The family (10 of us with four sites total) and I have our annual 12-day trip planned for Elkmont in the Smokies beginning October 2. I am sweating the very real possibility of a government shutdown effective Oct. 1. From what I've read, the park would close all access except for pass-thru driving allowed on 441 between Tennessee and North Carolina, no stopping allowed. I'm trying to come up with a good plan-B, but I'm hesitant to reserve other sites, mainly because I am unfamiliar with RV'ing in parks in the area outside of the Smokies. I also don't want to drop a bunch more cash on second reservations just to be hit with a cancellation fee if nothing happens with the shutdown. What's your thoughts on the issue (the effect of the shutdown and alternate plan-making, NOT the politics behind what caused the shutdown)? Anyone else's plans going to be affected?*Edited to hopefully not start a politics thread

I seriously have no desire to talk politics whatsoever. This post was honestly just to feel the waters to see if anyone else is in the same boat and if so, what's the plan.

If that happens it will mess up a bunch plans for all of those that love that high country area for the fall foliage.. We always tried to get down that way at the end of September and early October. The last couple of years however we have gone to the north Georgia state park area up on Lookout mtn Cloudland Canyon at the Trenton GA exit of I59. Don't think we are going anywhere this season due to our own sequestration issues.Cloudland Canyon Roy Ken

Just find a back road anywhere between Tennessee and Maine and just drive around a bit. Find a roadside pulloff and have a picnic. I hope the colors will be good everwhere. Go out to Claydale and sit on my daughters back porch. Bring you own food. Take a backpack and go out to Caledon. Watch for Eagles.

Will be there 2nd week of October also. Don't see the shut-down actually happening but I guess it would be a play it by ear kind of thing. Not sure what they will do when they have hundreds of campers sitting in the Sugarlands parking lot. Just like the sequester, impact the most visible places. Heck, I think the campgrounds, especially Elkmont pay for themselves pretty handily.

Don't know about NPS or Forest service, but for COE campgrounds, ALL the income goes directly to Washington, straight into political pockets. All the campgrounds get is whatever they can find left over in their division pockets. Some are being run by contract groups, most of them have a few dollars that can be used locally.

Federal Park Camping and Looming Government Shutdown

melhow
Explorer
Sep 13, 2013
I seriously have no desire to talk politics whatsoever. This post was honestly just to feel the waters to see if anyone else is in the same boat and if so, what's the plan.
RoyB
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2013
If that happens it will mess up a bunch plans for all of those that love that high country area for the fall foliage.. We always tried to get down that way at the end of September and early October. The last couple of years however we have gone to the north Georgia state park area up on Lookout mtn Cloudland Canyon at the Trenton GA exit of I59. Don't think we are going anywhere this season due to our own sequestration issues.

Cloudland Canyon

Roy Ken
Johno02
Explorer
Sep 13, 2013
Just find a back road anywhere between Tennessee and Maine and just drive around a bit. Find a roadside pulloff and have a picnic. I hope the colors will be good everwhere. Go out to Claydale and sit on my daughters back porch. Bring you own food. Take a backpack and go out to Caledon. Watch for Eagles.
DwnSth
Explorer
Sep 13, 2013
Will be there 2nd week of October also. Don't see the shut-down actually happening but I guess it would be a play it by ear kind of thing. Not sure what they will do when they have hundreds of campers sitting in the Sugarlands parking lot. Just like the sequester, impact the most visible places. Heck, I think the campgrounds, especially Elkmont pay for themselves pretty handily.
Johno02
Explorer
Sep 13, 2013
Don't know about NPS or Forest service, but for COE campgrounds, ALL the income goes directly to Washington, straight into political pockets. All the campgrounds get is whatever they can find left over in their division pockets. Some are being run by contract groups, most of them have a few dollars that can be used locally.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2013
Don't worry: suggestion to find a roadside park is good. Also State Parks in Ga, Tn & Nc are great options. If you want fall foliage GAs doesn't show much until last week of Oct.
Just do a search for "_______" state parks (insert state) and see what comes up.
path1
Explorer
Sep 13, 2013
What's your thoughts on the issue (the effect of the shutdown and alternate plan-making, NOT the politics behind what caused the shutdown)? Anyone else's plans going to be affected?
When was the last time the Gov't did anything on a certain date without making a big deal out of it?. "They" (ie the big wheels or so they think) will extend and mess around so they can make the news etc..the issue can be beaten to death. You probably picked the best time to go.
D___M
Explorer
Sep 13, 2013
melhow wrote:
I also don't want to drop a bunch more cash on second reservations just to be hit with a cancellation fee if nothing happens with the shutdown.

What's your thoughts on the issue (the effect of the shutdown and alternate plan-making, NOT the politics behind what caused the shutdown)? Anyone else's plans going to be affected?

Does it really make a difference what we think? It's your tolerance for worry that you need to think about. Are you a gambler? If so, don't go somewhere else. If you can't stand the worry, by all means, make other plans.

It always seems that when there is a shutdown or sequestration, the whole idea is to punish as many American citizens as possible. The government won't shutdown the entitlements section. The checks will be mailed, the food stamps will be printed, and the cell phones will be handed out.
kohldad
Explorer III
Sep 13, 2013
Hopefully, they won't shut down, but having Plan B is a good idea.

Since you will be a couple weeks ahead of the colors, getting other sites last minute should not be an issue.

As mention, GA state parks in the mountains would be a good backup. In the GA/TN area is Cherokee NF. You can dispersed camp along gravel roads as long as you are 300' from the paved road and not blocking traffic. Since this does not allow upons services, you will still be able to do this.

There are also numerous commercial campgrounds which would not be bad option for backup plans.
bgum
Explorer
Sep 13, 2013
The anti government people tried it once and it didn't work. Management will be required to work and the others will get a paid holiday. You will out of luck. I really don't think they are dumb enough to try it again.