Trip Planning from West Coast to Tennessee

[RejoiceWay]

We have a family reunion near Denver next summer and plan to drive in our TM from Seattle. Unfortunately, the reunion is set for July 5th, so it'll be a busy travel season (we usually wait until before/after school is in session to travel). Since we'll be half way to our friends in Tennessee, I'll be continuing on for a visit (just north of Nashville). While there, plan to make arrangements to take the TM in for a tuneup. We all will then go on to visit a mutual friend in NC (east of Wiston-Salem). Since it will be the middle of summer (hot), and the busy travel season, could you give us recommendation on the campground situation in that the Tennessee area. How far in advance are reservations necessary, what campgrounds are recommended (state parks, or ???), and what "must-see" areas do you recommend for folks like us who enjoy the outdoors? We're open to ideas and because we're planning so far in advance can adjust our schedule accordingly. Also, are there camping books that are recommended (AAA has discontinued their little camping books and they don't even have anything available to purchase - sold out until after the first of the year)?

[knoxjere]

If you plan to camp at TN state parks, there are only 3 that accept reservations. The remainder are first come, first served. We have camped at 3 SP in TN, Harrison Bay, near Chattanooga; Cumberland Mtn, near Crossville, and Panther Creek, near Morristown. All are very nice. In addition, we are hoping to camp at Big Ridge SP (fairly near the TM factory) and Cove Lake (very near the TM factory). We have not camped at any private campgrounds in TN. In addition, Norris Dam SP is fairly close to the TM factory as well. Hope this helps.

[rvcycleguy]

I've stayed at the Cumberland Mtn. SP and found it to be very nice. Good size campground with lots of choices depending on how many others are already there. We used that one and Dale Hollow SP across the state line in KY during the " Longest Yard Sale" on rte 127.

Nashville Shores just North east of Nashville also The Corp of Engineers has a park there as well

[Bill]

RejoiceWay -

You mentioned both Nashville and Knoxville, which are not particularly close. There are threads that address both locations here in the Recommended Campgrounds forum. Just scroll down through that forum to find the ones covering the area you are interested in. Lots of good info, and you can read about State Parks, commercial campgrounds, BLM areas, and so forth.

Bill

[RejoiceWay]

Thanks for all the great hints - I'll be writing all these options down and try to set out a plan. It's always good to hear from someone who's been there and done that. Our friends haven't been there all that long, so we'll be exploring together. Will do more searches on recommended camp grounds and sites to see. We're also interested in what we should avoid and what's not worth the time. The search is on! Thanks!!!

great smokey mountain national park in eastern tennessee