Who has camped there? I'm in the process of trying to find a campground for the family to stay at. We're going over spring break(first of April). I was hoping someone could recommend a good tent camping spot. I've been searching on the internet and have found a few but I'd rather not stay somewhere that has RV generators running all day.

What general area and just how remote do you want?

Tn/Nc border area. We'll be car camping so anything suv accessible works.

At one time (30 years ago), we lived in Newport, TN, which is located in, get ready for this, Cocke County. Yes, the "e" is silent. Home of the Fighting Cocks.

When we wanted to really get away, we went to Houston Valley. Understand, unless it's changed drastically, I recommend this only for getting away. If you're needing to be by tourist attractions, eating places, things to entertain the kids, etc., this is not the place to go. If you're wanting to be left alone, maybe do a little hiking and rafting, it's hard to beat. But, if you listen closely, you will hear banjos.

Turkey, believe it or not I was born there.

Any kin to Joel?

Better take some warm clothes. First week of April can still be wintertime up there!

actually my fathers name is Joel. Don't know if your joking or serious but if you were that was a good guess. Sorry I can't help the op but any time I camped up there all I knew is that I was in the woods.

Nope. Not kidding. Knew him and his family. Gonna send you a pm.

I've seen snow on some of those hills in June.

Cold is my main concern. I don't want my wife and kid's first camping experience to be a bad one.

Again, I don't know what part of the mountains you're going to, but another good one is the National Park campground at Cosby. There, you're 30 or so miles from Gatlinburg, near the apple orchards between Cosby and Newport, over the mountain from Maggie Valley, and will have hiking there at the campground.

If you're more toward Chattanooga, might try Tellico Plains or Townsend.

My family camped up there many time when I was a young boy. My brother and I were 10-12 years old and it was heaven for boys that age! I do remember it being rainy and cold. Make sure the tents are waterproofed and have a kitchen tent to be able to get out of the rain. Have fun!

I had a great experience at Chilhowee Campground 7 years ago. I have always wanted to return.

I have bowhunted up there around Tellico Plains for deer and hogs during September. The second afternoon, I had a bear follow my trail right to the tree I was up in a climbing stand in, sniffed around the base & then stood up and put his paws on the tree & looked up at me. After a few seconds he dropped back down & wandered off. That was a little unsettling for this North Alabama boy! Evidently they have a healthy bear population, every spot we looked at on our 3 day hunt had lots of bear sign. We didn't camp though, we stayed in a hotel in Tellico Plains.