Woodsmoke Campground

You can begin your RV rental vacation with a visit to Tennessee’s only national forest, Cherokee National Forest. Spanning across more than 600,000 acres and offering a plethora of recreational activities, this is a fantastic place for all the family. Choose from gentle nature trails and strenuous day hikes or pack your backpack for a multi-day trek. The forest is home to a 150-mile section of the Appalachian Trail and over 600 miles of non-motorized trails. Mountain biking and horseback riding are some of the most accessible activities on land, but the forest also provides opportunities for OHV driving and cross-country skiing.

On the water, visitors can go whitewater rafting, kayaking, or tubing. With hundreds of miles of waterways, the forest is also a hotspot for motorized boating, tubing, and swimming. Nature enthusiasts can spot many species of flora and fauna, and the Cherohala Skyway Scenic Byway boasts some of the best outlooks for bird spotters.

Next door to Cherokee National Forest is Roan Mountain State Park, one of the most impressive state parks in Tennessee. This 2,000-acre park is nestled at the foot of Mount Roan, offering challenging hiking trails, such as the Chestnut Ridge Trail, and spectacular views from Roan High Bluff. There are adventurous routes for mountain bikers, and a winding river provides a cooling place to dip your feet in the summertime. During the cooler months, the slopes of Mount Roan are swept with snow and draw the attention of Nordic skiers. Throughout the rest of the year, Roan Mountain State Park is teeming with wildlife. The park is home to white-tailed deer, black bears, and box turtles as well as 174 bird species. Bring your binoculars, and you can spot owls, hawks, woodpeckers, and many more.

Before you head back into town, make a visit to Warriors' Path State Park. Here you can learn about the significance of this historic trading path during the Cherokee War while enjoying the natural setting. Threaded with a 12-mile network of hiking and biking trails, the park is a great spot for land-based activities. For watersports lovers, the park provides canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals next to Patrick Henry Reservoir, along with two boat launch ramps. Visitors with a keen eye and plenty of patience can also spot around 120 species of birds throughout the migration season.

Remember to take a look around Jonesborough while you’re renting an RV in the area. This historic town is filled with interesting museums, quirky stores, and 19th-century architecture. Take a closer look at the downtown buildings, and you’ll notice that some of the buildings have been restored and renovated into unique stores. Find a traditional sweet shop, a local brewery with live music, or a former saloon that now hosts an antiques and handicrafts store.

One of the best-preserved sites in town once hosted the USA’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson. The Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum is located in the heart of downtown Jonesborough, inside the town’s oldest commercial building. The museum doubles as a community meeting place where discussions and educational programs are held as well as scavenger hunts for kids. Inside, exhibitions rotate but often include Jonesborough’s photo collection, a diorama of the town in the 1850s, and information on the golden age of Chester Inn. Plus, you can step back into the 1800s by walking through the restored Victorian-style rooms and parlor.

In Jonesborough, there are cultural events that take place throughout the year. Why not pick up tickets to a play or musical at the town’s theater? Another option is a storytelling experience at the International Storytelling Center. An event to put in your calendar is the National Storytelling Festival that’s held in October each year. The three-day event takes place on an open stage, and audiences can hear a mix of stories, poetry, and live music. There’s a unique experience around every corner when you rent a camper near Woodsmoke Campground, Tennessee.