Douglas Dam, TN 9-12 July, 2016

Campground Map

Douglas Dam Headwater Campground

We met the Giles/Ball/Marrow clan at Douglas Dam Headwater Campground in Sevierville, TN.  Jenn and her family took sites 19 & 20, which ended up being a long pull-through type combo site that worked out perfectly for a group trip.  Our site, #26, was just across the road, nicely shaded, water views, but a bit short (and slightly steep) at the entrance so it was a bit tricky to get 6 tons leveled.  There was a large, grassy area in front of the sites, which worked out perfectly for a kids' play area.  The google maps photo above of the campground shows the water level MUCH lower than it actually was while we were there.

Our yard art

The swimming beach

We arrived on Saturday afternoon, and after about an hour or so of finagling to get into our campsite we were setup and ready to go.  The entrance to the site had a downhill slope before leveling out and our camper was so long that we had to have the front jacks on the hill.  That made it tricky to get the camper leveled.  We also had some power issues at the site, and had to reset the breaker on the power box a few times.  Once settled, we took the kiddos down to the water for a swim.  Whomever maintains the campground clearly brought in some sand for the beach - it was nice, clean sand.  Once in the water, the ground became super muddy.

Site #26

On Sunday, we rented a pontoon boat (great call Jenn!) and spent most of the day on the reservoir.  We stopped a couple of times for some food/drinks/swimming, but otherwise puttered around and checked out the area.  Saw some cool primitive campsites where people clearly only had boat access.  

Auntie Jenn with the kiddos

Beautiful scenery on the water

Castaway Keith

Sleepy grizzly bear

  

On Monday we made the 30 minute drive out to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.  The kids had a blast! Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, the park was scenic and a great park for kids of all ages.

Who's watching the road?

Thumbs up for the water ride

Keith & Warren

To much awesomeness for one bee to handle

Ferris wheel fun!

Overall, what a great weekend.  Next time we go back with this crew, we'll grab site #18.  It's a pull thru, and we can position ourselves so our door opens up to the picnic table area between sites 19 & 20. Probably would stay away from the other loop, not so much shade, crowded, and tricky to get in and out since it's a dead end.  

Pros

- Nice shaded site

- Great water views
- Nice beach, easy access

- Close to Smoky Mountains

- Pull-thru sites
- Large grassy area
- Firewood and ice delivery
- That Dam Store just up the road
- Marina around the corner has a dock bar with live music!

Cons

- Many sites difficult to navigate

- Parking lot between sites and lake
- Bathroom light ruined the ambiance at night