Bandy Creek - Big South Fork National River Rec Area

Campground Review: I enjoy **Bandy Creek Campground** and wish I could visit more often. You could easily spend your entire summer in this area and explore somewhere new every day.

When we arrived at the campground it started snowing and the temperature dropped to 29 overnight. There were several people occupying the D loop. We were alone in the B loop.

The shower house was heated ;) and well maintained. The campground was clean and well taken care of. We visited the Visitors Center first thing in the morning and then hit the trails.

Gear Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I get the opportunity to review outdoor gear. On this trip I took along my recently received **Midland X-TALKER T75VP3** hand held radio’s. As soon as I took the radio’s out of their display box I could tell these weren’t anything like my childhood Walkie talkies. Camouflaged, compact and very sturdy feeling. They fit nicely in your hand.

These radio’s come with rechargeable batteries. You can also use regular batteries if need be. The base that comes with the radio has the options of using alternate charging platforms in addition to plugging it into the wall.

There are A LOT of instructions;) including information on how to activate the weather channel. Read thoroughly to find out all the cool stuff this little radio will do.

Then we took our radio’s out to play. There was the obligatory “can you hear me now” as we stood five feet apart.

Next on the East Overlook we split up and I was extremely surprised at the sound quality . Once again I was expecting the childhood Walkie talkie experience. However these radio’s sound awesome.

On another trail, with trees , small hills and distance in between the sound and reception was just as good. I would suggest using something in addition to the belt clip included. It is sturdy but not extremely secure and I worried about loosing the radio when I hooked it to my belt.

Overall I am loving this little radio, I will review it again when I have had a chance to use it in more adverse and different situations.

Apr 26 2018

Spent and extended weekend camping and took the **Midland X-TALKER T75VP3 Handheld Radio** out on the trails. Performed very good. While at least 2 miles apart over dense forest and rocky areas, down (and up) a mountainside we spoke to each other on the Midlands with perfect clarity. I was impressed when we reached the top of a very difficult trail , had crossed about1/2 mile on the top and could still talk clearly to another in our group that was at the base (about a mile) of the climb.

Ranger Review: Midland X-TALKER T75VP3 Handheld Radio and Bandy Creek Campground and 

Bandy Creek CG
Sep 16-18
Site D19

      We have camped at Bandy Creek Campground in Big South Fork National River and Recreation several times, seasons and for several reasons in addition to camping. 
     It is central to several possibilities to include hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, climbing , etc. and the history of the area is very interesting.
     This trip we came for the Story Telling. A full day of entertainment by several orators to finish with spooky tales in the evening. 
    We stayed at D19, our first time in the D loop. Over the years they have upgraded the sites with bear/critter food lockers and there are several bear/critter safe trash collection sites. 
    D19 is in a dead end loop so little to no vehicles drive through . The bathhouse is a bit of a walk, the buildings are newer and well maintained. I’ve never gotten the creepy vibe (lol)while using them . There is a trash receptacle right in front of the site. 
Two cons are the main road to the area is right behind this site, though it gives you easy access to the road/visitor center area. And E loop, group camping is in the woods directly across. So it can be a little noisy if occupied. (There were screaming children all afternoon…) 
  WiFi is available at the visitor center otherwise I had a steady one bar while in the campground. 
  There is a swimming pool, volleyball court and playground right by A loop which is primitive camping and there are several trailheads in that area also. So A loop would be a perfect base camp setup if you don’t need power. 
  As I said the visitor center is right across the road and a horse stable behind that . There is a horseback trailhead right across from A loop with a hiking and bike trailhead too. 
  
  Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is nearby by Jamestown, Tn and Oneida, Tn is about 30 minutes to the East. Both have fuel, grocery , etc. 
  Charit Creek Lodge is an original homestead that can be hiked to from several start points. They offer a unique experience in the woods, overnight accommodations and meals by reservation. You can visit if your hiking/riding through but I don’t know if they still offer any walk in food/beverage. 
  
    

Excellent hiking and natural features


(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
70 yr olds in 17’ trailer: 
Overall Rating:  4.5
Price:     $16 w senior annual pass
Usage during visit: 70% during weekend
Site Privacy:  4 - best sites
Site Spacing: 4
Site surface: blacktop 
Reservations:   Yes
Campground Noise 5 some children having fun.   That’s fine.   No adult noise 
Road Noise:  5.  Some sites near the park road will have some, however traffic is light during our stay.  
Electricity: Yes, but not tent sites. 
Water: Yes
Sewer:   No
Dump Station :  Yes
Bathroom: 4.   Clean and heated. 
Pull Throughs :   Some 
Cell Service (Verizon): 3 hit and miss
Setting:  in pine/ deciduous forest
Weather:  3.   Mostly chilly and intermittent rain. 
Bugs:   Mosquitoes, but very few right now 
Solar:  Doesn’t look like it will be very good
Host: inconspicuous 
Location:  Pine/ deciduous forest with many dogwoods flowering. 
Extra Notes: some sites back up close to sites in other sub-loops.   Watch for that when you study th CG map.  