Elkmont Campground Great Smoky Mountains Dodging Raindrops

A little rain never stopped us... but a lot of rain... and hail?... still didn't stop us. Nestled right between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Elkmont campground has so much to offer. The nature that comes with being in the Great Smoky Mountains and minutes away from all the restaurants and shopping you can stand to enjoy. And sometimes when it rains a lot that's a great thing to have nearby.
Chapters:
00:00 Heading to Elkmont Campground
00:34 First stop Sugarlands Visitor Center
05:06 Setup camp at Elkmont Campground
06:10 Wrong Turn Going To Apple Barn Pigeon Forge
09:07 Broccoli Cheddar Soup on new Blackstone griddle
14:13 Woke up to rain at campsite
17:03 Sugarlands to Gatlinburg Trail- Riding bikes into Gatlinburg, TN
22:50 Ekko generator fails us AGAIN!
25:00 Our thoughts about Elkmont Campground
27:05 Look At Nature- Butterflies Of Elkmont
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
〰️〰️ LINKS TO THINGS WE USE
〰️〰️ (to make it easier for you & help our channel)
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
🚲 Bikes:
Lynn's Bike: bit.ly/4e2kVwH
Owen's Bike: Not available (Wolff Lyra ST)
Maggie's Toto Basket: amzn.to/4e4Sy0M
Our Bike Rack: amzn.to/4e3ytYO
Our Bike Cover: amzn.to/3XoArNF
Owen's eScooter: amzn.to/3V59Z8W
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
🧑‍🍳 Cooking:
Cast Iron Trivet: amzn.to/3R9Ic64
Insulated Plates: amzn.to/3R9EF7C
Magma Stackable Pots/Pans: amzn.to/4c1tOF0
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
🏕️ Outside:
Nemo Chairs: amzn.to/3R5YtsM
Picco Chairs: amzn.to/4bZRg5q
Swivel Chairs: amzn.to/455f1Xm
Maggie's Outdoor Dog Bed: amzn.to/3Kxn4Tj
Maggie's Car Seat Bed: amzn.to/456kUDH
Folding Screen Room: amzn.to/45eFamL
Popup Fire Pit: amzn.to/3X5srAU
Solo Stove: amzn.to/4dYL0wF
Folding Table: amzn.to/4bKJiNY
Spare Tire Bag: amzn.to/3X6NtyR
Bote Inflatable Tandem Kayak: amzn.to/3V9vcOS
Folding Oru Kayaks: amzn.to/3Xd173s
Lynn's Grey Hat: amzn.to/3VsO2Cc
Lynn's Deb Hat: amzn.to/4b0MPGN
🏪 Our Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLi...

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Glad you guys found the video and have watched! It means a lot to us. So in this pinned comment I'll try to answer the questions as they pop up. If you have a question, ask in a comment and we'll try to respond here so everyone can see the answer. 1) What month? 2nd week of May, 2024 2) Where is home for us? We live near Boone, NC 3) Get a Waggle... we've had very bad experiences with Waggle, even though they have tried on at least 2 times to sponsor our channel. Last year we took one to Newfoundland around this time and it never would connect and we could not depend on it. Had the same thing happen when we went to Alaska and through Canada. We went to a wifi monitor that works when we have a hotspot (which we don't now) or have Starlink up. 4) Do we like the camping version of the Blackstone griddle? So far, yes... only time will tell. We actually like the smaller griddle and burner combination too.

[@marthatroyer3021]

We usually eat like y'all, breakfast, snack, and early evening meal. We love our 25 ft. motorhome. Easy to park and everything we need is always with us, including the bathroom! 😊

[@larryvincent2098]

I enjoyed your adventure at campground and seeing how beautiful things are at the smoky mountains!! Thank you for sharing this with me !!! As always BS & BK & BC !!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for watching.

[@AndyB718]

As usual, your videos make me smile.

[@annearmstrong14]

We did the bridge walk 2 years ago. Loved it and West Virginia. As always, I enjoyed the video.

[@davidstill7684]

Lynn, I have the bug a-salt killer too. Never thought about killing mosquitoes with it. Very cool. Nice video!!!!

[@donaldtharp]

Loved your comment, Owen: “Took the Browns to the Superbowl.” I have never heard it put quite that way. 😂

[@michaelsykes6679]

We invested in Waggle to monitor temp in our rig when we leave the dogs behind. It’s pricey, but it does give you peace of mind. Thanks for what you do.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We have tried to use Waggle but it seems like the places we needed it didn’t have service so we let it expire. It did work great when we had service.

