The entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just five minutes from downtown Townsend. This 500,000-acre national park can be explored by hiking, biking, horseback riding, auto touring, and boating. If you stop by in the fall, you’ll get to see some of this region’s famous autumn leaves. Mammoth Cave National Park is about four hours northwest of Townsend and features the longest-known cave system. Areas like the Rotunda, Gothic Avenue, and Frozen Niagara are open to the public via a variety of cave tours. Once you’ve finished checking out the caves, you can spend some time on the trails and rivers of this park. If you travel about four and a half hours northeast of Townsend, you’ll reach the entrance to New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. This relatively new national park’s 70,000 acres are home to New River Gorge and the New River, so it’s an excellent place to go rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. The gorge’s walls are made of hard sandstone, so they’re ideal for rock climbing.
Big Ridge State Park is approximately an hour and 20 minutes north of Townsend and is located on the Norris Reservoir. The lake is a popular place to go swimming, boating, fishing, and paddling. More than 15 miles of trails of varying levels of difficulty take visitors along lakeshores, roadbeds, and hollows. You can park your Townsend, TN RV rental at one of the 50 campsites here. Amenities for campers include full hookups, a dump station, and modern restrooms. About an hour and 10 minutes north of Townsend is Panther Creek State Park. More than 1,400 acres of land around Cherokee Reservoir provide ample space for water sports and recreation. Over 30 miles of pathways on 17 separate trails take hikers through a variety of environments; horseback riding and mountain biking trails are also available. You can go swimming here on the shores of Cherokee Reservoir and in a sizable swimming pool. You’ll find Norris Dam State Park roughly 20 minutes west of Big Ridge State Park. Norris Dam created the Norris Reservoir, so this park is a tribute to the dam and the workers who built it. If you want to learn more about Norris Dam and the surrounding area, you should check out the Lenoir Museum Cultural Complex. Hikers can set out on 15 separate trails. Mountain bikers can use 11 of these trails, while horseback riders can use five.
You can reach the Foothills Parkway by traveling 10 minutes northwest of downtown Townsend. This roadway runs along the northern part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 33 miles. Stunning views of the Tennessee Valley and the Great Smoky Mountains make this an awesome place to go for a scenic drive. If you’d like to stretch your legs, you can walk, bike, or ride on one of the multiple trails you can access from the parkway. The entrance to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is two hours north of Townsend on the Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia borders. The Cumberland Gap is the original "Gateway to the West" since it was a popular location to cross the Appalachians for pioneers, Native Americans, and hunters. Today, you can walk on 85 miles of trails and explore 14,000 acres of wilderness. You should also check out Hensley Settlement, which is a preserved settlement from the early 1900s that showcases rural mountain life during that time period. Andrew Johnson National Cemetery is an hour and 40 minutes northeast of Townsend. This tribute to America’s 17th president features Johnson’s homes, grave, and tailor shop. You’ll be able to tour President Johnson’s 1850s homestead, pay your respects at his grave, and take a stroll around the premises.
One of the nicest RV campgrounds in the Townsend area is Honeysuckle Meadows RV Park, which is located about 10 minutes outside of town off Highway 321. Back-in and pull-through sites are both available, as are full hookups for larger Class A motorhomes. Cable and Wi-Fi are offered, and a restaurant is on the premises. Smoky Bear Campground & RV Park is 45 minutes east of Honeysuckle Meadows on Highway 321. This amenity-rich campground boasts a perfect score from Good Sam and a stellar reputation among its guests. A clubhouse, a book and DVD library, a hot tub, a playground, and a heated pool are all featured here. Just half an hour northeast of Townsend is Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort. This campground is close to top attractions in Pigeon Forge like WonderWorks Pigeon Forge, the TITANIC Museum Attraction, and the Hollywood Wax Museum. Big rigs are welcome here, as are pets. A lazy river winds its way around the resort, so be sure to rent a tube or pack your kayak in a toy hauler to take a turn or two.
How does hitching and unhitching a 5th-wheel RV rental work, and is it challenging?
Hitching and unhitching a 5th-wheel RV rental requires proper positioning of the RV and truck and connecting the hitch. It can be challenging for first-time renters, but the owner usually provides a thorough explanation of the process.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV in Townsend, TN?
When towing a 5th-wheel rental RV in Townsend, TN, it is important to note the weight and size of the RV and follow all traffic laws. Drivers should also be cautious of wind conditions as they can affect stability.
Do I use a generator to power the electrical system on a 5th wheel RV, or do I need to connect to a power source at a campground or RV park?
Most 5th wheel RVs come with a built-in generator, but some may require being plugged into a power source at a campground or RV park. RV owners will provide information on the specifics of powering the RV.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a 5th wheel RV in Townsend, TN, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
Renters should always check local regulations before parking a 5th wheel RV in Townsend, TN. Some areas have specific zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations regarding parking and storing RVs.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a 5th-wheel RV rental during my rental period?
Renters should keep the RV clean and make sure to report any damages. Regular maintenance such as oil changes and tire checks are the responsibility of the RV owner.
Are there any safety concerns I should know when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV, such as sway or brake issues?
Sway and brake issues can occur when towing a 5th-wheel rental RV. Renters should be mindful of weight distribution and proper hitching to prevent these issues.
How do I properly level and stabilize a 5th-wheel rental RV at my campsite or RV park?
Leveling and stabilizing a 5th-wheel rental RV requires proper positioning and use of RV leveling blocks. The owner should provide instructions or assistance if needed.
Do I need to bring my cooking appliances or equipment for use in the 5th wheel rental RV's kitchen?
Most 5th wheel rental RVs come with a equipped kitchen, check the listing details or ask the owner for specific items. Renters may choose to bring additional cooking appliances or equipment if they desire.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in 5th wheel RV rental that may not be found in other towable RVs in Townsend, TN?
5th wheel rental RVs may have additional features such as multiple bedrooms or bathrooms, larger living spaces, and better towing stability compared to other towable RVs in Townsend, TN. RVshare owners may offer additional amenities or features for a more comfortable stay.
