Pigeon Forge sits at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The majestic mountains loom over the city, providing a great view from every angle. To experience the beauty firsthand, take your RV just 13 miles south. There are winding trails to hike, outlooks with panoramic views, and swimming holes to cool off in. The park's multiple campgrounds have RV sites with running water and flush toilets. There are no electric hookups.
Mammoth Cave National Park is in Kentucky, about 230 miles north of Pigeon Forge. There, you can tour one of the world's longest cave systems. Natural — and sometimes deeply weird — rock formations hang from the cave ceilings and spring from the floors. Endangered bats live deep in the caverns. Above ground, you can rent boats to enjoy the Green River. The official campground has spots for RVs, a dump station, and potable water.
Travel 273 miles to West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park, home to an 876-foot steel bridge that stretches across the river. Aside from the famous bridge, you'll find waterfalls, trails that rise more than 1,400 feet above the gorge, abandoned lumber mills, and ghost towns. The park's nine campgrounds offer a mix of RV sites and tent spots. Your pets are welcome!
Panther Creek State Park is a popular destination around an hour's drive north of Pigeon Forge. It has 17 trails for biking and hiking near Cherokee Lake. There's a campground with water, a dump station, laundry facilities, and a store. The RV sites have 20-, 30-, and 50-amp hookups.
Just past Knoxville lies one of Tennessee's best parks. Big Ridge State Park covers 3,687 forested acres of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley. Go boating, swim in Big Ridge Lake, or just relax on its sandy shores. There are 50 campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long. Each one offers electrical hookups, water, and a picnic table. The campground has a dump station for guest use.
With 800 miles of shore, Norris Dam State Park is one of RVshare's top picks for boating and fishing. It also offers trails for horseback riding, biking, and hiking. You can choose between two campgrounds with dump stations, electrical hookups, and water.
The Appalachian Trail spans more than 2,000 miles of the Eastern United States. Around 71 miles go directly through the Great Smoky Mountains just south of Pigeon Forge, making it one of Tennessee's most important landmarks.
Craighead Caverns are 62 miles west of Pigeon Forge. The largest underground lake in the United States -- that we know of -- is here. There are numerous other subterranean formations to check out.
Cades Cove is a valley within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. European pioneers settled there in the 1800s. Many of their buildings remain.
Pine Mountain RV Park is one of many great campgrounds near Pigeon Forge. The campsites have full hookups, cable TV access, and Wi-Fi. It's just blocks away from the Parkway. Foothills RV Park and Cabins has full hookups, Wi-Fi, and access to a trolley for easy travel to Pigeon Forge's attractions. Smoky Bear Campground and RV Park is in Gatlinburg, right by the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has a pool, laundry facilities, a store, and hookups.
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 Pigeon Forge, 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 Pigeon Forge, 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 Pigeon Forge, 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 Pigeon Forge, 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 Pigeon Forge, TN particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Pigeon Forge, 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.
