Some folks (like me) have kids that love camping but also love amenities like bathrooms and swimming pools. Some folks (like me) are nervous about backcountry camping, being inexperienced in it, especially with an equally inexperienced child. Some folks (like me), just want to have the trip planned out and any quick overnight stops handled ahead of time.
If you're folk like me, then you'll LOVE the Peace Valley KOA.
It's mostly an RV park, but they do have six tent sites. All of the sites are primitive (fire ring, no water, no electric), but they're nicely cleared out for tents and contain gorgeous massive trees for hammocks. Also, all but one of the campsites are creekside, and it's a wonderful creek: fast-moving (aka not stagnant, aka no/few mosquitos), stocked monthly by the game division in the area so you can fish for dinner, picturesque, soothing.
I was registered for Tent Site 1, but they gave me the option of other sites (I chose another site). I didn't get photos of it, but it looked like there were enough trees there, nicely spaced, for a small group hang. Tent Site 2 (which was taken by a tent camper), looked like it might have had a spot good for a hammock, same for site 3. Tent Site 4, where I ended up staying, had a few trees, three of which were spaced nicely for hammocks. One of the trees had some bare branches up high, but on the "non-hammock" side, so I wasn't too worried about widowmakers. (More about site 4 in a moment). Site 5 had some great trees, but a couple of them looked way too scary to hang under (potential widowmakers galore), and site 6, if I remember correctly, didn't have optimal tree spacing.
That said, I think every site could be good for a hanger or two. We chose Tent Site 4, though, because two of the trees were both perfectly spaced AND right at the edge of the hill overlooking the creek.
Across from the tent sites are a water pump and a trash can. During the night, I heard what sounded like a cute, fuzzy animal calling out, but I didn't investigate. I figured it would have just run away anyhow. I'm guessing it was trying to get into the trash can. So between the tent campers who had all of their coolers all over their campsite, me having my food locked in the car, and the trash can across the way, I wasn't too worried about animals bothering me during the night.
In fact, my worst problem was the %@^@!^@* rooster across the creek who woke me up at 3:45 AM, and 4:30 AM, and 5:30 AM, and 7:00 AM.
Anyhow, if you're on your way from north Georgia, heading to Fontana Lake and the Tail of the Dragon, and need a nice spot to hang for the night, Peace Valley KOA is very nice. If you're looking for a few nights where kids can swim, you can fish, and you're close to the Smokies and other fun, Peace Valley KOA is still very nice!
I've attached a few pictures. Happy hanging!
The campsite (Tent Site 4):
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The area (the highway the KOA is located on):
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Fontana Lake and Dam (one hour from KOA):
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Killboy's Tail of the Dragon store and the RT 129/Tail of the Dragon scenic overlook:
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This entire area is great for anyone wanting to get outdoors.
Originally Posted by Alkali
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