First-Time RV Camping Trip to Smoky Mountains in July – Advice Needed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The camp grounds inside the park do not have showers. They do have flush toilets and running water at the sinks inside the bathroom and at a slop sink to wash dishes. We have tent camped there but never an RV so I don't know if there are water hook ups. Just plan accordingly.

Thanks, plan to shower before and after )

[Anonymous]

I liked our trip there, but word of warning that when people say the park is crowded and parking can be a nightmare, they’re not joking. There are some trailheads, like for Alum Cave, where if the lot is full, you can park along the road. But it can be so packed you’re parking really far away and adding all that time to your hike. There are other locations where there’s little to no road parking available, so if you’re not there extremely early (before 7am at the latest) or late afternoon, you may have to drive past and do something else. We couldn’t do Clingman’s Dome and a couple other things (like some of the stops on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail) for this reason. There was just no parking, an endless line of crawling traffic, and no place to pull over or circle. You just keep driving and change plans. So make a plan, but mostly be flexible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I liked our trip there, but word of warning that when people say the park is crowded and parking can be a nightmare, they’re not joking. There are some trailheads, like for Alum Cave, where if the lot is full, you can park along the road. But it can be so packed you’re parking really far away and adding all that time to your hike. There are other locations where there’s little to no road parking available, so if you’re not there extremely early (before 7am at the latest) or late afternoon, you may have to drive past and do something else. We couldn’t do Clingman’s Dome and a couple other things (like some of the stops on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail) for this reason. There was just no parking, an endless line of crawling traffic, and no place to pull over or circle. You just keep driving and change plans. So make a plan, but mostly be flexible.

I hear this a lot. We have a toddler so the plan is to not chase best trails rather chill, and do minor hikes..we are travelling with family and should let them know to set expectations.

[Anonymous]

Does your RV come fully equipped?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The camp grounds inside the park do not have showers. They do have flush toilets and running water at the sinks inside the bathroom and at a slop sink to wash dishes. We have tent camped there but never an RV so I don't know if there are water hook ups. Just plan accordingly.

Thanks, plan to shower before and after )

PP here- one of our favorite low key things to do is picnic at Metcalf Bottoms. Many of the picnic sites are right along the stream and we can get in the water and also have lunch. There are a few short hikes nearby that are not as popular. Our family also loves to tour the Elkmont Area. Elkmont has an area that was originally a logging town that was then turned into a vacation spot for families. Many of the homes have been partially restored and it is fun to go through the ones marked safe and see how families spent their summer. Elkmont has a nice parking area that usually has spots and there is a clean restroom area.

Make sure you check the Junior Ranger program schedule. Out kids loved these programs and even the adults (parent & grandparents) learn something.

[Anonymous]

Bring a tick remover. Especially helpful for a squirming toddler.

Bears. Let me say it again. Bears.

We stayed at a commercial campground near a river. Broad daylight - A bear wandered in, went right up to the table where some campers were eating, and they quickly ran inside their RV. Bear ate their lunch.

Another night at the same place, a bear tried unsuccessfully to open our cooler (nothing in it but cans of drinks) and left claw scratch marks on the top. We remember this every time we use cooler!