RV Resources - Chickery's Travels

Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA (Cape Charles, Virginia)

We have come to love KOA Campgrounds for our family vacations. They offer the perfect destination for our multi-generational group with diverse campsite options, cozy cabins, excellent amenities, and engaging activities. We recently spent a long weekend at the Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort and had such a great time we’re thinking of making it an annual tradition. Located on Virginia’s beautiful Eastern Shore, it boasts a fabulous beachfront location, numerous amenities, and an array of activities, ensuring that the fun never stops.

Campsites and Cabins

Collage of the Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA resort

One of the standout features of KOA campgrounds is the wide array of sites available to accommodate a range of preferences. Whether you are pitching a tent, renting one of their glamping tents, or bringing your camper, this campground has a place for you. I found the photos on the website to be very realistic. All of the sites had a wooden picnic table and metal fire ring, except the KOA patio sites which had upgraded furniture.

Back In Full Hook Up Sites – These sites are the most affordable. They range in price depending on the location in the campground, but honestly, we didn’t think anything was too far to walk. The Blue Point and Half Shell sites appeared to be slightly wider than Pearl Point.
Pull Thru Full Hook Up Sites – We were in the Skipjack section closest to the beach and pool. It had plenty of room for us.
Pull Thru Full Hook Up KOA Patio Sites – These sites have a gravel pad for your RV, as well as stone fire ring and patio furniture in addition to the picnic table.
Tent Sites – Pearl Point Tent sites are large enough for small campers and vans, but designed to accommodate tent guests with all the perks of a full hookup site.

If you don’t have an RV, the great thing about KOAs is that they offer cabins and other accommodations as well. They come in various sizes and styles, complete with essential amenities that ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay.

Cabins – The cabins also vary in price based on location. Our family stayed in the Oyster Point Cabins, which had a kitchen, full bathroom, living room with sleeper sofa, and two bedrooms. One of the bedrooms had a queen bed and the other had bunk beds with a full-sized bed on the bottom and a twin on top. The thing we really appreciated about the cabin was the screened-in porch that was perfect for avoiding bugs during dinner. The cabin also had an outdoor area with a grill, picnic table, and fire pit. Some of them are pet-friendly for an additional fee.
Safari Tent – This KOA had six glamping tents with power, two queen beds, and a full-size sleeper futon.
Sunset Beach Hotel – Also on site is a sister hotel. I didn’t look at any of the rooms, but on the website, they appear to be standard. The campground check-in and large camp store are located in the hotel lobby.

Resort Amenities

Collage of the beach and pool and Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA resort

One of the things we like about KOA campgrounds is the amenities. All of the ones we’ve stayed at had well-maintained restrooms, coin-operated laundry facilities, a large dog park, and a convenient camp store with friendly and helpful staff members who are always ready to assist. Bu this KOA has even more amazing amenities:

Private Beach – Cape Charles Chesapeake Bay KOA offers a private beach exclusively for its guests, so you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without the usual tourist crowds. The calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay make this beach a safe choice for family members of all ages to splash, swim, and create sandcastles for hours on end. The best part was that it is pet friendly too!
Family Friendly Pool – One end of this large pool has fountains and a zero-entry or walk-in section (sloping without steps). There are also numerous lounge chairs, as well as cabanas available to rent. The only drawback to us was the lack of shade if you didn’t get a cabana. We took our canopy down to the beach during the day and enjoyed the pool after dinner when the sun was lower in the sky.
Sunset Beach Bar & Grill – One thing that made this KOA a true resort was the beachside bar & grill. boasts an on-site restaurant, the Dockside, where you can satisfy your hunger while enjoying marvelous views of the bay. It offers local seafood dishes as well as family favorites like burgers and wings. At the bar, you can enjoy music along with the gorgeous bay views.
Happy Jack’s Cafe – Located in the hotel lobby with the large camp store is Happy Jack’s Cafe where you can get pizza and ice cream. They also have some arcade games.

Local Area

If you can drag yourself away from the campground, Cape Charles is a quaint and picturesque town. Founded in the late 19th century, Cape Charles boasts a rich history that comes alive along the tree-lined streets of the town’s Historic District. Remarkable Victorian homes and commercial buildings showcase the unique architectural styles from the period. Be sure to visit the Cape Charles Museum to learn more about the town’s intriguing past and its railroad connection.

If you’re more of an outdoors enthusiast, the nearby Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge and Kiptopeke State Park present trails perfect for hiking and biking, as well as guided nature tours that will expose you to the region’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

Finally, Cape Charles also has a mouthwatering culinary scene that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Numerous local restaurants serve delectable dishes showcasing Virginia’s Eastern Shore’s fresh seafood and farm-to-table produce. And don’t forget to sample a glass of wine at the local wineries or enjoy a craft beer at Cape Charles Brewing Co.

Book Your Stay

Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing KOA resort! Before you make reservations, don’t forget to sign up for the rewards program to get 10% off every KOA stay. We love using the rewards program and earning points to use towards discounts on future stays. We were able to get $50 off our weekend here using accumulated rewards points. And if you’re looking for other great campgrounds we’ve enjoyed, see our campground reviews here.