[@sherriweber7105]

Hi Owen and Lynn! I had that soup for lunch just this week. But without bacon. I added more cheese too! It looks like a nice state park. Oh no the air conditioning went out. I wonder what happened. Nice bike ride. Glad Maggie was ok! Beautiful butterflies. How cute was that that Maggie spotted a turkey. Nice you had a few days with clear weather for a bit. Thank you for taking me along with you to Gatlinburg. Have a great weekend and week and great Fourth of July. See you soon!

[@OG785]

Watching this while camping with my dog... In the rain😂

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

So you know what it’s like… Maggie does very well when we have to hunker down due to rain.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Ooo...that soup looked scrumptious! We were camping the 3rd week of May at a COE in SC (Springfield) and our weather was really nice...cool, but not quite soup and fire cold. We're going to remember Panera in the Fall! That was a cool trail ride to town. I'm with Lynn, I always worry about Stanly my boy when we have to leave him. I can't decide if it's him or me that has separation anxiety worse.❤😉 Great video. Much love from SC❤🙏Jane

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I don’t know why things taste better when you are camping. The soup is a very quick meal and very tasty. I totally understand the anxiety of leaving your dog, I feel the same way. Thanks so much for watching.

[@RoadsofLife]

So sorry to hear about the generator. Our biggest fear is A/C failure with the dog. I did not have success with GOVEE system... it never would tell me anything once I left the van. We got WAGGLE, and it seems to work as long as there is Verizon somewhere (a couple of places did not have good Verizon signal and it did not work well). Whenever dog is in van, we monitor the Waggle even if it doesn't give me a warning, just in case. We were just at GSM... near Pigeon Forge on our way to the Embassy meetup in Bristol, Indiana. Took a "Pink Jeep" tour since we were passing through on our way north. Necessities for us: Toilet, Internet, Freedom, Each other. BTW... our daughter just graduated SCAD and is now interning with DisneyWorld! Have a wonderful trip to wherever you go! Be seeing you!

[@skipmason8747]

Spring time in the Smokies there is always a chance of rain. Summer time afternoon showers. The rain is what makes them so beautiful.

[@sandramcfarland2704]

We were just talking about the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas earlier today. We’ve been there a couple of times and we agree. It’s fun, but way too much traffic and not our favorite place.

[@rollinwiththedavises1938]

The brocolli cheddar soup is always my go to at Panera. Our local grocery store carries it. Now that everybody has battery powered grinders our bikes, trailers, etc are never as secure as we hope no matter how good your locks are.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It’s sad that you have to always worry about things being where you left them. But that is reality.

[@jbianchi78]

We camped at Elkmont last summer in my minivan, pretty sure at that same site!

[@dwightblanton1483]

Turns out we were there the same week as you. Remember seeing an Ekko at Sugarland and wondering why they had the bikes tilted. 😊. Elkmont one is one of our favorites. Saw your post at Smokemont. FYI, you can see Elk most evenings before sunset at the Visitor center. Enjoy your post. Thanks!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Wish we could have said hello. Thanks for the info on when to see the elk.

[@David-jo4gt]

Thank you for taking the Browns to the Super Bowl, I still laugh every time. Very interested in how the Blackstone works out. I want one but Angie said we don't need it. We enjoyed the video and want to camp there when the weather cools off. Happy tails and safe travels.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Tell Angie one benefit of getting a Blackstone is you will do the cooking. It does encourage Owen to cook more.

[@michaelbecnel63]

Looks like the rain is following you...Happy Trails 🐕

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Well the ice cream and apple turnovers looked good 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

They are soooo good, it’s something we do everytime we are in the area.

[@grillinandchillinwithdeb]

Great video, sounds like us when we tent camped seemed like all it did was rain and got flooded out tons of time. Glad we got our camper now. Enjoy and Maggie hugs please ❤

[@FromShetoMe]

2 essentials: bathroom and ice cream.

[@PMUP2016]

Owen, it would be great to tell us the month you were there. Helpful to gauge what it might be like when others visit.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We were there the 2nd week in May. We will try to include the dates in the future.

[@PMUP2016]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle thanks

[@gfinklea]

I don't know if you know it or not, but y'all drove off and left your camera. 🙂🙂 🙂 Love your videos.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I hope not. thanks for watching.

[@timmartin4952]

We camped at Elkmont and really enjoyed it. I believe there are 2 dog allowed trails. One starts at Sugarland. Kind of glad they charge for the pamphlets so people don’t waste them. But understand the dlipside to that as well. We enjoy having our own bathroom as well. Thanks for the visit! You guys are the best!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I don’t usually pick up pamphlets unless i really have a need for one. I’ve started taking pictures of them as to not waste them. Thanks so much for watching.

