OkieBug
Tulsa, OK
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Joined: 07/18/2003
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Theres just the two of us, no kids. We are planning a 1 wk trip to the Smokys for either the last week of Aug or the first week of Sept. Labor day weekend would either be ending our trip or jumping off our trip and would be "travel time" for us.
My question(s), with the exception of labor day weekend which I know would be busy, how busy is the park during those two weeks? Are we out of luck with getting reservations now or do we still have a chance? We're not sure which side of the park we'll be staying on or if we'll be splitting our trip moving around. Generally we like to set up and base camp from one cg. We are looking at possibly staying around Townsend and/or near Cherokee. We do not plan on going to Dollywood, not interested in that kind of "touristy" stuff, no offense to anyone, its just not "our thing".
I have been doing my homework but I havent come across much about the crowds for the time we are thinking about visiting the area.
Okiebug ~
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The Lexx
Camp Lejeune, NC
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I'm not sure which part of the Smokies you are staying in and what kind of parks you are looking for, but I have family near Boone, NC, and Mountain City on the Tennessee side and visit there a couple times a year. If you want something in Boone, Flintlock Campground is cozy. Its not a huge place but it has what you need and is centrally located. Its very quiet and has a big open playground or field and walking trails if you have kids or pets. Here's a link to Flintlock.
If you have other questions about the area feel free to ask and I'll field them as best as I can.
The Lexx
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Christopher45103
Batavia, OH USA
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We usually go in May, when school is in session, but the pattern we noticed will probably still apply. During the middle of the week the crowds aren't too bad. Weekends of course will be packed.
I wouldn't worry about not having reservations. Plenty of RV parks in that area, but to save some gas I'd call a day or two ahead and see who has space available.
We've stayed at Tremont Hills in Townsend twice and liked it, though the place gets mixed reviews depending on who was working in the office.
Some people will probably get an early start on the Labor Day weekend so you might want to get into town right after Labor Day. That way you can most likely get a site for the entire week.
Christopher
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JFG
TN
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Last weekend in Aug is not too bad. The TN school systems actually go back to school by Aug. 15th so most of the area kids will be in school. There is an annual hot rod show in Pigeon Forge on sept 5 & 6th.. .. very crowded.. avoid it unless you are into hot rods. . you shouldn't have too much trouble making a reservation now.
Fred
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OkieBug
Tulsa, OK
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Lexx, we arent sure which side we're staying on either lol No kids and no pets so the playground and open field arent needed for us. We're mostly looking for peace and quiet. One of our sons and his family have moved in with us...anyone with adult kids may understand where I'm coming from lol if you dont know....then imainge lots of stress, tension and hectic!
AH! Tremont is one of the places we're looking at if we stay in Townsend. If the park is peaceful and well kept we can usually overlook rude office personell. Once we get it all figured out we'll make reservations just to insure that we have somewhere to set up camp.
OH! Thanks for the heads up on the hot rod show. Not into that and wouldnt want to "happen" into the crowd. 
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jamnw
Decatur, TN
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I stayed at Twin Creek park in Gatlinburg last year. It was very well maintained, friendly staff and quiet. I would make reservations if you try to stay there.
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Kentucky_Joe
Fort Thomas, KY USA
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Middle of week should be fine. Weekends will be crowded. Definitely don't go during hot rod weekend. We sat in traffic for hours one year. Be sure to do Roaring-fork trip and take some of the hikes if you enjoy walking. Take a picnic if you go to top of mountains, no place to eat up there, just beautiful view.
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SKnight
Georgia
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The weekend of Labor day will be a madhouse, I would come in the week before and leave Saturday, the traffic near the towns will be awful, that's first hand experience.
The week after will be slightly more crowded than usual since it's a four day week people take advantage of that.
Get away from the cities and it's usually not bad at all, the trails might be crowded though.
I don't get lost, I investigate alternative destinations.
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OkieBug
Tulsa, OK
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Thanks for all the useful info it'll def help us in making our plans. 
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HappyCamper89
Alabama
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Tremont Hills is a nice quiet park. Some of the sites are right on the river. It's the closest campground to the National Park and only about 8 or 9 miles from Cades Cove. We've stayed there many times over the years and the staff have usually been friendly. Just be aware that you'll lose your deposit if you cancel reservations for ANY reason. Townsend if much quieter than Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. We stay there because we also try to avoid the crowds.
* This post was
edited 07/18/08 08:10pm by HappyCamper89 *
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