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9:29 pm by Julie Chickery Leave a Comment

2023 Year in Review

This was another great year for our family! Justin and Donovan moved to Virginia, so the entire crew is now nearby.

Jax turns 3 on December 14th and he’s been talking up a storm. He went from starting the year without one word to speaking in full sentences. He’s also quite an adventurer and loves hiking with grandma. His longest so far is 2.6 miles.

We went on two major trips. The first one was 10 days in Alaska. It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited! Sean lived there in high school and he played tour guide for me. We saw glaciers, bears, and moose. A favorite for both of us was a small private plane trip to Lake Clark National Park where we saw grizzly bears up close and personal.

Another fun trip was to Las Vegas, Nevada and Zion National Park in Utah. Richie, Agata, and Jax went with us. Our favorite part was a day at Zion when we rented e-bikes. We rode them through Zion Canyon stopping for several hikes. See more Zion photos here.

Hope you had a fabulous year too!

12:05 pm by Julie Chickery

Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you’re looking for a breathtaking destination filled with endless opportunities for outdoor activities and incredible sights to behold, look no further than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Established in 1934, this stunning park in the Appalachian Mountains straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border is America’s most visited national park, attracting over 12 million visitors every year. In this guide, I’ll take you through the diverse landscapes, thrilling adventures, and tranquil retreats that this magical place has to offer.

The Great Smoky Mountains boast over 522,000 acres (2,114 sq. km) of untouched beauty, ranging from dense forests and rocky peaks to pristine waterfalls and lush valleys. With over 100 tree species, 1,500 types of flowering plants, and 140 distinctive wildlife species, the park is a dazzling showcase of biodiversity. One of the latest research studies conducted by the National Park Service confirms the park has more species of flora and fauna than any other protected area in the U.S.

Table of Contents

Navigating Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Enjoying the Great Outdoor Activities
Cherishing the Rich Cultural Heritage
Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Staying in Tennessee
Staying in North Carolina
Answering the Call of the Great Smoky Mountains

Navigating Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A scenic highway running directly through Great Smoky Mountains National park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a scenic highway running directly through it making it one of the easiest national parks to navigate. Starting from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you’ll drive south along US-441 through the park towards Cherokee, North Carolina. As you make your way into the heart of the park, the road will start to climb, offering you ever-improving views of the stunning panoramas that define this iconic American landscape.

Morton Overlook

As you leave Gatlinburg, be sure not to miss Morton Overlook. Perched along the highway’s eastern side, this atmospheric spot affords a scenic vista of distant mountains, rolling hills, and the Little Pigeon River far below. It’s an ideal place to watch the sunset, as the golden hour bathes the surrounding landscape in an unforgettable light.

Newfound Gap

As you ascend ever higher along the highway, you’ll eventually reach Newfound Gap, the road’s highest point at an elevation of 5,046 feet. This is a must-visit destination for any traveler, offering unmatched panoramic views of both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the state line marker, a popular spot for memory-making among tourists.

Clingmans Dome

Just a short detour from Newfound Gap is Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet. A steep half-mile hike from the parking area will bring you to an observation tower, from which you can take in stunning 360-degree views that often include glimpses of up to 100 miles away on clear days.

Oconaluftee Valley Overlook

Continuing north along US-441, make sure to stop at the Oconaluftee Valley Overlook. Providing a bird’s-eye view of the Oconaluftee River and the surrounding valley, this is the ideal spot to pause and capture some pictures of the signature blue haze that gives the Great Smoky Mountains their name.

Blue mountain ranges as seen from Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mingus Mill Overlook

Just a short drive from the park’s North Carolina entrance, Mingus Mill Overlook provides a fantastic introduction to the rich cultural history of the Cherokee people who have called these mountains home for centuries. The mill itself, a well-preserved example of 19th-century mountain life, is a fascinating destination in its own right. However, the overlook also offers breathtaking views of the lush mountain forest that covers most of the park.

Enjoying the Great Outdoor Activities

A beautiful river in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains are an adventurer’s dream come true, offering countless activities for every kind of thrill-seeker. Fishing enthusiasts can spend days angling over 2,900 miles (4,666 km) of streams teeming with trout and other species. Horseback riding is another great way to explore the park’s beauty, with five horse camps and over 550 miles (885 km) of horse trails. And come winter, the park serves as a haven for snow sports, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Get those hiking boots ready, as this park has more than 800 miles (1,287 km) of trails that cater to all skill levels, from gentle strolls to challenging summits. A few of the most popular trails include:

