a bunch of outdoor attractions. Grindstone Campground is worth looking at: https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/s...ne-campground/

If you enjoy biking, the Virginia Creeper Trail is near by as well as lots of hiking around Grayson Highlands Park/Mt Rodgers.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=grindstone...ages&ia=images