Shelly S.

The Dyrt Pro

Kingston, TN

Joined June 2016

Camping is my Zen! My Mom started the obsession, the military warped it ;) and now I do it for me! Exploring the US with my entourage and loving it!

Winter at the Lake

Inks Lake SP

Visited with many friends here. BIG campground! I like how you have easy access to the lake from many of the camp sites. There’s also a boat ramp near the camp store with rentals available. The showerhouses were VERY nice! Modern, well maintained and HEATED! Yeah! There were a few showers that needed some adjustments, cold water only. Nice group picnic area near the cabins and the playground with food truck (wasn’t open when we visited). The Rangers had an interesting Cowboy Coffee demonstration there. The sites were separated into several loops, most convenient to the several different showerhouses. Some of the sites were more secluded then others but all were good size with picnic table and room for tents and possibly hammocks. Near the front gate/Ranger office there is an amphitheater for demonstrations/presentations and near the camp store there was a nice, covered picnic pavilion by reservation. Burnet, TX and Longhorn Cavern State Park are nearby.

Giants in the Mist

Dinosaur Valley SP

So wanted to see the dinosaur tracks! But it rained before we arrived and they were all under water. The trails on the other side of the river were all closed, mud and treacherous terrain. The inner trail takes you along the river and has several signs with information. The campsites are nestled in the foliage and nice spacing between. You can totally get the crustaceous era feel going. The foliage is also a nice noise damper. Electric and water plus hook thing at each site. Didn’t see any modern time critters during our visit, there were raccoon tracks on the trails and one deer track. Easy ride (bike) road through the campground. Older but well maintained showerhouse. The primitive camping is right on the river and remote sites are available. Dinosaur World is right down the road which would be cool with kids. Go learn about and then actually walk where the dinosaurs did. I am totally visiting again, I want to see the tracks.

Critters

Guadalupe River SP

Arrived Tuesday in December, very empty. Sorta like the ole Texas ghost town but with staff. The Cedar Sage sites are for 20’ or less and have two parking spaces, a tent pad, hook thing and picnic table. Lots of space/foliage between sites, so you have some privacy and I’m sure when it’s busy it helps mute the noise.

The showerhouse is nice, separate shower rooms that need more hooks to dangle your stuff from. Very clean and well maintained.

I was informed by a host couple that the river was very low to non-existent over the last summer and the showerhouse was closed. There was a burn ban still in effect. When I walked down to the river it was still not up to its usual level.

We did get to experience some wildlife in the campground and on the trail. There were armadillo wandering the campground in the early evening looking for food . Then near the river early morning we saw first one group of deer near the overlook and then a large herd of close to 15 when we approached the river near the Discovery Center. There are two trailheads in the campground area, one was closed the evening we arrived. Unfortunately all the trails were closed around 0900 the next morning due to mud/slippery conditions and possible further rain fall. When we returned in the late afternoon the trails and parking areas had been reopened. When the river is “working” there are kayak/tube opportunities, unfortunately no way of knowing ahead when you book what your going to get so plan accordingly and bring lots of water just in case. Even in winter this park is worth a visit, I imagine it’s busy on the weekends .

Fore!

Lockhart State Park

So first the best, in my opinion, thing about Lockhart SP; it’s a few miles from Lockhart City where there is some DELICIOUS food!! Smitty’s is my favorite! I will actually travel HOURS off my driving route to stop by!

So…back to the Lockhart State Park. If you golf you will love Lockhart. Don’t get me wrong there are a few trails and historical CCC things to explore, but it seemed to me the golf was the main focus. There’s also a cement pond to relax around. The campground was adequate, roofed picnic areas and grills at each site. Not much in the way of shade. On the up side you won’t get lost in the camping area. The showerhouse was well maintained and small. The staff , the ones I met, were also adequate.

Did I mention the nearby EXCELLENT food?

Winter visit

Arrived December 1st for a three night stay. The front gate representative was direct and informative. With map in hand and directions I made it to my site. These sites, several of which are pull through, are huge! Not just the level cement pads but the area around and in between the next site. Very well maintained area. Several water side sites with nice views.

The pavilion is nice and big, awesome for group gatherings. The playgrounds are older and a little worse for wear. The showerhouse on my end was in the middle of a “freshen up”. That being said it probably could use a remodel/update. When I went to shower the funky smell and water sitting in the floor was not pleasant. I picked the one of four that had a dry floor, which when I was done had water sitting in the floor. It was clean but definitely older. The large showerhouse is in a little better shape and no odor, no standing water.

Chilly good camping

Morgantown Point Rec

Stayed in site 30, Nov 11-13. Nice weather and rain, then the temperature took a nose dive.

The lake was pretty low at winter level. A friend of mine who fished still caught some both days. She said the area near the boat dock was rocky and not the muddy mess the rest of the low level lake was.

