Riley Creek Campground

When you rent an RV in Roane County, you'll want to plan a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This huge park offers thousands of acres of tree-covered mountains and lush valleys with glistening streams. Hikers will love this park, with hundreds of miles of trails that lead past waterfalls, through dense forests, and up the side of mountains. One of the most popular hikes is climbing Charles Bunion. This eight-mile trek leads 1,600 feet above sea level, affording breathtaking views of nearby mountains and the valley below. Nature watching is also popular at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and common sights include elk, woodchucks, and black bears. If you'd prefer to relax and go fishing, there are over 2,900 streams in the park, with catches that include trout and bass.

There are some excellent parks just down the road from Riley Creek Campground if you'd prefer to stay close to home, and one of the closest parks is Frozen Head State Park. This 24,000-acre park features dense woodlands surrounding the 3,300-foot-tall Frozen Head Mountain, which is usually capped with ice or snow. Visitors will have 50 miles of trails to explore, some of which lead up the mountain. At the top of the mountain is an observation deck, which provides stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. If you'd like to go fishing, the Flat Fork Creek is a favorite location for anglers looking to catch trout.

Another beautiful nearby park worth exploring is Big Ridge State Park. This park consists of 3,600 acres of lush forests and valleys between three mountainous ridges. The park features 15 miles of walking trails which lead through the woods, along old roads, and through historic, abandoned villages. The park also contains the 49-acre Big Ridge Lake, which is excellent for watersports such as boating, swimming, and fishing. The park features a sandy swimming beach, and there's a concession stand where you can rent kayaks and canoes. Anglers can expect to catch bream and bass in this lake.

After discovering some of the best natural sights in the area, you may want to explore one of Tennessee's biggest cities, Knoxville. Campers will find plenty to do in Knoxville, and an excellent activity for families is Zoo Knoxville. This mid-sized zoo is known for its conservation work, with a percentage of ticket costs going to support conservation efforts. The zoo consists of over 800 animals, with many rare animals, including Malayan tigers, red pandas, and western lowland gorillas. The zoo also offers animal encounters. Visitors can get close up to adorable animals, ride camels, and much more.

If you want to learn more about local culture, consider a visit to the Knoxville Museum of Art. This small art museum focuses on displaying the works and sensibilities of local artists, with pieces by many Appalachian painters on display. The museum also holds temporary exhibitions featuring local and international artists.

Knoxville is a beautiful city, and Kingston campers looking to make the most of their trip should visit the Sunsphere. This tower was built as a symbol of the 1982 World's Fair and stands at over 260 feet tall, overlooking the city of Knoxville. Visitors will be able to enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of Knoxville, with the nearby mountains providing the perfect backdrop. The Sunsphere also features restaurants if you want to relax after climbing the tower.