Forum Discussion

TC_Z's avatar
TC_Z
Explorer
Sep 07, 2021

CG Suggestions

Hi, we live in Atlanta and plan a 4 wk camping trip to Holland, MI to visit relatives the end of September. We will take our time going up and down and are asking for for your help.

We know this is very vague, but we'd like any of your suggestions of your favorite state parks you like to stay in along the way in TN, KY, OH, IN and MI. We like waterfalls, moderate woodsy hiking and mountain, water, river views.

Our route doesn't have to be a straight line, we meander to catch the sights. We usually stay 2 night at each CG.

Referrals from fellow campers are always the best input!

Thank you, take care....
  • No specific parks to recommend but I'd suggest 2 things...
    1) Look into one of the websites/apps like All Stays or RV Parky
    2) See if the Harvest Hosts option looks like it would suit your travel plans. There's been some very nice youtube videos of them.
  • Late in the year to be headed north the top two campground near Holland close this year by October 4th, you are likely to run into snow if you plan to stay until late October - your choices will be limited. Goodsam find a trip lists the season for each campground
  • Hard to make suggestions with no idea what interest you.
    Assuming no kids, there was a thread just a couple days ago praising Natchez Trace state park in Tn. thread
    The bourbon trail across Ky may give some ideas, or maybe thirst.
    Or depending on your route, eastern edge woul allow Asheville NC and then over to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge at a time all the families are out of there.
  • OK, here is just one example:

    First day drive to Sevierville/Gatlinburg, TN 240 miles, easy drive
    East at the Apple Tree Restaurant -- Dinner arrival day, or lunch the next day.

    Second day drive to Kentucky Horse Park north of Lexington
    visit Lexington as well as the Horse Park

    Third day drive to Archbald, Ohio and stay at Sauder Village RV Park
    Eat as Amish restaurant Visit the village

    Fourth day drive to Holland, MI only 175 miles, arrive rested.

    We have stayed in all the places. Several different campground in the Sevierville area. Riverside is good.

    Horse Park includes a fine campground. Be sure to reserve.

    We have stayed at Sauder RV Park several times.

    If 250 miles is too short a day, I can give you an entirely different 3 day trip.
  • rr2254545 wrote:
    Late in the year to be headed north the top two campground near Holland close this year by October 4th, you are likely to run into snow if you plan to stay until late October - your choices will be limited. Goodsam find a trip lists the season for each campground


    It's possible to get snow but far from common and usually just some flurries. Even if you get a few inches, it usually melts in a day or so.

    Beautiful time to camp in Michigan.

    PS: Holland State Park is still showing availability thru the end of October.
  • Bob806's avatar
    Bob806
    Explorer III
    I can give you a few great state park campgrounds in NW Ohio- Harrison Lake, Maumee Bay, & Mary Jane Thurston. All three are very nice, & the rates are decent. If you choose Harrison Lake, it's not too far from Sauder Village and would be a less expensive option than Sauder Village CG. Wineries & golf courses are nearby, along with decent sightseeing.

    In Kentucky, check out the Land Between the Lakes area. Lots of good camping options there as well. The other side of the state has the Cumberland Gap, which would have some great sleeping weather in the fall.
  • Cumberland falls area in se key or smoky mountain area if you can find a vacancy. My horse park in Lexington my area if you like horses.
  • wanderingaimlessly wrote:
    Hard to make suggestions with no idea what interest you.


    We like waterfalls, moderate woodsy hiking and mountain, water, river views.
  • We just returned from hocking hills state park ohio a year ago. Confusing park with multiple campgrounds, but lovely sites (waterfalls, moderate woodsy hiking and mountain, water, river views, etc).
    Reservations are a must. Tight sites and large crowds, but it is a popular park.

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