I will be going to the Smoky Mountains bringing the fifth wheel and the bike during the second week in August.

I was wondering if anyone has some advice on where to base my camp and enjoy riding the smokies ?

I would be coming up I-59 and most likely jumping onto I-75 and would like to stay to the south west or west of the smokies but close enough that I can ride up and down the mountains daily.

I see where hwy 411 or hwy 64 -74 might be a consideration. If you have some info on campgrounds in that area, please advise.

Thanks in advance,

Ray

 

Follow 411 to Seiverville Pigeon Forge. 321(Wears Valley road) would be hell with a fifth wheel.

 

I'll be in that area myself Aug. 8th-14th. If you'd like we can hook up for a ride or two. Hit the Tail, the PKWY or one of the other great rides.

 

Forgot to say, I can't help you with much information as this will be my first time there. We're staying in Gatlinburg as we've got a time-share there.

 

Call the good folks at Smoky Mtn HD in Maryville TN and tell them what you need/want. They are just outside of the Smoky Mtn Natl Park and most of the salesmen there ride the area. There are numerous campgrounds in the area. Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg are extremely congested this time of year. Ride carefully when in those two cities. You might also want to consider the "other side" of the Park in the Cherokee NC area also.

 

I'm still researching where we will end up at but I will contact you if we'll be in your neck of the woods.

Ray

 

Thanks for the tip...I'll give them a call !

Ray

 

The quieter side of the Smokies is northwest of the Park in Townsend. We like Tremont Hills Campground and Big Meadows Campground. Big Meadows will handle your fifth wheel better, especially if your bike is in the trailer since their pull-throughs are spacious and open.

From there, lots of great places for day rides: Foothills Parkway to the Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, HD Dealer in Maryville, and of course, the Smokies. All are easily reached from a Townsend basecamp.

 

Thanks Pastor...I will research this.

Ray

 

+1 On 321 and the Townsend area. Great place to cover the whole area from. Not nearly as congested as any other area near the Smokies and very convenient. You can get off I-75 at the Lenoir City exit (which is hwy321) turn right and you will wind up in Townsend. You will also pass Smoky Mountain HD in Maryville in route.