Smoky Mountain RV Escape: A No-Frills Review of Riverside Camping and a Hauntingly Cool Ghost Town

Okay, full-timers, let's get real. Finding a decent spot near a major attraction without battling crowds or breaking the bank can feel like a pipe dream. But Today is Someday might've just stumbled upon a winner near the Smoky Mountains. This video delivers a straight-shooting look at a riverside campground near Sevierville, TN, and a fascinating, easily accessible ghost town hike in the national park. No fluff, just the facts – exactly what we need to decide if it's worth adding to our itinerary.

Riverside Campground Reality Check

The campground they found is a 50-site gem, with about half offering waterfront views. "This has been a really relaxing campground," says Tracy, emphasizing the quiet atmosphere despite being close to the city. Phil chimes in, noting that the campground is "lower than the traffic," which is always a plus when you're trying to escape the hustle. A key highlight is its proximity to the Smokies—about 45 minutes away. This balances accessibility to tourist spots with a quieter, more secluded camping experience. Finding that balance is key for full-time RVers who also need downtime.

Sites are a mix of back-ins and pull-throughs, with the latter stretching to 75 feet, accommodating larger rigs. The campground, around 20 years old, boasts a loyal following, suggesting consistent quality. They even mention discovering the campground on RV TripWizard, a handy tool for on-the-road planning. The mature trees and hedges provide some privacy, and a communal gazebo offers a river-view hangout spot for those not directly on the water. Plus, deer sightings at dusk add a touch of wilderness right at your doorstep.

However, the video is light on specifics like nightly rates or detailed amenity lists, which would be crucial for full-time budgeters. The lack of on-site laundry could be a deal-breaker for some. While the video paints a rosy picture, seasoned full-timers know to dig deeper before booking. Still, the emphasis on a quiet, well-maintained environment near the Smokies is promising. It's important to note that this isn't a resort with a ton of bells and whistles, but a comfortable basecamp for exploring the area.

E-Bike Essentials for RVers

The video briefly touches on carrying e-bikes on the back of the RV, something many full-timers are doing these days. They upgraded to a 1UP bike rack. "One of the most important things to consider when carrying your e-bikes on the back of your RV is that your bike rack is weight rated for your e-bikes," they caution. Since their e-bikes weigh around 62 pounds each (without the battery), a robust rack is essential to withstand the constant bouncing and swaying of RV travel.

They use a double hitch receiver rated for 10,000 pounds to tow their Jeep and carry the bikes, ensuring everything is within its weight limits. Practical tips include removing the batteries to reduce weight, double-checking straps and covers, and securing the hitch receiver before each trip. Covering the bikes also helps deter theft. They are sponsored by Lectric eBikes, and recommend checking out their website.

Elkmont Ghost Town: History Hike or Hype?

The second half of the video focuses on exploring the Elkmont ghost town in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The initial attempt to find it proved unsuccessful, highlighting the importance of accurate trail information. The "Little River Trail" is wide, gravel, and easy to walk. But eventually, they stumbled upon the remnants of Elkmont, once a logging town turned upscale resort.

The ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with foundations, chimneys, and staircases hinting at former vacation homes of the wealthy. "This was a pretty sizable house if you look at the footprint," Tracy observes while exploring one of the ruins. It's more exploring than hiking. Once the National Park took over, the leases for these properties were not renewed, leading to the town's decline. Eventually, some buildings were restored, offering visitors a chance to step back in time.

The restored Daisy Town cabins provide a tangible connection to the past. They explored several cabins, noting architectural details and speculating about the lives of their former occupants. The old glass in the Smith cabin's windows, with its visible waves, is a testament to its age. They observed that "You can see in the glass that it it's old cuz it's got the waves." Even small details like a Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper from 1930 found inside one of the cabins added to the experience. They even spoke with some people who had intel regarding the cabin origins. One notable discovery was a triplex cabin, showcasing the diverse living arrangements in the resort town. They highlight that Daisy Town renovations started in 2017.

Key Takeaways

Riverside Campground near Sevierville offers a quiet escape close to the Smoky Mountains. Check updated nightly rates and amenities. It is important to call to confirm availability as it appears to be very popular.
Pull-through sites are available for larger RVs (up to 75 feet).
A robust bike rack is essential for carrying e-bikes on the back of your RV, especially when full-timing.
Elkmont ghost town offers an easy, accessible hike with a fascinating historical twist.
Daisy Town in Elkmont features restored cabins that provide a glimpse into the lives of early 20th-century vacationers.
Daisy Town renovations started in 2017.

Final Thoughts