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Panther Creek State Park Tennessee (TN) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Panther Creek State Park is an excellent destination for RV camping, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Established in 1971, the park spans over 1,444 acres and features a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The park’s name pays tribute to the once-thriving panther population that roamed the area’s lush forests. Today, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species.

The park’s most striking feature is its impressive geological formations, which were shaped over millions of years by the forces of water and erosion. Panther Creek’s stunning gorges, waterfalls, and rocky outcroppings offer breathtaking views and provide a unique backdrop for outdoor recreation. The park’s landscape is also home to a variety of plant species, including oak, hickory, and pine trees, as well as wildflowers and ferns.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Panther Creek State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Panther Creek State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

Panther Creek State Park is easily accessible by private vehicle with multiple entrances available for visitors. The park’s main entrance is located off Highway 70 and visitors can also access the park from Interstate 40 via Highway 116. It’s essential to note that the park has restrictions on RV and trailer sizes with a maximum length of 45 feet and a maximum width of 10 feet. Visitors should also be aware that some roads within the park have low clearance and may not be suitable for larger vehicles.

  • Parking area

RVs are welcome at Panther Creek State Park but there are specific rules to follow. Designated RV parking areas are available throughout the park. Overnight parking is only allowed in designated campsites for RVs. Camping with an RV is a great way to explore the park but alternative transportation methods like biking or hiking are recommended for getting around.

  • Public Transportation

Public transportation is not available within Panther Creek State Park. However walking paths and hiking trails provide ample opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty. Shuttle bus services are not offered so visitors should plan accordingly and be prepared to walk or bike to their desired destinations within the park.

Top Campsites in Panther Creek State Park

  • Reservations camping

The most popular campsites near Panther Creek State Park that require reservations are

Cherokee Dam Campground

Located just a short drive from the park this campground offers 300 sites including full hookups for RVs up to 70 feet. The campground features a swimming beach boat ramp fishing pier and hiking trails. Pets are welcome and the campground is open year-round.

Douglas Dam Headwater Campground

This campground is situated on the shores of Douglas Lake just a few miles from Panther Creek State Park. It offers 65 sites with water and electric hookups for RVs up to 35 feet. The campground features a swimming beach boat ramp and fishing pier. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from May to September.

Cove Creek RV Resort

This upscale RV resort is located just a few miles from Panther Creek State Park and offers 120 full hookup sites for RVs up to 45 feet. The resort features a swimming pool hot tub playground and game room. Pets are welcome and the resort is open year-round.

Smoky Junction RV Park

Located in nearby Morristown this RV park offers 50 full hookup sites for RVs up to 40 feet. The park features a swimming pool hot tub and game room. Pets are welcome and the park is open year-round.

  • First-come first-served

Here are some first-come-first-served campgrounds in Panther Creek State Park

Campground A

This campground offers 35 sites including both primitive and electric sites. The campground is open year-round and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Pets are welcome.

Campground B

This campground offers 60 sites including primitive and electric sites. The campground is open from May to September and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Pets are welcome.

Hemlock Point Hiker’s Camp

This primitive campsite is located on the Panther Creek Hiking Trail and can accommodate up to 8 people. The site is open year-round and is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Pets are not allowed.

  • Alternate camping

If the campsites inside Panther Creek State Park are full RV renters can consider the following alternative camping options nearby

Lakeview RV Park

Located just a few miles from the park this RV park offers full hookup sites for RVs up to 60 feet. The park features a swimming pool hot tub and game room. Pets are welcome and the park is open year-round.

Backcountry Camping

For a more rustic camping experience RV renters can try backcountry camping in the nearby Cherokee National Forest. Permits are required and campers must hike to the campsites. Pets are allowed and the camping season runs from May to October.

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds in the area that offer a range of amenities and services including full hookups Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. Some popular options include Mountain Lake Campground Clinch River Campground and Rocky Top Campground. Pets are generally welcome and the camping season varies by campground.

  • General activities

Hiking Trails

Panther Creek State Park boasts over 30 miles of hiking trails making it a paradise for avid hikers. The Point Lookout Trail is the most popular offering stunning views of the Cherokee National Forest and Lake Cherokee. The trail is rated moderate and is a 3.6-mile loop that takes hikers through lush forests and rocky terrain. The park also has several easy trails for beginners including the Lake Trail which is a 1.5-mile loop that circles the lake and offers beautiful views of the water and wildlife.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity at Panther Creek State Park with several spots to cast a line. The park has a 1 444-acre lake that is stocked with bass crappie catfish and bluegill. The lake is also home to several species of trout including rainbow and brown trout. Fishing is allowed from the shore or from a boat and the park has several boat ramps for easy access to the water.

Biking

Panther Creek State Park has over 17 miles of mountain biking trails that offer a challenging and exciting ride through the forest. The trails range from beginner to advanced with several options for riders of all skill levels. The park also has a paved bike trail that runs along the lake offering a scenic and leisurely ride.

