Perfect Camping for You in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia The Southern Appalachian and Smoky Mountains provide spectacular backdrops for some of the most scenic campgrounds in the country. But do you know which campgrounds offer the most privacy? Which are the best for first-time campers? Johnny Molloy has traversed the entire region―tree-topped mountains, clear streams, and lush woodlands of East Tennessee, western North Carolina, northern Georgia, and western South Carolina―and compiled the most up-to-date research to steer you to the ideal spot! Best Tent Camping: Southern Appalachian and Smoky Mountains presents 50 of the region’s best campgrounds, organized by state. Selections are based on location, topography, size, and overall appeal, and every site is rated for beauty, privacy, spaciousness, safety and security, and cleanliness―so you’ll always know what to expect. The new full-color edition of this proven guidebook provides everything you need to know, with detailed maps of each campground and key information such as fees, restrictions, dates of operation, and facilities, as well as driving directions and GPS coordinates. Whether you seek a quiet campground near a remote highland stream or a family campground with all the amenities, grab Best Tent Camping: Southern Appalachian and Smoky Mountains . It’s an escape for all who wish to find those special locales that recharge the mind, body, and spirit. This guide is a keeper. Johnny Molloy is an outdoors writer based in Johnson City, Tennessee. He has averaged more than 100 nights per year in the wild since the early 1980s, backpacking and canoe-camping throughout the US in nearly every state. The result of his efforts is more than 30 books, including hiking guides throughout the Southeast, tent-camping and paddling guides, and outdoor-adventure books. He continues to write and travel extensively to all four corners of the United States, endeavoring in a variety of outdoor pursuits. For the latest on Johnny, visit his website, johnnymolloy.com. Pickett State Park Campground Beauty: 3 / Privacy: 3 / Spaciousness: 3 / Quiet: 4 / Security: 5 / Cleanliness: 4 Key Information Contact: 931-879-5821, reserve.tnstateparks.com/pickett - Open: Year-round - Sites: 32, plus 2 walk-in tent campsites - Each site has: Tent pad, fire grate, lantern post, picnic table, electricity - Wheelchair access: None - Assignment: First-come, first-served and by reservation - Registration: At visitor center - Amenities: Water, flush toilets, showers, laundry - Parking: At campsites only - Fees: $15–$25/night, plus $5 reservation fee - Elevation: 1,500' - Restrictions: - Pets: On leash only - Quiet hours: 10 p.m.–6 a.m. - Fires: In fire grates only - Alcohol: Prohibited - Vehicles: None - Other: 14-day stay limit Tennessee’s first state park is a land of scenic geological and botanical wonders. Tennessee State Parks come fully loaded with man-made amenities to help you make the most of your visit. But Pickett State Park was already fully loaded with natural features long before it became Tennessee’s first state park way back in the 1930s. The campground is vintage too. It is evident that over the years Pickett’s natural beauty, as well as the campground, have passed through caring hands. The main camping area is situated atop a wooded hill. It has the standard circular loop configuration with a road bisecting the center of the loop, making almost a figure eight. You’ll climb as you enter the loop. Most sites are on the outer edge of the loop, but the road that bisects the loop also has campsites along it. Tall pines and hardwoods shade the camping area. There is a light understory, mixed with more heavily wooded sections, especially outside the main loop. The campground was built before RVs existed, so, even though 31 of 32 sites have both water and electricity, it is primarily a tenter’s campground. A bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers and a coin laundry are in the very center of the campground. Those staying on the campground’s perimeter may have to walk a bit to reach the bathhouse. Speaking of walking, don’t forget about the two walk-in tent sites. Hand-laid stone walls complement the natural surroundings and blend in well with the campground. Even the park water tank is overlaid with stone. The campsites are a bit smaller than normal but offer more than adequate space. It’s quiet and secure here in the outer reaches of Fentress County adjacent to the Kentucky state line. A park ranger lives on-site at the state park and the park visitor center is nearby. You may need help figuring out just what to do. Recreational pursuits include tennis, badminton, horseshoes, and volleyball. Any equipment you may need is available free of charge at the park office. Before you imagine this is a wooded health club, let me assure you there’s a lot more of the outdoor sort of fun, including a swimming beach open during the summer months at Arch