RV Lengths in NPS Campgrounds, Pigeon Forge Activities, Dewinterizing (RV Atlas Q+A)

We are back with another Q+A episode of The RV Atlas podcast. On this week's show we tackle questions about the following three topics from the RV Atlas group on Facebook:

Is a 37' 6" rig a good choice for someone who wants to camp in national and state parks?

What are the best family friendly activities in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee?

Should an RV Atlas group member dewinterize before heading to Florida? Or when they get there?

To listen to Jeremy and Stephanie answer these questions and share answers from the group--click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows.

RV Lengths in NPS Campgrounds

Kelly Harper wrote in to the RV Atlas group on Facebook and asked....

"Is 37'6" too big to park at state parks and national parks? That's where we plan to do most of our camping."

Jeremy Puglisi answered...

I think 37’6” is gonna be really tough for getting into most National Park campgrounds. The vast majority of them were built in 40s, 50s and 60s when RVs (generally speaking) were much much smaller. As for state parks—that’s going to vary widely and also depend on when the campgrounds were built.

Craig Dashner answered...

In state and national parks, the longer you are, the fewer options you will have, and there will be more competition for those fewer sites. Camping is a game of give and take. The benefits of a longer camper cost you access. Good access costs you size of camper - you have to find your sweet spot between the two. We've always tried to stay on the shorter end of what we want in a camper to maximize the sites we can fit into.

Kristin Seals answered...

It depends. It can be hard to get into some campgrounds in National Parks because of road conditions. For example you cannot get into the Chisos Basin Campground in Big Bend National Park with more than a 24ft trailer (I might not have the exact measurement correct) due to a tight, narrow road with switchbacks. I have seen the same type of situation in several other NPs. However, you can usually find another campground outside the park in those instances….and sometimes even within the National Park. As far as state parks that will depend on the state and each park. We live in Texas and only 1 time in our 6 years of camping have we had trouble at a campsite with our 29ft TT, and that was more due to my error as a newbie RV camper. I booked a site that was much too small. Most of our state parks here in Texas are massive and have very accommodating RV spaces

Judy Tanner Taylor answered...

GA and surrounding states have state parks with larger sites. Some even have full hookups. Not all sites are that large, but some are. I am 38 ft (plus my tow bar hitch) and have stayed at GA, SC, AL state parks within the last year. I do usually have to make reservations early for weekends, especially at busy places like Myrtle Beach State Park.

Pigeon Forge Activities for Families

Clay Johnson wrote in to the RV Atlas group on Facebook and asked things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with kids…

"Hey guys,

This is such a great group! I thought I'd see if anyone had suggestions of things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? We'll be staying at the KOA so close to the action. Planning a five day stay for Spring Break. Of course there is the obvious Dollywood, but what else do you recommend for a family with younger kiddos?

Thanks in advance, and happy motoring!"

Jeremy and Stephanie responded...

There are so many things to do in and around Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. First and most importantly--get yourself into Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some scenic drives and amazing hikes.