Douglas Dam Headwaters - 2016

I think I've found my new favorite TN campground... :)   We went in mid October because we wanted to try some place we've never been to and it was an annual fall camp for the Volunteer Campers.  The campground has 3 bath houses spread out. They are nothing to write home about, just one shower for the men and one for the women in each, (the one closest to the lake is shared with the public, you have to bring your own soap and hand towel... fair warning)   The sites have plenty of room between them to spread out.  It used to be a self serve first come campground that has recently been turned over to a third party company to run which now takes reservations.  There is no store, but the camp hosts will sell you ice and firewood.  There is also "The Dam Store" if you need small stuff, its just up the road from the campground.

We went during the TVA's drawdown for Douglas Lake.   They lower the lake levels in the fall to prevent flooding risks in the winter and spring with the added bonus of generating electricity.   In the summer the flood risk is lower so they allow the lakes to fill to capacity.

                                                   Site # 34   .....  This is my "Happy Place"

 Saturday we took a trip into Knoxville and stopped at the flea market along the way.  My daughter is holding a "Sugar Glider"....  Cute little guy, even had a leash.   Though I can't imagine taking your sugar glider for a walk... LOL

 The kids never go anywhere without their music....

 My Son is standing in the bottom of the swimming area (below you can see they do have a beach)
 In the summer time the water levels are a lot higher as you can see.

 The campground is split into two sides with the boat ramp being in the middle...  (these two pictures are of the opposite side from where our site was.

 Above is a site I'd like to try next year.  #49

 Below is the side our site was in... it has one loop and one dead end row.  Lots of shade.  

 The Volunteer Campers had a pot luck meal.   We got to see some old friends and meet some new ones... Also celebrate 2 birthdays... we had a really nice time with some really nice folks...  

Over all we had a great weekend and the headwaters has a permanent place on our come back list....

Bandy Creek NP CG 2015

 July 17-19 2015..... We camped at Bandy Creek campground in Big South Fork 

Spot C-8 for the peak season it wasn't very full, I'd say about half the sites were empty.

We really liked this park... they have pool that is open on WE's... its not included in the camping fee, but only $3 and well worth it on a hot day.  No diving boards, but there are lifeguards.

Be sure to watch where your stepping... it is copperhead country and we did see a baby one

We hiked  The Twin Arches Trail while we were there... amazing place.

All the sites are paved with gravel pads and fire pits.   

The bath houses are nice... each with 3 stalls, 3 sinks and 2 showers.  There are plenty of them, I counted at least 5.   Very nice for a NP 

 There was even a path from the bath house to the site.... 

 This is the playground in C loop

Some of the open sites.... I don't think it would be necessary to make reservations as long as its not a holiday weekend.

You know your in bear country when you see these kinds of trash cans and "food storage lockers"  We didn't see any or hear of any sightings.   Just don't be careless with your food.  

This was late afternoon... Plenty of shade 

Night time entertainment is Diary of a Wimpy Kid.....  (kind of a tradition)

Fall Creek Falls TN State Park 2013

Fall Creek Falls has a lot of different campgrounds.   We stayed in campground A #3.  The campground  had lots of activities and swimming holes.  They also have a really nice good size pool and live music on Saturdays.  The rangers were top notch, guided hikes and programs.   Bring everything you need because even though they do have a well stocked store, the prices are very high.  Paid 8 dollars for a case of water that Walmart sells for 3.50 - 4 bucks for. 

The worlds smallest toad

Don't Mess with Sasquatch!

Frog Giggin at night

Hiking the PAW PAW trail

Camp site pics

Fall Creek Falls

The trail down to the falls

At the bottom of the falls.



Photo Op

 On the Cliff

 Hanging with the kids

 Playground Central

Bath House

Hiking Over, Time to Pack Up and Head to the House.