For a leisurely and family-friendly experience, the Gatlinburg Trail is perfect. It is one of only two dog-friendly trails in the park, making it a fantastic option for those visiting with their furry friends. The relatively flat trail is also accessible for those with mobility challenges, including wheelchairs. The 3.8-mile round-trip stroll takes you through peaceful forests and along the water’s edge on the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Historical remains of old homesteads add a touch of history to this beautiful hike.
An invigorating half-day hike, Chimney Tops is a steep but rewarding 3.8-mile round-trip trek. As you ascend through the lush forests, you’ll be treated to eye-catching bursts of wildflowers during the spring and a kaleidoscope of colors during fall foliage season. Although your journey to the top will be met with some rocky and challenging terrain, the panoramic views from the pinnacles make every step worthwhile.
The Alum Cave Trail is without a doubt one of the park’s most popular trails, and for good reason! This 4.4-mile round-trip journey leads you through archways, along steep cliffs, and across a picturesque mountain stream. Alum Cave Bluff is the true star of this trail, a massive concave cliff, towering 80 feet overhead.
If you’re looking to experience the beauty of the park’s waterfalls, Rainbow Falls Trail is the perfect choice. This moderate 5.4-mile round-trip hike takes you along LeConte Creek and culminates at the park’s highest single-drop waterfall, Rainbow Falls. As the sunlight filters through the trees, you might be lucky enough to catch sight of a magical rainbow reflecting in the waterfall’s mist.
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is the iconic long-distance hike in America. Passing through 14 states, it extends from Georgia to Maine for over 2,190 miles. Within the park, the trail covers over 70 miles, traversing the very backbone of the Smokies. I enjoyed hiking from Newfound Gap to get great views as well as a taste of the AT. You can also hike from there to the highest peak in the park at Clingmans Dome (6,643 feet) although it is a 15-mile hike.

Cherishing the Rich Cultural Heritage

Historic cabin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Long before it became a national park, the Great Smoky Mountains were inhabited by Native Americans, particularly the Cherokee people. In fact, the name “Smoky Mountains” is derived from the Cherokee word “Shaconage,” meaning “place of the blue smoke.” However, European settlers eventually displaced the Cherokee people, resulting in the infamous Trail of Tears in the 1830s. Fortunately, remnants of Cherokee culture still remain today in the park, such as the remnants of the sacred Cherokee Indian town of Kituwah.

During the early to mid-19th century, pioneers began to settle in the valleys and coves throughout the Smoky Mountains. One such valley is Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop, which has evolved into an outdoor museum showcasing the history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, visitors can step back in time by exploring numerous historical buildings and sites including:

John Oliver Cabin: Constructed in the early 1820s, this is one of the oldest structures in Cades Cove. Belonging to one of the earliest settlers in the area, the cabin provides visitors a glimpse into the lives of pioneers.
Cades Cove Methodist Church: Established in 1820, the church was the center of worship for the early settlers and reflected the importance of faith in their lives.
Cable Mill Area: This section of Cades Cove includes multiple historic structures, such as a working grist mill, blacksmith shop, and the Becky Cable House. It offers a unique insight into the industriousness of the early settlers.

Vehicle-free access along the Cades Cove Loop Road takes place each Wednesday, from May 3 through September 27, 2023. On these days, the 11-mile loop can be enjoyed on foot or bicycle.

Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tent at the Cosby Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

For a truly immersive experience of GSMNP, there’s nothing quite like camping right in the heart of the park. With over ten campgrounds to choose from, you’ll have a range of options for connecting with nature. Some popular campgrounds include:

Cades Cove: This spacious, panoramic meadow provides visitors with excellent opportunities for wildlife watching and breathtaking views. The campground here offers vehicle access, making it ideal for families.
Elkmont: Nestled deep within the woods, Elkmont serves as a fantastic base for hiking into the higher elevations of the park. With its proximity to historic sites like Daisy Town and Spence Cabin, history buffs will find plenty to keep them engaged.

Don’t forget to make reservations, as campgrounds can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.

Staying in Tennessee

If you prefer the amenities of a town, consider booking a stay in one of the several towns on the Tennessee side of GSMNP. These towns offer a fantastic mix of proximity to park entrances, cozy accommodations, and a vibrant local scene.

Gatlinburg: As a bustling tourist hub, Gatlinburg has a plethora of hotels, cabins, and unique attractions like the famous Sky Lift and the SkyBridge. You’ll also be just minutes away from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, making it a convenient point of entry into the park.
Pigeon Forge: With family-friendly attractions like Dollywood and more than 73,000 lodging options, Pigeon Forge is the perfect destination for visitors seeking entertainment both inside and outside of the park. We especially loved Camp Margaritaville, which has a campground and hotel offering the best of both worlds.

Staying in North Carolina

One of the best locations to stay on the North Carolina side of the park is Bryson City. Preserving its small-town atmosphere and nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this town is a sweet spot for mountain me-aways. There is an assortment of lodging options catering to various preferences, from hotels and vacation homes to cabin rentals and full-service campgrounds.

Be sure to plan extra time to explore the local area and enjoy the numerous things to do in Bryson City, NC.

Answering the Call of the Great Smoky Mountains

So why wait? It’s time to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to the Great Smoky Mountains. Experience the thrilling adventures, witness the breathtaking vistas, and immerse yourself in the American wilderness like never before. But before you go, don’t forget to plan your visit well, taking into account the seasons, weather, and safety tips provided by the park’s experts. You can easily access all the necessary information on the National Park Service’s website.

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