Family RV Camping in Smoky Mountains is a unique adventure that is going to assist you in sharing forever memories with your family, getting closer to the nature of those mountains and enjoying the time with your dearest ones. With its dramatic views, driving tours, hiking and a lot of family-oriented activities the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has turned into one of the most popular national parks of America. However, you need to step on the road properly planned so that your trip can be as successful and nice as possible.
This guide will provide some family RV camping tips to help you chill, adventure, and get the best out of your camping trip to the Smoky Mountains.
Why Choose the Smoky Mountains for Family RV Camping?
Smoky Mountains located on the North Carolina and Tennessee border are an ideal place to camp as a family in RVs. The park has more than 522,427 acres of preserved wildlife; therefore, it has something to offer to everyone: hiking, wildlife observation, viewpoints, waterfalls, and educational visitor centers.
Families enjoy the Smokies due to its tranquility as well as outdoor adventure. RV camping gives you an opportunity to be inside nature but still not sacrifice the comfort of home.
Tip 1: Plan and Book Your Campsite Early
The foremost and of paramount value family RV camping Smoky Mountains tip is the reservation of the campsite early enough. Millions of tourists visit the Smoky Mountains annually and during peak seasons (spring, summer and fall).
The RV parks adjacent to the park that are privately owned have full-service and familial amenities.
Pro Tip: Ensure the size capacity of RVs in your preferred campground before going since not all camps are RV-friendly.
Tip 2: Pack Smart and Travel Light
Efficiency in packing is a major tip in family RV camping in the Smoky Mountains. Because there is limited space, you should pack only what you need, but you should also be prepared against varying weather conditions in the Smoky Mountains.
Must-Pack Essentials:
- Hiking shoes that are comfortable
- Rain jackets and layers (it may be raining one moment, sun the next)
- Torch and Spares batteries
- Camping chairs
- First-aid kit
- Insect repellent and sunblock
- Card games or board games to play on a rainy day
It is important to note that the Smokies are a region of biodiversity, and one should not violate nature and adhere to Leave No Trace policies.
Tip 3: Prioritize Safety at Every Step
The first thing to be considered during a family RV camping trip to Smoky Mountain is safety. These are some of the safety precautions to observe:
- Check the weather forecasts.
- Store foods in a secure place in a way that they do not attract bears and other animals.
- Train children on how to be on marked paths.
- Have emergency kits and find the information about the nearby medical facilities.
These hilly terrains might not be that predictable and that is why some strategizing is likely to go a long way in ensuring everybody is safe.
Tip 4: Explore the Best Family-Friendly Attractions
The Smoky Mountains are full of free attractions that the entire family will enjoy. Other than hiking and beautiful drives, there are must visit places too:
- Cades Cove Loop Road: It is a 11 mile one way scenic drive that gives a possibility of observing wildlife.
- Clingmans Dome: This is the highest mountain in the park that offers panoramic views.
- Laurel falls trail: a short path to a beautiful waterfall, highly child safe.
To enjoy a less demanding day, Gatlingburg or Pigeon Forge presents shopping, restaurants and entertainment, including Dollywood or Ripley Aquarium.
Tip 5: Plan Your Meals and Cooking Setup
Preparing meals during camping is one of the pleasures of family RV camping in the Smoky Mountains. Meal planning is however not a walk in the park.
Tips in Meal Planning:
- Develop meals at home in advance.
- Carry some foods that you can prepare easily such as hot dogs, pasta and sandwiches.
- Do not leave out the marshmallows to have a classic campfire treat.
Most visitors visit the Smoky Mountains to take advantage of the amenities offered by RV sites in the area such as picnic tables and fire pits to make outdoor dining a wonderful experience. It is important to remember that one should also clean up so as not to attract wildlife.
Tip 6: Keep the Kids Engaged
All should enjoy family RV camping in the Smoky mountains. Make children occupied and engaged with:
- Allowing them to assist in the camping.
- Providing them with nature scavenger hunt.
- Touring of the learning visitor centers to know more about wildlife in the area.
- Camp firm games.
Most campsites also have kid approved activities such as ranger talks, storytelling and guided nature walks which will make the trip a lifetime memory to younger campers.
Tip 7: Embrace Slow Travel and Unplug
A chance to forget about the screens and get off the busy schedules is one of the greatest advantages of family RV camping in the Smoky Mountains. Teach the entire clan to calm down, to appreciate the scenery, and to learn to appreciate the pleasures of the simple things (such as waiting to see the rising sun, listening to tales by the fire, or seeing deer in the morning fog).
Smoky Mountains are a great place of relaxation and family time.
Tip 8: Be Flexible and Have Fun
Not everything can be the way it is planned regardless of the most efficient one. It can be raining, there is little to see in the wildlife or even pathways could be closed. The key to it is to be open and to focus on experience rather than on a fixed plan.
The memories you make are the ones that matter; hiking to a waterfall, roasting smores or just sitting out under the stars.
Final Thoughts
Smoky Mountain Family RV camping can be described as a really brilliant method of getting near to nature as well as to one another. With some pre-trip planning, staying safe and accepting the adventure, it is possible to make your Smoky Mountain vacation one of those special family activities that you look forward to year after year.
Are you all set to organize a perfect RV vacation in the Smokies?
Go to https://gatewayrvc.com/ to enjoy the best RV campsites and family accommodations in the middle of Smoky Mountains. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.