NE Ohio to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg TN

JL7456 wrote:
We are considering taking a trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge TN area during the last week in August with the motorhome and would like some advice on campgrounds and routes to help us plan our trip. We would like to possibly leave the car at home this time and look for a campground that offers a shuttle or trolley service to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. I see the Up the Creek campground does have a trolley service. We could also rent a car for a few days to see the Great Smoky Mountains. I would appreciate advice on places that others have stayed. Thanks!

Stayed at Pine Mountain RV Park in Pigeon Forge for 8 nights this spring - very nice full hookups pool etc. Trolley stop was right there
Quiet well run family park

Notwithstanding the nice RV parks, my wife and I went there a few years ago and we will never go back. Pigeon Forge, Gattlinburg, Severville and surrounding areas are tourist traps and little more.

I'd rather go to Shipshewanna and get fleeced by the Amish than go down there and get fleeced by gentiles.... not for us.

GSMNP is the most visited national park in US. I am sure it will not miss one or two visitors. To each his own but we go for the park not the T shirt vendors in PF and Gatlinburg. Pine Mtn is a fine RV park. Suggest you go to rvparkreviews.com for additional excellent RV parks.

Anchor Down on rt 40

X2 on anchor down. BUT you need a car to get around as it is 10 or so miles outside of town. Otherwise look on rvparkreviews for ideas. That said, the KOA is nice and close as is Bear Cove Resort. The trolley is great to get around with but patience is needed along with being ok with a lot of walking.

X3 on Anchors Down. If we are wanting to stay closer in River Plantation is a nice park but I don't know if they have a trolley stop close by

What we like to do may not be what you like to do, but...


Most if not all of the CG's in the PF city limits have a shuttle service pick up, so you can see both PF and GB without a car, If you are not going to be sitting at the camperground I would have no problem with the KOA in PF and you are very close to the main terminal for shuttle service at patriot park, then for at least 2 days I would rent a jeep from one of the many places and drive it in the park to explore.



For us, if we are staying in town it would be Foot Hills RV park & cabins, just because it is on the edge of town and the owners are friends of ours.

SidecarFlip wrote:
Notwithstanding the nice RV parks, my wife and I went there a few years ago and we will never go back. Pigeon Forge, Gattlinburg, Severville and surrounding areas are tourist traps and little more.

I'd rather go to Shipshewanna and get fleeced by the Amish than go down there and get fleeced by gentiles.... not for us.

A lot of places are tourist traps, doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. A lot of people like the Ripley's, Titanic's ,etc., everybody's interest is different.

We went a couple years ago and rented a cabin. Can't wait to go back, we spend more time in the park than in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Park is beautiful and definitely worth the trip. While researching parks, a few look really good and all are on the trolley line. Pine Mountain in Pigeon Forge, its kind of in the center. Foothills is in Pigeon Forge but on the far south end of town nearer Gatlinburg. Twin Creek is in Gatlinburg and closest to the Park. All rate very good and are very clean parks. We also would love to stay at Anchor Down but it's just to far away from the park for us.


Dan

Up the Creek is an excellent CG. After trying most of the CG's in the area that is the one we like the best. Trolley runs about every 30 minutes or so.
Ask to get a site on Walden creek (sites 26-31) as they offer great shade and are close to the creek - in late August it will be really hot, humid & muggy during the day.
In the Park visit Elkmont area and walk the trail along the old home sites; or drive up to New Found Gap on 441. Both are much cooler due to the elevation.
G'burg & PF are a bit touristy but have some decent spots. Plan a late dinner in G'burg and eat on the roof at Loco Burro. Great view of downtown and at night its pretty nice.
We are counting down the days until we go back in October.

I understand that you are wanting to be in an area that has a trolley. That will be tons of fun for seeing all of the commercial sites. On the days you are planning to rent a car, you may consider Greenbrier Campground. http://greenbrier.wpengine.com/campground/rv-camping/
It is positioned beside the Little Pigeon River and across from wonderful hiking trails. At this campground, you will experience the true beauty of the NP but have the hookups that are so convenient.

I hope you have a wonderful time in TN. On your way back home, you may consider stopping by Fall Creek Falls to see the waterfalls. It is worth the effort!