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.
Do I maintain or service the motorhome rental during my rental period?
No, it is the responsibility of the RVshare owner to ensure the motorhome is properly maintained and serviced before your rental period. Just take good care of your rental and keep it clean.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when operating a motorhome rental in Townsend, TN?
Yes, motorhomes are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles, so it is important to allow for more time and space when turning, merging, or stopping. Additionally, it is recommended to drive slower than the posted speed limit and to use caution when driving in windy or wet conditions.
How do I properly level and stabilize a motorhome at my campsite or RV park?
Motorhomes typically have built-in leveling jacks or blocks that can be adjusted to ensure the RV is level and stable. Some RV parks may also provide leveling pads or blocks if needed. Discuss your campsite with the RV owner ahead of time and they can provide you guidance on stabilizing.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the interior and exterior during my rental period?
You should keep the interior clean and tidy, empty waste tanks as needed, and report any damages or malfunctions to the RVshare owner. Exterior maintenance such as checking tire pressure is also recommended.
Does my motorhome rental come with bedding, linens, or other items I would consider to be personal?
This varies by RVshare owner. Some owners may include bedding and linens, while others may require renters to bring their own. It is best to check with the owner prior to renting.
Should I bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the motorhome rental?
While some motorhomes may come equipped with entertainment options or appliances, it is always a good idea to bring your own if desired. However, be mindful of any limitations on power usage or space restrictions. Check the RV listing or ask the RV owner what kind of entertainment is included.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a motorhome rental in Townsend, TN, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
There may be restrictions on where motorhomes can be parked or stored in certain areas. It is best to research local laws and regulations or to ask the RVshare owner for guidance.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a motorhome rental?
Motorhomes are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but there are steps you can take to improve gas mileage such as driving at a lower speed, avoiding excessive idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.
How do I properly operate and maintain the various systems in a motorhome rental?
The RVshare owner should provide you with detailed instructions and manuals for operating and maintaining the various systems in the motorhome. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and prevent damage.
Are any unique features or amenities available in motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Townsend, TN?
This varies by RV owner and motorhome class, but some motorhomes may have unique features such as slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, or luxury finishes that may not be found in other types of RVs.
