Is all Motorcycle camping Created Equal? Kickstand vs. Ironhorse | Campgrounds

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

We will be out on the road and away from cell service for the next couple of days. Thanks for watching, we will answer comments as soon as we return!

[@ttjbiggunner2025]

So basically iron horses is for the yuppies and kickstand is for everybody else

[@terrysadventure1529]

Been there done that I don't know how many times I'm a country boy in Texas so yeah I know

[@nctexan1970]

I’ve stayed at both and like them for the reasons you stated. My last three trips O stayed at the Ironhorse. I like tent camping there, and love the amenities: showers, laundry, and great indoor and outdoor areas to relax. When it would be pouring rain, I could go inside the huge lounge and relax, shoot pool, throw darts, etc…and they have great WiFi.

[@underthetornado]

I can't believe what they charge for tent camping!!! Damn!😎🏜🌈❤

[@jackvoss5841]

In my tent, I measure length and width of the floor. From the hardware, I purchase some sheet plastic (visqueen) to get a piece 1 foot longer and 1 foot wider. Then fold up a 6” high collar all around the edges. Miter each corner and secure it with duct tape. The first thing to go into the tent is this bathtub. Problem is that tent floors leak, weep, and seep. Sometimes from the first set up, other times later on. A foot print tarp offers very little protection to the tent, and none to the camper. The internal bathtub is not there to protect the tent. THE BATHTUB PROTECTS THE CAMPER. To protect my tent, I use the edge of a trowel to scrape away the collected sticks, stones, pull tabs, broken glass, etc, etc. THAT protects the tent. Besides, buying a foot print usually costs $25-50 for a piece of $5-10 material. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

I like a good vibe and clean bathrooms. I hope you make your way to Willville motorcycle campground in Meadows of Dan Virginia

[@the_E4_Mafia]

There is plenty of free camping on the Bald river outside of Tellico Plains. Also plenty of free camping off of the Cherohala skyway.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Thank you so much for sharing your adventure.

[@iucp101]

I recommend getting a can of Camp Dry from Walmart and spray the tent all over with extra on the seams. It really works. The tarp under the tent works but it can't be sticking out at all.

[@indianbell5211]

Ditto! Done it spray after/before each set up Coleman held up 👍

[@Buck1954]

Kickstand reminds of the place I live in and I like the homey old fashioned feeling. When I first rode into this place, I loved it immediately.

[@sudarsanr6230]

You are truly a made for each other couple. So sweet. Best wishes and wishing you many more miles together.

[@brianferguson8891]

Mo and Bobby are the best! I first stayed there back in 2012 and have been back 10 times since. Some years twice for a week or more at a time. They will be open this year from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. I KNOW MO!

[@bobdan2815]

You should get a large tarp to go over your tent. Stake it down or bungee around trees. You will stay dry and if large enough, you can set up an area to put your chairs. Don't have to sit in the tent.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Great idea

[@mikewalters4994]

I'm gonna be headed back up that way in October, cannot wait. I love going up there in the Fall, because of all the colors. If you go in the Fall, you might need to call first and make reservations. Thanks for sharing this and all your videos with us, I ❤️ them !!! Ride Safe !!

[@motofamilyamerica2736]

Rich and Kris.....if you plan on staying another night or two in the Cherokee area, try Indian Creek Campground and see if the "Lottery Spot" is available. My wife and I along with our kids stayed there on our BRP/Smoky Mountain trip this year. It is a super neat little place, very clean and if you like being lulled to sleep by a babbling brook then you will love it!

[@larrycrouse]

Kickstand is outstanding place oh the stories I could tell you . My wife and I have been there at least 10 times from Canada 🇨🇦 in the last few years

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

I bet lots of good stories from tbere

[@alexschuster9567]

Great stuff. Tarp will keep you dry from the ground up if inside tent. Have tarp slightly bigger than floor of tent and roll perimeter up. Just give it a try if you like. Have fun.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Good call!

[@drdubb76]

I've spent many a great weekend at Kickstand. Mo will never forget your name. My first year there, I was recruited to cook breakfast for the camp. Another time I had clean up duty. Its a great place and yes it is like a family.

[@sandrarhea2328]

That was a beautiful place. Thank you for the reviews. I enjoyed it.

