Camp site near Deals Gap

**Koolranch** · 05-20-2015, 10:09

I'm looking for a recommendation for a camp site around the Deals Gap area. I'm doing a two day motorcycle trip next week.

Thanks for any help.

Steve

**Dynoflyer** · 05-21-2015, 13:04

Originally Posted by Koolranch

I'm looking for a recommendation for a camp site around the Deals Gap area. I'm doing a two day motorcycle trip next week.

Me, too. A three day motorcycle trip in August. Any suggestions appreciated!

Thanks

**Ashe** · 05-21-2015, 13:39

there's a whole lotta nothing near Deal's Gap except that motel/gas station. are you looking for frontcountry or otherwise?

**novasquid** · 05-21-2015, 13:50

there are a ton campgrounds in the area, but when i went last year i stayed at the indian boundary recreation area. most of the campgrounds get busy, but this one had an overflow area that was "less developed," so of course there was hardly anyone there.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chero...a/?recid=35150

last year was my first time there, and i don't think i'll ever go back to deal's gap. i may head down there again end of june to visit the roads around deal's gap, but will avoid the gap itself. it's too much of a circus on that road. but if you've never been there, it's definitely worth checking out.

**leeinmemphis** · 05-21-2015, 15:27

you can stealth camp right across the street from the resort.

**AdventureMyk** · 05-21-2015, 15:38

You want camping near Deal's Gap? There are tons of different types and locations to choose from! Hammocks will work in a lot of them but not all. Follow it south along 129 until you find Lake Santeetlah / Joyce Kilmer Forest. There are dozens of spots from Robbinsville to Joyce Kilmer in there and only a small handful in the paved camping area are pay (the rest are free and generally very clean). If you want something more private and off the beaten path (and don't mind a little dirt roading) then the Gravel Hala (aka, the forest road that runs parallel to the Cherohala Skyway) is one of the best. Anywhere from Joyce Kilmer all the way down to Tellico Plains and beyond has several camp sites ranging from individual to groups and they are all free!

I just got back from a 4 day kayak-camping run on Lake Santeetlah and generally motorcycle camp, kayak camp, and backpack that area a few times a month. If you have specific kinds of camping in mind let me know and I"m sure I can point you to a few places you will like. Just keep in mind this is going to be a holiday weekend and the nuts will be out to fill those spots in force.

If you want to camp AT the resort, then Deals Gap Resort (the main store with the gas stations, etc.) has on-site camping and plenty of places to hammock though they don't really maintain anything past the major grass area's. They even have hot showers, tennis courts, (ask them and they'll laugh but they have them), etc.

**AdventureMyk** · 05-21-2015, 15:40

I nearly forgot that Hwy 28 also backs a lot of the Smokies and there are several short hikes to good camping spots but those require a permit ($8) and not all of them are spots I'd want to leave my bike. That is, assuming you'd be comfortable carrying your bags for any distance.

**swoody126** · 05-22-2015, 09:21

i'm sure you have already found these sources BUTT just in case you haven't...

here are some that i have been kicking around for a few years

http://www.dealsgap.com

http://ironhorsenc.com/accommodations/

http://www.kickstandlodge.com

http://tailofthedragon.com

some of the campgrounds only allow 2 & 3-wheeled conveyances on their grounds

some will allow you to trailer in & set up a base camp

due to their general locale they'z a lotz o treez to hang from

shiny side up

**AdventureMyk** · 05-22-2015, 12:52

Don't forget that this is Memorial Day weekend, the first 'official' weekend of summer break. I would expect the average trundling herds of out-of-area Harleys to average a grueling 15mph in most places, all the boats heading to the lakes (especially Santeetlah) to be taking their time, the normal wanna-be ricky racers from the flatland states, plenty of enforcement and a few motorhomes making their way out to park for the summer. If you want to be in a hurry or don't care for Road Rage, this is not likely to be a good weekend to head out to that area.

**Koolranch** · 05-26-2015, 19:20

Thank you for all the replies. I ended up staying here.
French Broad River Campground
1030 Old Marshall Hwy, Asheville, NC 28804
http://goo.gl/maps/XiZHD

I rode the Gap once up and back and left the area. There are a lot of great roads in the area. I put over 400 miles on today. I'm beat.

I took a nice warm shower and made me some dinner, then got in the hammock. I had to get out and ditch the under quilt. Way to hot!! Anyway I'm having fun and enjoying the hammeck I won in a raffle for the first time and getting some riding in.

Steve