News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
People camping at Tennessee State Parks in historic numbers this year with four of the top 10 camping months ever recorded.
Fall Creek Falls among the leaders in the state. Park Manager Jacob Young said he is not surprised.
“The last four months have been extremely busy,” Young said. “Of course, Fall Creek Falls is always a pretty busy park. There is just a lot to see. There is a lot of attractions with the waterfalls and hiking and lots of outdoor activities that you can take a part in. We also have a pretty large camp ground compared to others, so not surprised at all.”
Young said technology upgrades have played a role in this year’s increase. Young said many families work or learn virtually while staying at the campground. While the pandemic contributed to this rise, Young said he has seen a steady increase in camping for the past several years.
“The last couple of years we have seen an increase in camping,” Young said. “Not just camping but park use in general. With COVID, I think folks were really needing to get out and do something where they could isolate themselves. (…) So camping, hiking, site seeing and checking out waterfalls was a great option for them.”
For those interested in visiting, Young recommends families to stay at Campground A while his favorite is Campground B for its remoteness.
“A Campground has some really nice side sites,” Young said. “They are close to a bathroom, close to a playground and have a big grassy area in the center where kids can play games. It is relatively flat. It is a great place to ride your bike. If you’re wanting something more quiet, a little more remote and not as close to the crowds and the kids, D area has some really nice sites, and that is probably the most laid back area of the campground. My personal favorite, and the reason I like it is I feel like I am further in the mountains, is B area of the campground.”
Young said the campgrounds also have tennis and basketball courts.
