David Crockett Birthplace State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Situated on the Nolichucky River and centered on the traditional birthplace of Tennessee frontiersman, soldier, and politician Davy Crockett, David Crockett Birthplace State Park is a very popular state park for RV travelers. Over time David Crockett has become one of the most well-known folk heroes in American history and the park acknowledges and celebrates his birth and upbringing. Before Crockett the area in and around the park was inhabited by Native Americans, however heavy cultivation in the 19th and 20th centuries destroyed much of the prehistoric value that the site would have had. In 1771 the Nolichucky Settlement was established which was the first European settlement in the area. The park originally opened in 1973.
In current day the park's facilities include a visitor center, two picnic pavilions, two picnic areas, a swimming pool, a playground and a public boat launching ramp. Several short hiking trails also exist that follow the riverbank and bluffs. The highlights of the park are the original birthplace cabin and museum that provide some great information about the Crockett and why he is held in such high regard.
For RV campers there are 88 campground sites, fifty-four of those have full hook-ups and seventeen of the sites have water and electricity hook-up only. The remaining 17 sites are primitive tent sites with no hook-ups available. Reservations are available up to a year in advance and the park is open all year round.
RV Rentals in David Crockett Birthplace State Park
Transportation
Driving
David Crockett Birthplace State Park is located in Greene County along the Nolichucky River. The park is located in a very accessible area and you can get to it via David Crockett Park Road and Charles Johnson Road. There are are a few small towns within a short drive of the park, including Chuckney (two and a half miles away) and Limestone (around two miles away). The closest city to David Crockett Birthplace State Park is Johnson City. If you need to get supplies we recommend stopping outside of Chuckney on route on US-321.
The most notable road near the park is US-321 that is used to access the park via Old State Route 34 and David Crockett Park Road. The terrain in and around the park is very easy to navigate and you should have no problem with getting to the park. There should be no obstacles or other issues that will cause you trouble such as overhanging trees or winding roads. During the winter time make sure you check the weather forecast or call the park office to make sure that the roads will be open to the park.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available at David Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Public Transportation
Unfortunately there are no public transport options available that will get you to David Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Campgrounds and parking in David Crockett Birthplace State Park
Campsites in David Crockett Birthplace State Park
Reservations camping
David Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground
The campground at David Crockett Birthplace State Park is known to be a very nice area for RV travelers with large, clean and level sites. In total there are 83 sites, including an impressive 53 full hook-up sites with water, sewer and 50 amp electrical service. There are 17 sites with water and 30 amps electrical hook-ups and another 13 tent sites that are primitive.
Facilities in the campground include a picnic pavilion, laundry, bathhouse, dump station, fire rings, picnic tables and toilet block. WiFi is available but the signal strength will vary depending on your location. A playground is also located close-by to the campground. Before setting up your camp site make sure you check in at the park office. Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings or in the provided above ground fire stands. All sites can be reserved online and they are available all year round.
Seasonal activities in David Crockett Birthplace State Park
In-Season
Swimming
Cooling off by the pool is a very popular way for visitors to relax at David Crockett Birthplace State Park. There are fees to enter the pool but they are reduced for campers staying in the park. The pool in the park is equipped with a diving board and amenities including picnic tables and a drink machine are located close by. The pool is open during the summer months Wednesday to Sunday and on weekends only in August. The pool closes after the Labor Day weekend.
Boating
David Crockett Birthplace State Park is located on the banks of the Nolichuckey River and it is a great spot to launch watercraft and go boating. There are multiple designated access points within the park that you can use to launch personal kayaks and canoes. If you have larger boats there is a boat ramp available during park hours. It is located at the south end of the park near the mouth of the Big Limestone Creek.
Fishing
The Nolichucky river is also great for those who love to go fishing. There are plenty of fishing opportunities that can lead to a variety of fresh water species being caught, including smallmouth bass, catfish and crappie which are all popular catches. Boat fishing is very popular, but if you don't have a boat you can go bank fishing and wade fishing. Bait, tackle, snacks and state fishing licenses are all available for sale at nearby off-park locations.
Off-Season
Hiking
Love to hike? There are three different trails available for you to explore during your stay in the park. The trails range from easy to moderate in difficulty and they are all half a mile or less. While all of the trails provide beautiful views and ample opportunities for wildlife and wildflower viewing the Rive Bluff Trail is the most popular. This is the moderate difficulty trail and will take you near the ancient limestone bluffs.
David Crockett Birthplace Museum
The David Crockett Birthplace Museum should be a must see when visiting the park. The museum contains items common to life on the eastern frontier, as well as numerous artifacts such as portraits and documents that relate to David Crockett. A short film is also available to watch that provides information about Crockett’s life. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00AM - 4:30 PM.
Birding
The different habitats in David Crockett Birthplace State Park that range from limestone bluffs, forests and adjacent agricultural fields provide exceptional bird watching terrain all year round. The tall trees along the river’s edge are known to attract spring and fall migrants and also provide excellent nesting sites during summer. Wild turkey, sparrows, woodpeckers, warblers and other songbirds are also popular species that can be found within the park throughout the year. Check the park website to see if a bird watching event will be happening during your stay at the park.
