Looking for an overnight stay between St. Louis, MO and Vogel State Park, GA. Would prefer something within a couple or hours of Vogel. Having most of the drive underway prior to the nights stay. Also, while being picky, would like to avoid Nashville, if possible. First preference is Corp Parks (America the Beautiful Pass, and their cleanliness, upkeep, etc), second, State Parks, and then all others. Have a small B, but do prefer electric and someplace pleasant. Our plan is to drive for a few hours, find a spot, relax, have a beer or two and enjoy. Then on to Vogel, after finding breakfast.
Any and all ideas appreciated.
Camping in a Sportsmobile. How much better can it get?
Woodring Branch COE would be between Chattanooga and Vogal of US-76. Check to see if they are open your dates. Old Stone Fort SP in Manchester TN would be between Nashville and Chattanooga, open all year. Nashville would be hard to not go through. But you can take TN-155 Briley Parkway to avoid downtown Nashville. Get off I 24 at exit 43, get back on at 54.
Old Stone Fort Will Be Empty Its a very easy on and off park. This time of year the bath house thats open does not have showers. But its like $20 a night. And in town.
The campground previously mentioned on the lake is right past Jasper, Tennessee. You go the first exit past the hospital and Whitwell exit--and there will be a big fireworks stand/gas station. Turn left and an immediate right. The campground will be on the right on a 4 acre peninsula in the middle of the river.
Another option would be to go into Chattanooga and take the signs toward Atlanta. Commercial campgrounds (and Camping World) are on Exit #1--on the state line.
Good luck trying to get to Vogel State Park. There is no easy way to get there.
I go to Cleveland, Tennessee and turn right on the Bypass (exit 20.) Turn right on Water Level Hwy.(Hwy 64). You'll go by the Ocoee River (and the Olympic kayaking venue.) It's crooked, but it's the way to go. At Ducktown, TN, (at a Hardees) turn right and go 3 miles into McCaysville, GA--on the state line. Keep going straight and you'll eventually come to a major 4 lane highway.
It'll be about 25 miles to Blairsville, GA.
Go right past the Burger King, and take the first exit. Turn right, go around the court house, and keep going about 12 miles to Vogel State Park. South and west of Vogel are major mountains--not for RV's. The only way to come in is from the North.
Other great campgrounds around there are at the city fairgrounds in Hiawassee. The city's on a bunch of lakes surrounded by mountains.
My RV stays @ Helen, GA, and there's a bigger state park there--Unicoi Springs.
This area is technically the Blue Ridge Mountains, but it looks just about like the Smokies--except without all the lights and go cart tracks.
Bamaman1, thanks for the detailed info. Thinking about stopping at Ragland Bottom, outside of Smithville, TN, on Center Hill lake for a night or two and then starting our scenic drive to Vogel. Maybe even check out Fall Creek Falls State Park on the way.
Do want to see Helen again cause we GOTTA stop at Fred's Famous Peanuts. It's a must!!!
Thanks to all for the info. We still plotting and open to suggestions.
Following Bamaman's direction, if you take US 64 from Cleveland through the Ocoee Gorge you will intersect with TN-68 at Ducktown TN. Turn right and continue through Copper Hill TN and McCaysville,GA on what is now GA 5. Continue to US 76 near Morganton, GA and turn left to go to Blairsville. You can also continue on US 64 almost to Murphy NC and turn right on US. 129 to Blairsville. I can't think of any reason that one route is better than the other. They both offer 4-lane roads going from west to east, but are two lane southbound. US 129 has more passing lanes. Hope your have a wonderful stay. lizzie
lizzie wrote: Following Bamaman's direction, if you take US 64 from Cleveland through the Ocoee Gorge you will intersect with TN-68 at Ducktown TN. Turn right and continue through Copper Hill TN and McCaysville,GA on what is now GA 5. Continue to US 76 near Morganton, GA and turn left to go to Blairsville. You can also continue on US 64 almost to Murphy NC and turn right on US. 129 to Blairsville. I can't think of any reason that one route is better than the other. They both offer 4-lane roads going from west to east, but are two lane southbound. US 129 has more passing lanes. Hope your have a wonderful stay. lizzie
Yeah, I would also continue on 64 to the intersection with 129. It's at a red light with a flea market on your right.
Also, you could come down 75 just north of Atlanta and go back up 85/985 to Duncans Bridge Rd which comes into Helen.
Not sure why Bamaman thinks the north is the only way, but it is shorter. Taking 129 from the south over Blood Mountain is certainly doable if you have a reliable tow vehicle.
2006 Chevrolet 2500HD 4wd CC/SB Duramax/ Allison
2009 Keystone Copper Canyon 298fwbhs
Wife and two BEAUTIFUL girls!!
Nights camped in 2010: 64
Nights camped in 2011: 58
Nights camped in 2012: 75
Chevyman2006 wrote: Also, you could come down 75 just north of Atlanta and go back up 85/985 to Duncans Bridge Rd which comes into Helen.
Not sure why Bamaman thinks the north is the only way, but it is shorter. Taking 129 from the south over Blood Mountain is certainly doable if you have a reliable tow vehicle.
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