Get to Bryson City of a tad outside of there and check out the
Nantahala Outdoor Center.  Appalachian Trail crosses there and
there's whitewater stuff, mountain biking,  and a private campground
up the road a few miles and out of the way.  Maybe a  4 hour drive
down 24 and up 75 to Cleveland and then east on 64This time of year,
it should be slowing down business-wise.  As you head east of 64 out
of Cleveland(TN), you'll drive by the site of the 1996 Whitewater
Slalom Olympic Venue on the Ocoee River.  If the NOC is too much fro
you, ask the locals where there's a secluded spot or two.  Actually
there's thousands of them.  You'll have trouble justifying JUST one
weekend.  ie you'll be back!!    www.noc.com

Enjoy

DM&FS

At 12:52 PM 9/24/2010, Peter Lapp wrote:
>I'm planning to take a weekend trip to the Smokies in a few weeks and wanted
>to see if anyone had any advice on some good campsites. I was hoping to find
>some good, secluded spots on the western side, since they are closer. I'm
>coming from Nashville, so it's easier/closer to find spots on this side.
>
>Anyone know of some good spots around the area that aren't crowded? I don't
>care about hookups or bathrooms, etc, just a place to park and camp. Also,
>if you have any hiking trail suggestions, I'm open to that as well.
>Thanks!