RV Lifestyle • RV Tips • RV Stories

RV Lifestyle

What could be greater than the RV lifestyle? Nothing! We've been putting smiles on faces for over 4 decades here at Chilhowee RV Center, and we welcome you to our RVing family! Make your RVing experience the best it can be.

RV parks, just like RVs have evolved into communities where families can quickly get acclimated to the surroundings and take advantage of scheduled activities and recreational areas. From golf and water aerobics, to horseshoe pits and tennis courts there is something for everyone. Many campgrounds have lounge areas with books, board games, shuffle board, jukeboxes, and feature DJs, fireworks and dancing to keep visitors coming back for more. Nature hikes, and outdoor amphitheaters for feature movies and live performances as well as demonstrations and educational talks are common. More than just a place to park your RV, these parks provide enrichment opportunities for the entire family. Click here for a list of local Tennessee Campgrounds and RV Parks.

RV Tips

Ways to Reduce RV Fuel Costs and Keep the Fun Factor High

• Spend less time driving and more time enjoying. According to the RVIA, 52% of RV owners plan on spending more time at campgrounds and 45% will reduce the distances they travel this season. Take advantage of destinations that offer plenty of activities your family enjoys, and be sure to explore your nearby attractions and RV hot spots close to home that you may have ignored in the past.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi (pounds per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires. You may want to check your tires more often during the winter months. Tires will lose about 1 psi of pressure for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature drop.
• Use the air-conditioner wisely. When the air-conditioner is running, it may an extra load on the engine, increasing fuel consumption. According to Consumer Reports. If you're going more than 40 miles per hour, it's probably better to have the air conditioning on. But if you're driving around town at 30 miles per hour, keeping the windows down will be your best bet.
• Avoid long idles. If you plan on being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the engine. Restarting the engine uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time. After starting the engine in cold weather in the morning, begin driving right away; don't let it sit and "warm up" for several minutes. An engine actually warms up more quickly while driving.
• Think about lightening the load. If there is equipment you know you won't be using, you might want to remove it from the RV. Reducing the vehicle weight can improve the gas mileage. The smaller the RV the bigger the impact.
• While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.

RV Campgrounds and Resorts in Tennessee

Misty River Campground, Tennessee only A rated campground for the last 5 years!

One of the highest rated campgrounds in Nation. Misty River Cabins & RV Resort is located on the Little River. Near Townsend, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Big South Fork Lodge and Horse Campground

3607 Leatherwood Ford Road, Jamestown, TN 38556

Foxfire Riverside Campground

3 Foxfire Riverside Campground is located right off exit 447 on I-40 in Hartford Tennessee. We are located on 17 acres bordered by the Big Pigeon River. We have 24 spacious tent sites right on the banks of the river, 14 full hook-up RV sites that can handle any RV made. The RV sites are a one minute walk to the river. We have two great cabins that can sleep 4 or 5 and have full amenities. We offer white water rafting as well as GREAT fishing. We have a take-out/ put-in for kayakers plus a great concession building with really good food and drink also a pavilion. Phone: 502-641-5369

Baileyton RV Park and WillowView Cabins

Baileyton RV Park & Willowview Cabins is a beautiful, quiet campground nestled in the Northeast Tennessee Valley on more than 40 acres offering RV sites designed to fit any size RV or 5th wheel. For those visiting without an RV, we have fully furnished cabins for rent by day or week. All you need to bring are clothes and food. Located 1.7 miles off I-81, with easy off / on access, and no freeway noise, for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Baileyton RV Park is a top-rated RV Park by both Woodall’s and Trailer Life (7 / 9.5* / 9), and most recently earned an "A" rating from Guest Reviews.

True West Campground

True West is a 5-star rated campground by customer review! We are centrally located in Big South Fork with easy access to the park's hiking and horse trails right from the campground. Located in Jametown, TN, our facilities include 33 level RV and camping sites, some with septic hookups, two barns with a total of 67 stalls. Don't have an RV? That's ok! We have a camper available for rent, a cabin that sleeps up to 6 and the "Marshal Suite" which sleeps up to 8. Our amenities include two well appointed shower houses, two fishing ponds as well as a unique gift shop. Motorcycle touring groups also find the area a great place to ride.

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