Where is a good place for tent camping in the Western Carolinas or Eastern Tennessee?

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Patti C

We are looking for a place where we can drive to a campsite, then pitch our tent. So many campsites either require you to backpack in your stuff, or they are just for you to park your RV.

Any ideas... our tent is fairly large.

Answer
I've camped on the Blue Ridge parkway, at the Smokies, at Mount Mitchell State Park, NC (you can camp at the top at the state park or there are private campgrounds below it), New River State Park, NC (there are drive in and canoe in sites), Stone Mountain State Park, NC, and I've wanted to camp at South Mountain State Park, NC.

In Hot Springs, NC the private campground is on the French Broad River, on the Appalachian Trail, has a great little town, and has hot tubs!

I've camped in NC in Nantahala National Forest , Linville Gorge, Roan Mountain, TN area, and wanted to camp in Mt Rogers, Joyce Kilmer and Shining Rock areas, but haven't gotten to it yet.

Have Fun!

Where to find information to start hiking/climbing and other outdoors stuff?

Q. Im a 23 year old female and I want to start hiking, climbing, camping, and other outdoor activities. None of my current friends do these activities so I have no one to go with or turn to for advise.

I'm basically trying to find out what associations or groups there are that I can join.

and

If there are any magazines or websites to subscribe to.


BTW I live in Virginia

Thanks!

Answer
Virginia is a big state -- if you live near Glen Allen or near the NC border, go to one of the REI outdoor stores. Here's their site with location in the VA area.

http://www.rei.com/map/store

They offer rock climbing instruction classes and hiking and backpacking outings. They also sell and rent gear like tents, sleeping bags and backpacks. There is great rock climbing in North Carolina especially so you should be able to find lots of resources for that. Look in the phone book for independent shops that sell climbing and backpacking gear as well. Most offer intro courses and have information on local active groups.

Also look online at :

http://rockclimbing.meetup.com/cities/us/va/arlington/

This shows Meetup groups in the Arlington, VA, area. Just enter your city at the top right and any activity in the top left field (like hiking, kayaking or backpacking). These groups are a great, no cost way to connect with other people who can help teach you outdoor skills.

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