R-pod Owners Forum : Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Camping Adventures : Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:33:32 +0000 Tue, 28 May 2013 07:03:18 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3405 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : Great information to know. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33662#33662 Author: TRICERA-POD
Subject: 3405
Posted: 28 May 2013 at 7:03am

Great information to know.]]> Tue, 28 May 2013 07:03:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33662#33662 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : Originally posted by TRICERA-PODWe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33654#33654 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 3405
Posted: 27 May 2013 at 9:52pm

Originally posted by TRICERA-POD

We have never camped on Ocracoke Island but have been there a number of times. Will the ferry folks to Ocracoke allow a TV pulling a R-pod on the ferry? Seems to me they would not let you. And I was not aware of any ferry to Portsmouth Island, only small boats big enough for a few passengers. This is one spot I have been wanting to visit for a number of years as the wild life you see on the ride to and back is supposed to be great. Plus there is a National Parks Passport stamp on the island I need to obtain.


Just back 3 hours ago from the OBX.  We came down by way of Manteo and stayed at the NPS campground at Frisco.  Any of the ferries to Ocracoke will take a TV/r-pod.  The ones from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter are toll ferries and will charge about double for a combo ($20 instead of $10 I think).  The Hatteras Island to Ocracoke ferry is still free for the time being, but Irene destroyed the channel.  Despite two major attempts to dredge the route between the islands it filled again immediately, so the ferry now takes over an hour going way out into the sound.  We didn't take the pod to Ocracoke, but went over a couple of times and there were campers, boats, giant RVs and trucks on the boats just about every time. 

Capt. Rudy Austin, maybe others, takes passengers (only) to PI from Ocracoke.   He makes a detour by some bird islands. The vehicle ferry to Portsmouth leaves from Atlantic.   That ferry might take a trailer but you have to back on and they pack their little boat tight, as in you might have to climb out your car window because your door won't open enough to let you out.  There are no  roads or services of any kind on PI and the sand is soft and deep.  I don't know if you'd make it more than 30 feet off the ferry towing a pod unless you your TV had full tracks.  I tent camped over there for several days last year and saw no one with any kind of trailer.  Actually, you don't see a lot of people over there at all.

Camper trailers aren't allowed off road on the upper islands.  I don't know if they are allowed on Portsmouth, but even if they are allowed I guarantee this is not something you should do without really knowing what you are getting into. 

TT
]]> Mon, 27 May 2013 21:52:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33654#33654 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : All of this sounds so good. Can't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33618#33618 Author: 2Poders
Subject: 3405
Posted: 27 May 2013 at 8:08am

All of this sounds so good. Can't wait to head out and check out what you have suggested. Just got back from a quick trip and the weather was less than desirable. Pod is still in the driveway waiting to be unloaded.]]> Mon, 27 May 2013 08:08:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33618#33618 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : Love Ocracoke; been vacationing... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33608#33608 Author: GaRedneck81
Subject: 3405
Posted: 26 May 2013 at 7:17pm

Love Ocracoke; been vacationing there for 40 years. Best thing is being able to drive on the beach. No problem driving onto the ferry, but call ahead for reservation.]]> Sun, 26 May 2013 19:17:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33608#33608 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : The N.C. Ferry System will absolutely... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33604#33604 Author: fallsrider
Subject: 3405
Posted: 26 May 2013 at 7:04am

The N.C. Ferry System will absolutely let you tow your R-pod onto the ferry. The school system drives school buses on there, and commercial drivers pull 18 wheelers on there. I've seen TTs on there more than once. I've take the ride from Hatteras to Ocracoke many times. It is so nice and quaint over there.

Love it.

You may want to call the ferry system and just make sure there are no restrictions for your rig. Their reservations # is 800.293.3779, though keep in mind that you don't need to make reservations for Hatteras to Ocracoke. But they should be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have for transport over to Ocracoke with your rig.]]> Sun, 26 May 2013 07:04:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33604#33604 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : Last fall we spent a month... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33586#33586 Author: Leo B
Subject: 3405
Posted: 25 May 2013 at 1:29pm

Last fall we spent a month at the KOA in Rodanthe NC, it was great!! One dune over from the beach, great fishing and great sight seeing. We spent hours sitting on the beach watching the Dolphins swimming by, it was amazing!]]> Sat, 25 May 2013 13:29:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33586#33586 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : We have never camped on Ocracoke... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33547#33547 Author: TRICERA-POD
Subject: 3405
Posted: 24 May 2013 at 4:09pm

We have never camped on Ocracoke Island but have been there a number of times. Will the ferry folks to Ocracoke allow a TV pulling a R-pod on the ferry? Seems to me they would not let you. And I was not aware of any ferry to Portsmouth Island, only small boats big enough for a few passengers. This is one spot I have been wanting to visit for a number of years as the wild life you see on the ride to and back is supposed to be great. Plus there is a National Parks Passport stamp on the island I need to obtain.]]> Fri, 24 May 2013 16:09:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=33547#33547 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : I like the looks of Hales Bar... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32524#32524 Author: GaRedneck81
Subject: 3405
Posted: 23 Apr 2013 at 6:03pm