[@timmartin4952]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle sorry, I was thinking more of kids walking around picking them up. Just being kids.

[@koalabear6722]

We love and camp in Elkmont in the fall . We do that same soup in camp the 1st night. We have a 2016 180 Rpod, dry bath, love it. Would love to know what site you were in? Spring is pretty but the weather could be iffy. The Bull elk are usually in The Oconoluftee Visitor Center. Happy Camping 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We were in site E11. We always stop at the Visitor Center just in case the elk are out. Thanks for watching.

[@robynidyllwild6755]

We have a Butterfly expert here in our little mountain village of Idyllwild. He told me the other day that the average span of lifetime for an adult butterfly 🦋 is two weeks. Did you know that? I had no idea! Thanks for the video

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I had no idea… that is kind of sad. thanks so much for sharing.

[@christinaputney659]

Wow, you guys had a lot of rain. It does sound soothing on the roof though. Looks like a beautiful place to visit.🚐 We have a pup dog too and that would be a huge concern. Glad Maggie is okay.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We did have a lot of rain, but it did stop at times so we could at least get out of the van and walk around.

[@clarkcopenhaver1265]

You should have walked or road bikes to the old cottages that are just behind the campground. About a 10 min. walk. These cabins/cottages were used as a "get away" for people in Knoxville area around mid to late 30's40's. Maybe next time.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I didn’t know about the cottages, we will look for them next time. Thanks for the inforamation.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Aldi sells that soup, in case you want some and aren’t near Costco. I think Walmart does, based on what someone told me(I don’t buy food at Walmart so I don’t know).

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Rain every day is typical here in fall, winter and spring . This is first couple weeks here on NC side we’ve had no rain . Yeah, it can be a bit like the Pacific NW living here. Bad on your “stuff” too. I have to keep dehumidifiers running inside and pressure wash often on outside, lots of wood rot on old homes.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the information on soup, that is good to know.

[@hbjtf]

Nice shirt, O! We’ve been next to Custer for the past many as my days. New specs?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes new specs… better to see you with.

[@susandougherty1076]

Get a Waggle that will alert you on your phone of temperature changes inside.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the suggestion, we have used Waggle in the past, we may need to start using it again.

[@kathrynsummers2607]

What time of year is this, doesn’t look too busy, usually that main road is backed up! Beautiful trail!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was the 2nd week in May.

[@richardburguillos3118]

Thanks for sharing another great adventure. We have bikes I’d like to carry with our EKKO. Do you like your bike cover? Does it keep them dry? How do you redisplay your license plate and is it lighted for night driving? Thanks again!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We do like our bike cover. It is a FORMOSA Protective Travel Bike Cover, it zips down and underneath so it keeps the bikes dry and clean. It has a clear area around the tires so you can see the brake light through it. It has reflective tape around it but no lights. It also has a place to put a copy of your license plate on one side of it, we have tried that but we need to get a better copy of our plate. It’s in our Amazon store if you want to take a look here’s the link www.amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLifestyle.

[@richardburguillos3118]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Thanks!! Can’t wait to be able to retire and travel without the need to rush home for work again. Love your adventures and great videos and editing.

[@edmalin2225]

Hi Own & Lynn….we love your cooking but do you have any recipes you cook that are low in fat? When we travel my wife freezes individual meals for us and we’re always looking for healthy dinner. Thank you

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We will try to show some more healthier meal. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@TravelingTaylorsontheroad]

Great video as usual! But, has the rule about shooting a KZbin video in the National Parks been changed?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

In the process of changing. And the permit is another way they nickel and diming visitors.

[@victoriasolis6473]

Can the new Blackstone with the burner be connected to an RV quick connect?

[@robertarnold2608]

Next time try Five Oaks farm Kitchen good country food My wife Nancy is a waitress on morning shift

[@vancandew7375]

Only have one lithium battery in the Ekko??

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes, only one.

[@dawnloveless1165]

Ive been looking at that model of blackstone to replace my coleman stove. Are you liking it?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes. Loving it. Non-stick is a game changer. No more seasoning and worrying about rust when you store the RV. Jury is out on whether I should have gotten the smaller griddle and stove top or just the bigger griddle only. But so far it has come in handy many times.

[@dawnloveless1165]

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle thank you for your reply. I think the smaller griddle and burner are great for two people to make eggs, bacon and grits all at once.

[@teresasprouse1097]

TMI