6 Steps for Planning a Cherokee National Forest Camping Trip
Whether you’re a camping enthusiasts looking for a new adventure or you’re ready to take your family camping for the very first time, you couldn’t pick a better spot than Pigeon River Campground. We are perfectly situated right on the border of Cherokee National Forest, so you can expect to enjoy the perfect camping experience. To help you get started, we have put together six steps for planning an unforgettable Cherokee National Forest camping trip:
1. Choose How You Want to Camp
Everybody has their own ideas about what camping should offer, and we have several options available. Those who want to enjoy a traditional camping experience can bring their own tent to pitch on one of our tent pads. Group pads are also available for those who want to pitch larger tents or put multiple tents together. If you don’t want to rough it, then you can choose to stay in one of our lovely riverside cabins, or you can drive your own RV into one of our pull-in sites that offer hook-ups for electric, water, and sewer. Our campground near the Cherokee National Forest provides you with a variety of options!
2. Lock in Your Reservations
Once you’ve decided when and how you want to camp, you’ll want to lock in your camping reservations as soon as possible to ensure that space is still available for your desired dates. You can contact our Smoky Mountain campground to make your reservations or fill out the form on our Reservations page.
3. Pack Accordingly
Your bedding will be taken care of if you choose a cabin or bring your own RV for your Cherokee National Forest camping trip, but it’s important that you remember to pack sleeping bags if you plan to enjoy tent camping. All of our guests enjoy access to picnic tables, charcoal grills, and fire pits, but you’ll need to bring your cooking supplies along with you. It’s best to pack separate totes devoted to kitchen needs, bathroom needs, and bedtime needs so you won’t forget anything important, and you should let each child pack a backpack with things they must have.
4. Make a Meal Plan
You can avoid bringing too little or too much food along by making meal plans for each day of your stay. Make a comprehensive list of everything that you’ll need for each meal before you head to the grocery store. Don’t forget special items like marshmallows to enjoy around the campfire and other fun treats for your little ones. You’ll find a general store at the campground for supplies that you didn’t remember to bring.
5. Come Ready to Fish
If you’re an avid angler, then you won’t want to miss the opportunity to fish for some incredible trout in the Pigeon River. Be sure to bring your favorite fishing pole with all of your must-have accessories. Don’t forget to bring your fish-cleaning equipment and a frying pan too, because you’re going to want to fry up your fresh catch!
6. Plan Your Activities
If you like to be organized, then you’ll take the time to sit down with your group and decide what activities you want to enjoy during your camping trip. Hikers and nature lovers will find an abundance of gorgeous trails all around the campground in both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest. Other popular activities include ziplining and whitewater rafting.
Here at Pigeon River Campground, we look forward to helping you enjoy your Cherokee National Forest camping trip to its fullest. Make your plans today, and you can soon be enjoying a wonderful camping adventure in the great outdoors!
