Norris Dam State Park

Dates: 02/18/2012 - 02/19/2012

Campground: Norris Dam, East Area
Site # 3



Photos:

https://plus.google.com/?gpcaz=da0767ad&hl=en&wwc=1#photos/111516298441787249573/albums/5752178993866804401

- Base Camp (size of site, foliage, privacy, etc...)
In future blogs I will adding actual dimensions of the campsites, but for now I will give estimates. The sites on the outer loop have no sites behind them. Although the sites themselves are not vastly large the area behind the sites are wooded with very little undergrowth allowing for a sense of privacy. Site #1 and 3 are on the ends of the lower loop and seemed to have the largest areas. Putting a tent up at this site would have been possible, but there were better tent areas at sites 10 -12. The fire ring was a steel ring with cooking grate attached. The timbers around the site were in decent condition and there were no erosion issues. The campground as a whole appears to drain well, so if you get caught in a storm there shouldn't be too much mud. The sites have electric and water hook ups with 30 amp breakers. We rarely use electricity but the extra 110v plug on the power pole is great to have if you have for lights. At this stage in Sawyer's life we need to warm up baby food in the tiny microwave that we take, so electricity is great to have. The picnic tables are concrete so they will hold water and make your pants wet long after rain. At site 3 one of the benches was being held up by a block. Not the nicest or largest tables, but they are sturdy. One negative about the sites is the proximity of the table to your car parking area/road. I prefer the table to be off the road a ways, but beggars can't be choosy in Feb.

- Campground rules/personnel (Nazi's to Trashy):
Being a TN state park the campground is very well maintained. There was little to no trash on the ground, and the rangers were nothing short of accommodating. We did not arrive until after dark, stressed a little as it was freezing and Sawyer's first night camping... the ranger came to our campsite and checked us in. Was a great help, and she was really really friendly even with our late arrival. There were no glaring annoying rules to abide by and check out wasn't until 1p.

- The hood (what kind of people camp here)
Winter camping often draws what I refer to as a "specialty crowd". They have a reason to be there. In this case there were a few others camping and it was clear they were there to catch trout. Having gravel, smaller parking areas, no full hookups, no cable, no wifi... the RV crowd is likely at one of the other "RV Parks" on the lake. The presence of a bathhouse, numerous activities, no reservations, and low prices means you will likely find local young families with tents, pop ups, or small campers.

- Sawyer Factor (what will you kids do)
The east area campground is a short walk to the east area picnic area which is fully equipped with a large playground with bathrooms nearby. There is also a small museum, kids shows/activities hosted by rangers, hikes hosted by rangers, and one of our favorites is the very flat graveled river trail that is stroller friendly.

-Woof: (Take the dog?)
The particular site we were at had a very large area for Laurel to explore while on her lead. Of course there were plenty of trees for her to get wrapped around, but even with a 30' lead she could not reach other campsites. All the trails are dog friendly, but please keep your dog on a leash! I mentioned in the intro our dog is a husky, so the cool river water is great for her. We have camped many places where there are really tight restrictions on dogs... this is all because someone was not responsible and we all pay. PLEASE keep your dog on a leash and pick up after them so we can keep the parks dog friendly!

- Bathhouses:
Bath Facilities: 2 full bath houses open 3 seasons. Dates are available on website.

- No car attractions: Within walking distance of both campgrounds is an extensive trail network. Virtually all trails lead to the lake, river, or overlook of the Dam. If your whole crew likes hiking you could potentially explore the entire park without starting your car. The park is also full of history. The Dam itself was the first TVA project and helped power Oak Ridge... I'll let you visit the TVA visitor center or read up on wikipedia as the park is a living museum of the CCC, TVA, and TN State Parks. Some must sees: The dam is really hard to miss, The new wier dam is a TVA tail water project that keeps water flowing during dry periods and makes for a really cool looking rapid of sorts, and the orchards are beautiful!

- Area attractions
If you do decide to drive and explore a little further, you are only 6 miles from the Museum of Appalachia, a 20 min drive to Big Ridge State Park, 30 mins from Downtown Knoxville, or 30 minutes to Cove Lake State Park. The park is also home to a full functioning Marina with covered and non covered slips. A very nice boat ramp is next to the Marina as well. The park is also home to a pool, rec center, and various other activities. We generally swim in the lake/river, but the pool is a nice alternative during the summer.

- Fees:
I believe I previously mentioned the low cost. Its $17/night.

- Ownership:
TN State Parks
Phone: 865-426-7461
Website: http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/NorrisDam/

- Accommodation/reservations: First come first serve. I have confirmed with TN State parks that a reservations system is coming soon. We will throw a huge party when it goes live!