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 correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in Pigeon Forge, TN without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in Pigeon Forge, TN?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in Pigeon Forge, TN, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Pigeon Forge, TN?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.