Smokey Mountains in October

[Camsmom]

We are planning to stop and spend a few days in the smokey mountains on the way home from our fall trip south. We visited several years ago and stayed at a nice park in Pigeon Forge, but were wondering about the Douglas Headwater Campground. Is it a good location for a visit to the smokey mountains or perhaps a little too far from the action?
Thanks

[Veebyes]

Lots of CGs have that "No alcohol" rule. Who pays attention to it? Nobody turns around & dumps their few beers. It is a stick that the CGs have to use only if needed.

[TxGearhead]

https://www.upthecreekrvcamp.com/

[bakerkids]

ken56 wrote:
No one is going to say a thing about your glass of wine if you are discreet. They just do not want drunken parties.

I totally agree. The rule gives them permission to boot those who are causing issues.

[ken56]

No one is going to say a thing about your glass of wine if you are discreet. They just do not want drunken parties. Pine Mountain RV will serve you well. River Plantation is nice. Riverbend is nice.It all depends on how in the middle of the action you want to be. These 3 are close but far enough removed to be out of the noise. Foothills and Rivers Edge are right at the end of Pigeon Forge and the point you go into the NP. Right off the road really.


Closer to Dollywood is the KOA. There are a lot of campgrounds in this area. The ones I mentioned are acceptable to me, maybe you would have a different opinion but they are nice with full hook up.

[bakerkids]

I prefer the Townsend side of the Smokey Mountains. I did happen into Pisgah NF last October and loved it. I stayed in Lake Powhatan CG. The fall color was gorgeous. I agree that it can be hit and miss, and I think Oct. 11 is early. I am normally heading to SC through that area the second week of October and it's often early for color, but on my return at the end of the month is good.

[ksbowman]

Put your wine or beer in an opaque glass or cup, don't get wild and no one will know but you and I. Fill your glass inside.

[Camsmom]

We looked further into Douglas headwater but found out that they do not allow alcohol at all in the park. We are not big booze hounds by any means but do like a glass of wine or beer by the fire, so that park is out. Guess we will look to the private parks.
Suggestions?

[Pine_Barren]

We stayed at little river campground in Townsend back in July and wouldn’t recommend it. Sites were way to close the sewer hookup for the site next to us was u see our picnic table and trees to close to put awning out. Our septic hookup was right under our neighbors picnic table and the cost was high at $72 a night. We will be going back in November and staying at Mill creek resort in pigeon forge it is off the main drag turn beside Texas road house. It is a good Sams club and the people there that run it were very friendly when we stopped by to look and the place was very clean.

[spoon059]

We just stayed at Anchor Down, LOVED it. Next time we will try to hit Douglas Tailwaters campground though... we went in August and it was too hot (no trees) and a decent walk to the water from AD.

Gatlinburg and the Smokey's were about 45 to 50 minute drive though. Not a bad drive by any means, but still takes a while. If I were visiting to go to the Smokey's, I would stay closer to the Gatlinburg area.

[theoldwizard1]

Color can be hit and miss. Pack warm clothes for the evenings and make sure you have a full load of propane and the furnace is working !

[ken56]

The TVA Headwaters campground has W/E and a dump station. It is nice with decent showers. There is the Tailwaters campground too right below the dam on the river. Not as nice as the Headwaters but will serve your needs.


How far do you consider too far? From both CG's you are roughly within 10 miles of Pigeon Forge. Traffic may be heavy because its peak leaf peeping time here. You will be removed from the noise at these CG's. Anchor Down was mentioned and it is by far the nicest one in thearea but that comes with a price. Townsend is miles away from Pigeon Forge and G'burg, but is a wonderful area too.


While here go to the Island complex. To find it just look for the big Ferris Wheel. Its a nice place to walk around and eat at Paula Deens or Margaritaville and a couple other good restaurants.

[djsamuel]

If you're looking for some quiet and easy entrance to the park, take a look at Townsend. We enjoy Big Meadows Family Campground; although some of the others are nice as well.

[benbovac]

I would suggest Anchor Down in Dandridge TN. may be tough to get in but by far the nicest campground in the area.

[Camsmom]

oldokie wrote:
good location if you can get in.

Its showing lots of sites available for for our dates, oct 11 for 3 nights.