Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about an hour south of Athens, Tennessee. The park is home to the highest mountain in the East, Mount LeConte, and offers plenty of hiking trails for all skill levels. The closest national park to Athens is Mammoth Cave National Park, just over 2 hours away in Kentucky. It's the world's most extended cave system and a great place to explore underground. Congaree National Park is also nearby, just under 3 hours away in South Carolina. The Cades Cove Campground has 86 campsites with full hookups for RVs.
Harrison Bay State Park is a beautiful campground that is located on the shores of Harrison Bay, which boasts a wide variety of outdoor activities. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking as well as other outdoor recreation. Cumberland Mountain State Park is a beautiful mountain park located just outside of Crossville. The park offers many outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing. Camping, picnicking, and fishing are all allowed in the park. Cumberland Mountain State Park also features a scenic overlook that allows visitors to observe the Great Smoky Mountains. Fort Mountain State Park is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is named for an ancient fortification believed to have been built by Native Americans. The park has more than 60 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Horseback riding is allowed on designated trails only.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and Daniel Boone National Forest are all located within a few hours' drive of Athens, Tennessee. These forests offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and more. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is the largest at 1.1 million acres. Nantahala National Forest closely follows it at 557,400 acres. Pisgah National Forest is the third largest at 514,900 acres, while Daniel Boone National Forest is the fourth largest at 468,000 acres. The smallest among them is the Nantahala National Forest, at 557,400 acres.
The Obed Wild and Scenic River is a must-see landmark near Athens, Tennessee. This river has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River, and it features some of the most beautiful scenery in Tennessee. The Foothills Parkway is another popular attraction near Athens. This parkway offers stunning views of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains as they transition into the Great Smoky Mountains to the east. Those interested in hiking should take advantage of the opportunity to hike part of the Appalachian Trail, which passes through these parts. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail commemorates a critical moment in American history, the forced relocation of Native Americans from their homelands to reservations further west.
There are several options if you're looking for an RV park or campground near Athens. Some popular options include Sweetwater / I-75 / Exit 62 KOA, Sweetwater / I-75 / Exit 62 KOA Holiday, Deer Ridge RV Park, and Bitner’s RV Park. Be sure to check the amenities each park offers. For example, some may have Wi-Fi and free cable TV.
The city of Athens has three dump stations for visitors. Campers can fill their freshwater tanks at the Melton Hill Dam Campground, Petro Stopping Center #312, Flying J Travel Center #722, and Chester Frost Park. Visiting Athens, Tennessee with an RV from RVshare is a wonderful way to explore the area!
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Athens, TN without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Athens, TN?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Athens, TN, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Athens, TN?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Athens, TN particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Athens, TN that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.
