smokey mountains

[cac43]

My wife & I would like to spend 4-5 days in the smokey mts in June. I'm overwhelmed by the web info on the where to stay. could anyone make a recommendation.
we found out that the rv sites at great smokey national park do not have electric or wate so ruled them out. we drive a 30 foot class C , towing a saturn. we basically would like to find a good site and enjoy "nature" while there. thanks chuck

[rvten]

Dog Folks wrote:
Another vote for the Townsend side.

X3

[Dog_Folks]

Another vote for the Townsend side.

[Merrykalia]

When we go to PF/Gatlinburg area, we LOVE Pine Mtn RV Park in PF, but we also have young (10 and 7) kids that like the pools (indoor and outdoor).

We have also enjoyed Smoky Bear in Cosby (further out, great campground with great reviews, but sites are smallish). Also Misty Mountain in Wallen, TN is pretty decent.

Lots of people like Riverside in Sevierville, but I find that it is a nice, but has a "snooty" feeling to me. It is right in the middle of all the traffic, but down over a hill, so you don't get a lot of noise, but getting in/out is almost impossible.

We have stayed at Elkmont and while it is nice being in the mountains, the lack of services (water/electric), makes it a no-go for us. The fireflies there are amazing and if you haven't heard of them, look it up before you go. A one night stay is definitely worth it just to see them and not have to get a shuttle up on the mountain from downtown.

[southernsky]

rv2go wrote:
I would suggest a park in Townsend. Real close to Cades Cove. A great hike to Abrams Falls from the Cove loop road.

X2

[Hiking_Hunter]

rv2go wrote:
I would suggest a park in Townsend. Real close to Cades Cove. A great hike to Abrams Falls from the Cove loop road.

I agree with rv2go. Pigeon Forge has a lot of attractions for the kids, but since it is just you and your wife, avoid the madness (and traffic) and stay in Townsend. It's still within easy driving distance to Gatlinburg for the stuff there. If you have a chance drive over to Cherokee, NC. for a day. Lots of cool stuff there.

There are several good CGs along the Little River which runs out of the Park. Here's a list. I've stayed at both Big Meadow and Ye Olde Mill. Big Meadow = very nice, a little more expensive, Ye Olde Mill = nice, a little less expensive. Either would be fine for a week's stay. Lots of kids (and higher prices) at the KOA - overpriced.

Lots of great hiking trails in Cades Cove area; get a trail map from the visitor center. Say hello to the bears for me.

Make your reservations as early as possible.

[rv2go]

I would suggest a park in Townsend. Real close to Cades Cove. A great hike to Abrams Falls from the Cove loop road.

[djsamuel]

you'll get lots of great suggestions, both in North Carolina and Tennessee. Really depends on what you are looking for. My wife and I enjoy the quiet and relaxing aspect of the Smoky Mountains. We love going to Townsend, TN. We always stayed in a hotel when we went there, but this year we will be taking the camper. We'll be staying at Big Meadow Family Campground.