The sites are nice sized, the pull throughs are huge. Room for several tents, toys, etc. the views are awesome from most of the sites. About half have electric and there is a walk-in tent area as well as tent areas with walk downs. The tent areas have a centrally located hydrant for shared use.

Every site that I looked at, lake side had trails to the lake. The campground is split into a loop and an out and back section. The latrine on the out and back was closed for the season. The showerhouse on the loop side looked brand new and was very well kept. My only issue was the long walk to the latrine/showerhouse from the out and back tent areas…..do you really think people walk that far …..

There are two host sites with wood for sale. I saw one of the hosts who came to my site to check me in soon after my arrival. He was professional and friendly.

Nearby fuel and food. I have AT&T, only one bar. Fishing, swimming, kayaking and whatever other water sports you have. Be a good group camping area.

Halloween at the beach

Myrtle Beach SP

Arrived in time to take a walk on the beach with my dogs before dark. Beach is off limits to dogs and bikes May 1 - Labor Day 10 am - 5 pm. We visited in October so no restrictions. Unfortunately some pet owners still haven’t figured out that they need to police their dogs poop from the beach :(

The campground was very close to the beach which was nice and the area is generally shaded. Surprisingly the sites are actually not tiny like in some other locations. You have a break between most sites of foliage which also helps keep the noise down. My site was on the edge of the campground with a sand dune right beside, the mosquitoes were still very active even in the 50 degree ranges. The WiFi and signal is lacking but you can go to the campground store area and pick it up….mostly, lol. The showerhouses were well maintained, no heat when I visited (maybe not on yet?)and I had crappy water pressure when trying to get any warm/hot water.

The one down side that I experienced is the proximity of the airport. It didn’t keep me up at night but the campground is on the edge of the incoming flights and you can definitely hear the out going flights. Sorta background noise after you get used to it.

Nice pavilions near the beach for large groups, reserve ahead. The trails are pretty well maintained. Wear shoes due to the copperhead population, save the flip flops for the beach. AND watch out for sand burs! Especially if you have your furry friends along. We stayed off the “grass” areas after we found the first patch and had no more problem with them.

Neighbors

Nolichucky Gorge is right next to USA Raft, same road, same entrance to the left. Veteran owned and well maintained. The staff is friendly and professional. River view sites, other sites and cabins. It seems that the two campgrounds have property issues that are not of their own volition. You have to pay to walk the river trail and use the beach if your not a guest of the campground. I only stayed one night , it was peaceful and dark. Access to the Appalachian Trail.

Roughing it

Stayed here with a group . I van camped, a Bell Tent, Avion camper, Geodome , and mini house was rented. All pretty well maintained. There were a few electrical issues due to the crowd that arrived for a music event over the weekend. They sorta stick people all over the place when their busy. Beautiful view along the River. Bar and food truck with vegan options on site. We whitewater rafted, the guides were excellent and it was an awesome trip. The AT meanders along the River and is easily accessible from the campground. Be flexible if you stay here, their reservation system leaves a lot to be desired, but it is a very layed back and enjoyable stay.

Excellent hiking and natural features

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.

Going up

Panther Creek SP

Panther Creek State Park was an unexpected find outside of Knoxville, TN , in Morristown. I’ve driven by the sign but no need to camp so close to home. I ended up sharing a site with a friend who lives even closer, lol This is a small State Park but it offers a lot to do recreation wise. The weekend we stayed there was a youth mountain bike event and cross country running going on. There’s also horseback trails. My only complaint about the trails is they are not marked well. A Boy Scout troop needs to do some merit badge work and improve them . The campground is small, a little tight in the sides and limited on full service sites. It’s a gradual uphill drive through the camp , you curve to the left and then back down the hill. The sites in the upper curve are bigger then the ones on the hill. There are several that offer tent pads and small vehicle pads. Check your lengths and bring your leveling boards. The two showerhouses are next to pavilions. All well maintained. The upper pavilion has a very cool fire pit area. And can accommodate a small gathering. There is a trailhead in the campground and several other trailheads in easy walking, pedaling distance , plus an awesome overlook and more strenuous hike up the road. The boat ramp is in an adjacent area and the lake is beautiful.

Small but a lot to do

David Crockett birthplace

David Crockett is a small State Park, however there is a lot of attention to detail put into this historical area. The drive in follows the TN “Sunnyside Early Country Trail” through picturesque farmland with mountains in the near distance. Do your shopping before arrival, there’s nothing close to the park. Definitely a good park for young families, enough stuff to explore and things to do without a lot of traffic. You can easily hike all the trails in a day. The story book trail is short but fun. The area offers an amphitheater, swimming pool, playground, shelters, archery range, boat ramp and fishing right by the campground. Then there’s the Homestead to wander through and learn about. Mostly flat with a few easy climbs and rolling meadows.

