Tips For The Perfect Camping Trip In The Smokys
Camping is both a relaxing and exciting activity to engage in. Walking through the densely covered forests, taking in the wilderness’s smell and atmosphere while uncovering the scenic beauty around you, is highly therapeutic. This is why the Great Smoky Mountains always land on the top when it comes to ranking camping destinations.
The Smokys have an abundance of gorgeous scenery and more than 800 miles of trails. On your trip, you will get to witness numerous waterfalls, have a chance to climb mountain peaks and catch a glimpse of animals such as the American Bald eagle. So ready to make your trip memorable and worth your time? Here’s how to have the perfect camping getaway:
Familiarize yourself with the campsite
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has both front-country and back-country sites. Before you start climbing, hiking, or even white water rafting, you must decide what routes to take. Front country sites are made close to the road and give you access to running water and an outhouse.
On the other hand, back-country sites are further from roads and don’t have access to water or bathrooms. This includes Cades Cove, Cosby, and Deep Creek. For both, you will need to stay in a tent and preferably travel with a group.
Once you know how to tackle your camping adventure, you must gather at a campground. The campgrounds Tennessee has, offer more than 100 sites that take you to the river or deep into the woods. It’s always best to book a campground first so you can access the facilities these areas offer, such as a place to set up your tent, water, electricity, and a bathhouse.
There are also horse camps available for you to explore. These include the Big Creek, Round Bottom, and Tow String, where you can mingle with some of the most beautiful horse breed Tennessee has to offer.
Get your permits in order
For the sake of your safety and to ensure you don’t run into trouble, you must have permits and reservations if you plan to stay in a back-country. While it is highly discouraged you frequent these areas at night. It would help if you hiked the back-country during daylight to see the surrounding foliage. Likewise, the permit allows you to roam in designated backwood campsites.
You cannot set up your camp anywhere since this can disturb the wildlife and put you in danger. There are specific guidelines that need to be followed diligently. The Smokys dedicate themselves to preserving the land for future generations.
This means you cannot leave any trace behind while you are on a trip, including polluting the region. The park also prohibits lighting campfires at least 150 feet of water. You are also not allowed to remove plants or climb trees. If you break these rules and destroy any campsite, you can get fined up to $500.
Prepare your gear
The right gear makes all the difference. Since you’ll be climbing, trekking, and hiking along various trails, the last thing you want is to slip or injure your feet. At the same time, you wouldn’t have your tent collapsing or your rope breaking on you, which is why you invest only in quality goods. The type of shoes you need should have grips in the sole that helps you get a firm footing in the soil. You also need a weather-resistant sleeping bag, extra blankets, a pocket knife, a compass, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and snacks.
Ensure you stay hydrated and have at least two water bottles on you. The humidity in these areas is enough to make sweat bullets and cause you to become dehydrated fast. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll need to take extra precautions, such as putting an air tag around their neck, tying their identification details around their wrists, and ensuring they stay close to you. It will help if you teach them basic SOS signs and symbols and how to ask for help in case they get lost.
Watch out for wildlife
The Smokys is home to numerous wildlife like Blackbeard, bobcats, deer, and eagles. Even though most of these animals steer clear of people, there is always a chance you may run into them. Don’t actively try to lure or attract their attention. Wild animals, especially bears, are not afraid to come to your campsite and feed on your food. Your presence can make them aggressive, and a bear attack can become very lethal, especially when the animals feel threatened.
So if you encounter wildlife during camping, follow the safety guidelines to remove yourself from harm’s way. Most animals may come towards you because of the food you carry. While packaged snacks are okay, sandwiches with meat fillings should be left in a food locker provided by the campgrounds.
Anticipate rain
The temperature and weather in the Smokys are primarily moderate and calm. But there is always a chance it may start raining unpredictably. For this reason, even if the forecast tells you there will be clear blue skies, you should keep your rain gear with you. Carry waterproof boots and pants, and never wear cotton since it can absorb moisture. Your backpack should have spare clothing in case you get soaked or need to change quickly once it rains.
Conclusion
Camping is a great way to spend your leisure time and enjoy the nature around you. But before packing up and leaving for your trip, you must ensure you’re ready for camping. The last thing you want is to rush through the process and get stranded in the wilderness. Start by guaranteeing you know how you’ll travel and what trails you want to take. Next, you’ll need to get the correct permits that allow you to backpack through certain areas and follow the guidelines issued to all campers.
You need to pack everything you’ll need for your camping trip, and if you have your child with you, prepare their gear for them and make sure they don’t stray away from you. Ensure that you’re not actively looking for wildlife or attracting them toward you.
This is not only dangerous but can result in a life-threatening encounter. Lastly, keep an eye out for sudden shifts in weather. While the Smokies are generally warm and sunny, there may be random showers of rain when you least expect it.
