Camping Areas

[Guest bhoneycutt]

I tried searching the forums didn't come up with too much relevant. But a couple of friends and I where thinking of doing some camping. I live in middle Tennessee and was wondering if anyone knew some good places to camp. I don't want to be around things like showers and bathrooms kinda just want to be out in the woods make our own little campsite set up tents and a campfire and just enjoy the nature. I was just trying to find something legal. It would be a plus to be around water to fish and stuff.

EDIT ** oops MODS please move to the survival forums if you think necessary sorry**

Edited April 28, 2009 by bhoneycutt

[BrandonTN]

Virgin Falls in Sparta is a sweet place w/ tons of waterfalls and caves to explore. You can camp in the parking area (no restrooms and back in the woods) or backpack in and camp somewhere along the 8 mile loop trail. There is also a trail that goes off the main loop and down to the Caney Fork River, which has some good fishing.

Some pics here:

Virgin Falls pictures from mountains photos on webshots

[oldogy]

Well, if you want to come over to east TN there are places along the Tellico River, River Road and North River Road that would probably fit your requirements. They are in the Cherokee National forest and are fee sites but pretty darn primitive. No shower and pit toilets.

oldogy

[Guest nraforlife]

Sorry no. Used to, but as I and my wife got older we decided that roughing it is a room without a minibar.

[56FordGuy]

Virgin Falls in Sparta is a sweet place w/ tons of waterfalls and caves to explore. You can camp in the parking area (no restrooms and back in the woods) or backpack in and camp somewhere along the 8 mile loop trail. There is also a trail that goes off the main loop and down to the Caney Fork River, which has some good fishing.

Some pics here:

Virgin Falls pictures from mountains photos on webshots

+1 Virgin Falls is incredible. I've done it a few times, and would like to go again. I'd recomend doing it in late winter/ early spring. I did it in September once, and while it was still impressive, the water supply and the falls were about 50% of what they were when I've done in in January. Lots of downed, dead wood for fires, lots of relatively clean drinking water. I'd run it through a filter just in case, though. The caves are impressive, but take a pair of sandals. Sheeps cave is usually 6 to 8" deep in running water, and it's dark. Take a couple of good flashlights, or a headlamp. Likewise, the big cave behind the main fall is impressive, but -be careful-. The rocks in there are slick and sharp. I'd definitely recommend it, though.

[Guest bhoneycutt]

thanks guys for the ideas. We are defiantly going to look into Virgin Falls and Tellico River!

[BBill_TN]

+1 On Virgin Falls....great hike. Also South Cumberland Recreation Area (State Park) has quite a few opportunities for trailhead camping or backpacking if you want. Several different natural areas all managed as one park. Fiery Gizzard near Tracy City, and Savage Gulf are great areas.

Make sure you bring a filter for your water.

[Guest Traumaslave]

I like the Deep Creek Trail, 4 miles down to Campsite 53, and then up Fork Ridge Trail, 5.1 miles to the AT. Then take the AT to Clingman's Dome.

Nice over nighter with a mt fresh stream right next to ya. I didn't fish it but, IMHO it was a bit too rocky to fish. The 5.1 out is all up hill. I haven't gone the other way yet, I may next time. You will have to cross the creek so, be ready to get wet.

GSMNP clickable trail map

[Guest bhoneycutt]

Virgin Falls Im assuming this is a gun free zone? does anyone know

[56FordGuy]

Last time I was there, I believe Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness was privately owned by a timber company. I don't believe it is an official 'park' where carry would be prohibited. But, it's been several years and I don't recall if it is posted. If it is, I'd be willing to bet it's not posted correctly, for what that's worth.

*EDIT* I stand corrected. According to http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/virgin_falls_pocket_wilderness_area/ Virgin Falls is designated a "State and National Recreational Trail". I don't know if that carries the same no guns ruling as a park, I'd be interested to find out. I'd guess that it does.

*Edit #2* It was purchased by the State in 1996. Been a State Natural Area since well before I went, turns out.

http://www.state.tn.us/environment/na/natareas/virgin/

Edited April 29, 2009 by 56FordGuy

[Guest bhoneycutt]

I saw it was a state natural area but wasn't sure if that was the same as a state park and if it carried the same laws as a state park.

[Daniel]

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/general-off-topic/14291-camping.html

[mhm2a]

You can keep it local and check out the Monteagle/Tracy City area. There are many trails that will have crude camping spots along the way. It has been a little while since I have been up that way, but I am sure that it has not changed much.

There are some awesome river spots about 6 miles into a trail that I can not remember the name of at the moment. Huge rocks, bluffs, boulders, river, etc...Pretty awesome place and it is close.

I also second the Cherokee National Forest just over the state line in NC. We went up a couple of years ago, camped, and ran some white water. I floated most of the Nantahala River which was a blast. We also ran the Ocoee river on Sunday before we left the area, which i highly recommend.

[Guest bhoneycutt]

Me and a buddy went and camped for 3 days this last weekend at Virgin Falls State Natural area upon some of you guys recommendations. I got to say Thank You it was amazing we had a awesome time and it was very pretty.

[whiskey]

Land between the lakes has back country camping.

[BBill_TN]

Glad that you had a good time. I bet the water was flowing really well?

[Guest bhoneycutt]

Glad that you had a good time. I bet the water was flowing really well?

They seemed to be flowing very well. We initially camped the first night on top of the main waterfall and the second and third night we camped at the caney fork river campsite. We loved it. The hike was pretty tough so if anyone plans on going make sure you get plenty of rest and try and pack as light as possible. My buddy had a 70-80pound pack and I had about a 50-55 pound pack and it wasn't easy. It was our first time backpacking/hiking and primitive camping and it is hard to to believe there could be a better place it was so peaceful.

[BBill_TN]

It is the trip back to the trail head that hurts on this trip. Yeah it is a pretty easy trip for a day trip, but add some weight to your pack and it changes things a bit. I always over pack; I have some really light gear....but I just find more stuff to bring:)

[analog_kidd]

They seemed to be flowing very well. We initially camped the first night on top of the main waterfall and the second and third night we camped at the caney fork river campsite. We loved it. The hike was pretty tough so if anyone plans on going make sure you get plenty of rest and try and pack as light as possible. My buddy had a 70-80pound pack and I had about a 50-55 pound pack and it wasn't easy. It was our first time backpacking/hiking and primitive camping and it is hard to to believe there could be a better place it was so peaceful.

Wow! Those are some pretty heavy packs. You should shoot for around 25 pounds until you are ready to spend some serious money to get them under 20. Look at all the stuff you brought, and set aside everything you didn't use and next time think about not bringing that stuff. Look for ways to shave off ounces and pounds from your gear. It's amazing how much weight the little things add up to. Get rid of a dozen 1 oz items and you got yourself a pound of savings.

[BrandonTN]

Glad you enjoyed it...

[Guest bhoneycutt]

Wow! Those are some pretty heavy packs. You should shoot for around 25 pounds until you are ready to spend some serious money to get them under 20. Look at all the stuff you brought, and set aside everything you didn't use and next time think about not bringing that stuff. Look for ways to shave off ounces and pounds from your gear. It's amazing how much weight the little things add up to. Get rid of a dozen 1 oz items and you got yourself a pound of savings.

Yes lol we are defiantly going to take less next time. Biggest thing was we way over estimated on food. We brought every meal plus snacks for 4 days and ended up eating about one meal a day and some snacks. Not to mention one the days we ate what we caught.

[oldogy]

. Not to mention one the days we ate what we caught.

I like it when that happens.

oldogy