The campground is surprisingly large, level sites, that are close together, not much room for toys. A small tent area that is adjacent to one of the shelters, which works well for meal prep if it’s not reserved. The showerhouse is at the front of the campground easy walking distance from the tent area and well maintained . There’s a store in the campground with attached pavilion.

Good for relaxed recreation time.

Oldey but goodey

Paris Mountain State Park

Very well maintained, very old CCC built camp near Greenville, SC.

On my way in I thought my gps had taken me astray again! But Paris Mountain Stare Park is literally in the back of a neighborhood in Greenville. Quite a cool little park complete with 4 lakes, back country camping and CCC architecture. The roads are skinny and the campground a bit small. The sites are mixed with pull throughs, back in and tent only. Mostly unlevel, some very unlevel . Surprisingly there are a few sites that will hold a long, big camper. If you pick a middle site you will see your neighbors a lot. Two old , mostly maintained showerhouses.

We arrived on a Thursday, so not that busy this late in the summer/autumn. The campground half filled for the weekend. Could have been due to weather coming in. Lake Placid is the first lake you see when you enter the park. The park office and gift shop are located in the old CCC building. There’s a sand beach, canoe and paddle boats rentals and a very nice bike maintenance station in one of the pavilions.

Lots of trails that are sort of marked. We mostly frequented the trails near the campground and Lake Placid. Watch out for bikers , they use most of the trails.

Overall I will visit again , it’s a quaint , busy State Park, worth the drive.

It was a dark and stormy night…..

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.

Summer in December

Camped here to ring out the old and ring in 2022 with a group of Sisters. The staff was professional and quick at check in, even inquired if I was aware of the forecasted incoming weather during my stay and explained emergency procedures. HUGE campground. All the sites are nice sized, though an update is needed on pavement, pads and amenities. They keep what they have well maintained. Tree top, mini golf and archery activities are present. Of course you are on the at one time largest man made lake so all those water activities. There are nice trails that are adequately marked. Once again updates would be nice. There is an Equine campground and a contractor for trail rides nearby if you don’t have your own horse. The area offers many small towns with antiquing and interesting local businesses/restaurants. Worth a visit for a weekend or week of your summer if you can get a reservation.

Horrible Customer Service

I haven’t even made it to the campground! When I made my reservation it was an ordeal, getting charged incorrectly and the wrong dates. Then when we had to adjust the dates I couldn’t get through to anyone, left two voicemails and still no reply. When I finally got to talk to a person she was very helpful. My suggestion, if your phones are that busy maybe get some more people in there to help out?!

Community Effort

Unfortunately the weather wasn’t the best when we stayed here. I want to go back in the summer and hike the long trail. When we arrived there was obviously an event going on. The small town along the front of Indian Springs State Park seems to be very in tune with the park. There is an event center, excellent restaurant and small gas/grocery right by the entrance. The campground was full even though it was February, which once again speaks to the community and residents. Not the most private sites but they are roomy. I was way to close to the playground. Screaming children are annoying… I’m not referring to yelling and cavorting. These were squalling, screeching hellions with no regard to others around them. One even made a rush at my dogs as I was walking by :( Not much view but you are above some water. No trail near the campground unfortunately. I did not use the showerhouse, it was conveniently located, but was the only one so I’m sure it gets busy.

We enjoyed the nature trail but skipped the longer more difficult trail due to incoming weather. Saw some deer, not much else. Not a well marked trail but we figured it out. I saw people headed to the spring with empty containers and the falls or cascades, were very beautiful.

Changed Owners

Stayed a 4 Paws numerous times now and have always had a good time. There are options as to how you want to camp. This year I had one site with a fence all the way around and most recently my site had a small fenced in yard for the dogs to use. Ownership has changed as of Thanksgiving week, we will see what the new owners do. There is a laundry, dog wash and shower building that is well maintained and very modern. We visited several EXCELLENT hiking trails that had the views! Then there’s sampling of local cuisine and shopping. Asheville, Hendersonville and Greenville are all nearby. Or you could easily sit at the campground and just hangout at the dog parks. For Thanksgiving they served a meal and had other events. They also have other event weekends that are a lot of fun.

SCENERY !!

Wide open spaces, however this allows for some Major wind at times. Spike down those tents!
No shade, lol, no trees, but a lot of dirt/sand. The view is great, day or night. Well maintained area and awesome staff. Hiking through the area, take your camera and water.

Bringing the kids

Definitely bringing the daughter and granddaughter next year! Beautiful area, awesome drive with scenery and WILDLIFE! I thought more about Teddy Roosevelt then Custer while here. Roosevelt was all about wildlife , etc. the park has the animals you relate to “the West”. The park had the feel of cowboys/covered wagon era. I enjoyed my visit so much, a surprise around every curve. Wind Cave National Park and the Badlands are an easy drive from here so you can continue the experience. Nice campground , well maintained and nice staff.