We have reservations for cades cove in GSMNP for this coming weekend. Of course watching the news has made me a little uncomfortable as to what the outcome will be on the shutdown. I have faith it will all work out, but their deadline is too close to use leaving there. Our trip is based upon a 75th birthday for my father. It got me thinking about just getting a cabin instead and avoid the possibility. Got a cabin for literally the same price it was gonna cost us to drive he rv there. We were just going to spend the night in the rv. At least with the cabin we can arrive after dark and not have to worry about setting up or getting our kid out of school early. Also we won't have to drive the car separately as well. Sometimes it's not always worth taking the rv.

Cabins at Cades Cove? Speaking about national parks, if they have a shut down, will they go around and make everyone leave the campgrounds and lock the gates or what.

Yes, everyone will be escorted off the property, no refunds are to be given. Read all about it on the COE and National Parks websites. The planned shut down will begin at 12:01 am, so be prepared for a knock on your door.

wbwood wrote: Sometimes it's not worth taking the rv.The older I get, the more I find this to be true.

tegu69 wrote: Speaking about national parks, if they have a shut down, will they go around and make everyone leave the campgrounds and lock the gates or what.Who will make everyone leave if there is no one working? :B

wbwood wrote:We have reservations for cades cove in GSMNP for this coming weekend. Of course watching the news has made me a little uncomfortable as to what the outcome will be on the shutdown. I have faith it will all work out, but their deadline is too close to use leaving there. Our trip is based upon a 75th birthday for my father. It got me thinking about just getting a cabin instead and avoid the possibility. Got a cabin for literally the same price it was gonna cost us to drive he rv there. We were just going to spend the night in the rv. At least with the cabin we can arrive after dark and not have to worry about setting up or getting our kid out of school early. Also we won't have to drive the car separately as well. Sometimes it's not always worth taking the rv.While I understand your point. I cannot imagine not taking the RV and staying in a cabin!But than again I'm the guy regularly showing up after dark

When to realize it's not worth it | Good Sam Community

wbwood
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
If it were for more than a weekend then I would have different thoughts. But for this type of trip when we aren't gonna be spending much time in the park (just sleeping) it doesn't some realistic. As I mentioned, we were going to have to get my daughter out school early, plus I would of only had a few hours sleep from working the night before. All in order to try and be there before dark. Now we can leave when she gets home and I've had 6 hrs of sleep or more. My wife won't have to follow me in the car which we will need to go to where my family is staying. And did i mention hot tub? Woohoo! Lol

No, not cabins at Cade's cove. But over in wears valley.
Homer1
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
I am a frequent traveler to the Smokies. I can tell long ago we decided RV's were not the best way to visit the Smokies. You are right you can rent a cabin for about the same indvestment. You have maid service, can just take your car, or rent one if you fly in. To me the smokies is not about camping, it is about seeing the sights especially in the fall. Up at the Cades Cove it can get pretty chilly this time of year in the evening. If it has been dry, they will not allow campfires. So give it some more thought.
Traveler_II
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
If you figure all the cost RVing is not the cheapest way to travel, just a great way to travel.
ReadyToGo
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
At least at the closing at NM SP, they made everyone leave the day of the closing. There will probably be at least one ranger on duty to guard against vandalism.
BCSnob
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
This is what the local news is saying...

All national parks would be closed, as would the Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo in Washington. Visitors using overnight campgrounds or other park facilities would be given 48 hours to make alternate arrangements and leave the park.
Lantley
Nomad
Sep 30, 2013
wbwood wrote:
We have reservations for cades cove in GSMNP for this coming weekend. Of course watching the news has made me a little uncomfortable as to what the outcome will be on the shutdown. I have faith it will all work out, but their deadline is too close to use leaving there. Our trip is based upon a 75th birthday for my father. It got me thinking about just getting a cabin instead and avoid the possibility. Got a cabin for literally the same price it was gonna cost us to drive he rv there. We were just going to spend the night in the rv. At least with the cabin we can arrive after dark and not have to worry about setting up or getting our kid out of school early. Also we won't have to drive the car separately as well.

Sometimes it's not always worth taking the rv.

While I understand your point. I cannot imagine not taking the RV and staying in a cabin!
But than again I'm the guy regularly showing up after dark
gbopp
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
tegu69 wrote:
Speaking about national parks, if they have a shut down, will they go around and make everyone leave the campgrounds and lock the gates or what.

Who will make everyone leave if there is no one working? :B
robsouth
Explorer II
Sep 30, 2013
wbwood wrote:
Sometimes it's not worth taking the rv.

The older I get, the more I find this to be true.
cpmath
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
Yes, everyone will be escorted off the property, no refunds are to be given. Read all about it on the COE and National Parks websites. The planned shut down will begin at 12:01 am, so be prepared for a knock on your door.
tegu69
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
Cabins at Cades Cove? Speaking about national parks, if they have a shut down, will they go around and make everyone leave the campgrounds and lock the gates or what.

Forum Discussion

When to realize it's not worth it

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

The Moment You Realize ...

Washer/Dryer worth it?

Second AC worth it?

Prolite trailer- worth the extra $ ?

Fiberglass front cap worth it?