Camping

Panther Creek State Park has over 50 campsites including RV sites with full hookups. The campsites are situated in a beautiful wooded area offering privacy and a chance to connect with nature. The park also has several amenities including a swimming pool playground and picnic area.

  • Alternative activities

Alternative Activities

Sightseeing

Panther Creek State Park is home to several beautiful landmarks including the iconic Panther Creek Falls. The falls are a short hike from the parking lot and offer a stunning view of the 40-foot waterfall. The park also has several scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the Cherokee National Forest and Lake Cherokee.

Nature Watching

Panther Creek State Park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer turkey and raccoons. The park also has several bird-watching spots including the Lake Trail which is home to several species of birds including the Great Blue Heron and the Bald Eagle.

Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities

The park offers several Instagram-worthy photo opportunities including the Panther Creek Falls the scenic overlooks and the lake. The park also has several benches and picnic areas that offer a beautiful backdrop for family photos or selfies.

Season-specific experiences in Panther Creek State Park

  • Spring activities

During the spring season Panther Creek State Park offers a variety of recreational activities that attract RV campers. One popular activity is the Spring Wildflower Hike which takes place along the Point Lookout Trail. This trail is known for its beautiful display of wildflowers including trilliums violets and bloodroot. The hike is approximately 3 miles long and provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest.

Another popular spring activity is fishing. Panther Creek State Park is home to a variety of fish species including bass crappie and catfish. The park has several fishing piers and boat ramps making it easy for RV campers to access the lake. The park also hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the spring season.

For history buffs the park offers a guided tour of the historic Hiwassee State Archaeological Area. This area contains the remains of several Cherokee village sites as well as a reconstructed Cherokee farmstead. The tour provides insight into the daily life of the Cherokee people who once lived in the area.

RV campers can also enjoy the park’s many picnic areas and playgrounds. The park has several pavilions that can be reserved for group events as well as several smaller picnic areas that are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Finally the park offers a variety of birdwatching opportunities. Spring is the perfect time to see migrating birds including warblers vireos and thrushes. The park has several bird blinds and observation decks that provide great views of the birds and their habitats.

  • Summer activities

During the summer season Panther Creek State Park offers even more recreational activities for RV campers. One popular activity is swimming at the park’s Olympic-sized pool. The pool is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and is surrounded by a large sun deck and several picnic areas.

Another popular summer activity is boating. The park has several boat ramps and docks making it easy for RV campers to launch their boats and enjoy a day on the lake. The park also rents paddleboards kayaks and canoes for those who don’t have their own equipment.

For hikers the park offers several trails that are perfect for exploring during the summer months. The Chestnut Ridge Trail for example is a 3.8-mile hike that takes you through a beautiful hardwood forest and offers stunning views of the lake. The Overlook Trail is another popular option with a 1.2-mile hike that leads to a scenic overlook of the park.

RV campers can also enjoy the park’s many summer events including concerts movies and ranger-led programs. The park hosts several outdoor concerts throughout the summer featuring local and regional musicians. Movies are shown on the lawn of the park’s amphitheater and ranger-led programs include guided hikes birdwatching tours and nature talks.

Finally the park’s campgrounds offer a variety of amenities for RV campers including full hookups picnic tables and fire rings. The campgrounds are also located near the park’s many recreational facilities making it easy for campers to enjoy all that the park has to offer.

  • Fall activities

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Panther Creek State Park and there are many recreational activities that attract RV campers. One popular activity is hiking the park’s many trails which offer stunning views of the changing leaves. The Point Lookout Trail is a favorite among visitors as it leads to a scenic overlook that offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forest.

Another popular activity is fishing in the park’s 1 444-acre lake which is home to a variety of fish including bass crappie and catfish. The lake is also a popular spot for boating and kayaking and there are several boat ramps located throughout the park.

For history buffs the park is home to several historical landmarks including the remains of the historic town of Paint Rock which was once a thriving community in the 1800s. Visitors can also explore the park’s many historic cabins and homesteads which offer a glimpse into life in rural Tennessee during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Finally the park is home to several scenic picnic areas which offer the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the beauty of the fall foliage. The park’s picnic areas are equipped with grills tables and restrooms making them the perfect spot for a family outing.

  • Winter activities

Winter is a magical time to visit Panther Creek State Park and there are many recreational activities that attract RV campers. One popular activity is hiking the park’s many trails which offer a peaceful and serene experience during the winter months. The park’s trails are also popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and the park offers rentals for both activities.

Another popular activity during the winter months is ice fishing on the park’s 1 444-acre lake. The lake is home to a variety of fish including bass crappie and catfish and the winter months offer some of the best fishing of the year.

For those looking for a unique winter experience the park offers guided horseback rides through the snow-covered trails. The rides offer breathtaking views of the park’s winter scenery and are suitable for riders of all skill levels.

Finally the park is home to several cozy cabins and campgrounds that are open year-round making it the perfect spot for a winter getaway. The cabins are equipped with heat and hot water and offer all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

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