I like the looks of Hales Bar RV park just off I-24, exit 158, 15 miles or so north of Chattanooga.  It's on an island in Nickajack lake(Tenn. River) and looks like every site is on the water. Never stayed there, but looks good every time I pass it heading to Nashville...Beautiful area. ]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:03:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32524#32524 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : I stay in National Parks pretty... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32516#32516 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 3405
Posted: 23 Apr 2013 at 8:32am

I stay in National Parks pretty much whenever I can.  Smokemont near Cherokee, NC, or Deep Creek near Bryson City, NC, are both very nice and easy to get to with a Pod.  On the TN side, Elkmont, is close to Gatlinburg, Cosby and Cades Cove are not hard to get to also, though more remote.  There are no hook ups of any kind in the GSMNP, and no showers.  I dry camp.  It ain't for everyone.  This is where your input would really help.  Do you want to dry camp or do you want full hookup?  Do you have kids?  If you want playgrounds and activities in the campground for them, you need to let us know.  There are an abundance of places outside of the Smokies with hookups and lots of kid-friendly things.  I've never stayed at any of them so I can't recommend them, but I'm sure plenty of people here have.

Ditto for the Outer Banks.  I like Frisco and Ocracoke campgrounds in the Park.  No hookups, although they do have cold water showers.  Again, there is no shortage of commercial campgrounds in the area, but I've never stayed at any of them.  The Park (Seashore, actually) campgrounds are behind the dunes so you won't be able to see the ocean without a walk.  I don't know if any of the commercial campgrounds have ocean views.  There might be zoning laws against putting anything on the ocean side of the dunes, but I could easily be wrong.  You can take a ferry over to Portsmouth Island south of Ocracoke and camp on the beach.  You need 4WD and I've never seen anyone towing a camper in the sand.  I would not recommend it if you care about your camper. 

Check online regarding opening dates for the Park campgrounds and reservations.

  TT
]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:32:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32516#32516 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : We are interested in eastern T... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32501#32501 Author: 2Poders
Subject: 3405
Posted: 22 Apr 2013 at 8:32pm

We are interested in eastern T and western Nc plus checking out the outer banks. Would love to camp close to the ocean.]]> Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:32:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32501#32501 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : There is a r-pod round up at Raccoon... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32500#32500 Author: Podsible Dream
Subject: 3405
Posted: 22 Apr 2013 at 8:30pm

There is a r-pod round up at Raccoon Holler campground in northwest just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in NW NC 12-16 June.See the other forum (Www.rpodnation.com) for details.  Looks like a group of intrepid podders will gather!  See www.raccooncholler.com for details of the campground.]]> Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:30:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32500#32500 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : I would echo Tars comments ...... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32498#32498 Author: P&M
Subject: 3405
Posted: 22 Apr 2013 at 7:00pm

I would echo Tars comments ... we've done a lot of camping, both pre & post Pod, around the NC area so if you can narrow down where you are looking for it would be easier to come up with some suggestions.]]> Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:00:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32498#32498 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : http://www.rpod-owners.com/for... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32357#32357 Author: Guests
Subject: 3405
Posted: 18 Apr 2013 at 7:14am

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1484&KW=smokys&PID=12514&title=gsmnp-elkmont#12514
Here is an old post about the Smoky's and I would add my vote as a place to see& stay while in the area.  I usually go there every year in the fall.  Cherokee is interesting, if curious about the history of the people, having some museums, etc. It has lots of "touristy" stuff like Gatlinburg, also.
 
If you really want hook ups for your Pod, the Yogi Bear campground, East of Gatlinburg, on 321(?) is a nice place - though I haven't stayed there in several years.
]]> Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:14:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32357#32357 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : There is probably just about anything... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32349#32349 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 3405
Posted: 17 Apr 2013 at 9:07pm

There is probably just about anything you want in East TN & Western NC.  You should be more specific about what you're looking for.  I like the Smokies NP campgrounds, but they have zero hookups in the park.  Campgrounds abound around the Park with all sorts of amenities.  Outside of the Smokies, there is the Blue Ridge Parkway, and scores of beautiful state parks.

The way you ask about TN & NC makes me think you are interested in the mountain areas, but it's almost a thousand miles from Memphis to Manteo, so narrow things down a bit.

TT
]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:07:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32349#32349 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : We camped their many years ago... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32346#32346 Author: 2Poders
Subject: 3405
Posted: 17 Apr 2013 at 7:31pm

We camped their many years ago in a pop-up. It rained the entired time. So much rain that it saturated the canvas. Wish we had our r-pod then.]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:31:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32346#32346 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : We camped at cades cove in tenn.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32345#32345 Author: sailo25
Subject: 3405
Posted: 17 Apr 2013 at 6:56pm

We camped at cades cove in tenn. at the national parks. ]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:56:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32345#32345 Camping in Tennessee and Noth Carolina : Planning a trip this summer to... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32339#32339 Author: 2Poders
Subject: 3405
Posted: 17 Apr 2013 at 1:53pm

Planning a trip this summer to Tennessee and North Carolina and wanted to know if anyone has any great campgrounds they would recommend and any places of interest.]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:53:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3405&PID=32339#32339