[@floydlacroix6957]

Kickstand is like family stayed a lot last time was to long ago had to leave early in morning MO got breakfast early for me I will never forget it apple bread French toast a true place in my hart

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Awesome

[@gordontownsend8439]

Gave up tents many years ago never looked back lol

[@Rvbiker18]

You guys should check out Two wheel resort of Suches GA. Beautiful place and great people. Roads are do beautiful and Blairsville is a charming town

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes we’ve been there. Check back on our earlier videos.

[@johnhumphries4632]

Thank you all you do for us. I just love your videos and your positive attitude. Please Be Safe ❤

[@DebiCrowder]

Kickstand is definitely home away from home when we go down there! Love Bobby and Mo! Need to get back down there soon!!

[@birdatkinson1]

You should check out Mt. View Motorcycle Campground. It’s in the general area you are in now.

[@Susan.Beavers]

We tried kickstand i will never go back. We live iron horse!!!!! Them being closed was a blessing. 😅

[@scooterbernieamputeeharleyride]

Thanks!! The Kickstand Lodge sounds like my kind of place! Just me but I’m a fan & KOA member, always clean and accommodating!

[@thermalreboot]

I love the Ironhorse, I spent a week there last spring.

[@Septonk9]

If you really want to get the vibe of the Kickstand Lodge come through when there's a medium to full camp. Especially if you can get there when the Clicker Lickers @shanestout is playing. Nothing better than a day of riding and nights sitting on the porch or campfire with live music. This is my therapy. The best thing about this place is there are no strangers and everyone is friendly.

[@karenallen5208]

Oh, okay, I feel relieved. It appears they just changed their policy. I just tried to call Mo and didn't get a answer and now I know why. I even have their number in my phone I've been there so many times. You'll like it. I've had the wanderlust for the Kickstand this past few months. I'm going to have to make plans. Thanks for bringing back my sweet memories of the Kickstand and getting me fired up to go again.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes they are just scaling back I hope they stay around for awhile.

[@karenallen5208]

@@TwoWheelsBigLife Knowing Mo, I convinced she'll keep it going as long as possible. She's such a biker babe, in the best of ways.

[@timothyarmesy990]

I stayed at the Iron Horse a couple of years ago. Trailered the bike and time constrained had me staying in one of the cabins. The lack of restaurants was disheartening, (early Oct.). Going to try to do the trip again, but camp. Thanks for the in-sights. Rock on!

[@bigalon3wheels]

Seems you guys got a good handle on the motorcycle touring now. Enjoy the way you simple overcome the problems and make do with what is there when you get there.

[@larrycrouse]

We took a small group of friends down there a couple years ago and it was a hit for the most part

[@captainjim605]

I enjoy your videos and admire your "enjoyment" of the tenting life. My wife and I have been riding for 50+ years and have moved from tent camping (in our younger years) to RVing (motorhome with the bikes in a cargo trailer). These days, we travel in air conditioned (and dry) comfort, and day trip with the bikes where the riding is good. I was excited for you when you got the camper/truck set up, thinking you'd be more comfortable... which (for us, anyway) means: happy to be out there longer. My question: why did you choose to move from the camper/truck back to strictly tent camping? I would be riding alone if I suggested that move (getting that first motorhome 30 years ago was my wife's idea - and a good one!). Wishing you good times and safe travels.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Awesome thanks

[@johnhughes8563]

You guys are amazing, you are at the top of my watch list . Thank you so much .

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thanks a bunch John

[@ejdtm]

The new owners of the Ironhorse changed it. The fire pit was smaller and everyone sat around it. The tent sites doubled in price the last couple of years. I want to try Two Wheel Suches campground. I think it’s near the GA line.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes Two Wheels of Suchas is a great place

[@jeanroy3658]

thanks for the ride.......love sunday now.

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

Another great video, informative and open hearted reviews! Thank you so much. Love the channel. Enjoy, Stay Safe !

[@randygordon1446]

Hi I'm randy from Akron ohio I'm a gold wing guy I like your show and the things iv learned. I'm going to try the moto camping next year . Be safe and keep sending videos

[@richardmourdock2719]

Love the Kickstand. Definitely going to have to make a trip down there. Thanks for "profiling" it.

[@danielb2060]

I have stayed at kickstand lodge many time's Bobby and mo are great people !

[@jrodriguez8216]

Great video, enjoying your content, I am a fan. California viewing

[@ES44AC-2]

It rains a lot in the NC mountains, just how it is. The part of the NC mountains you went to gets a very high amount of rain. I live 45 min for the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the vicinity of Boone, Wilkesboro area.

[@Motoramblings]

Great comparison video! I’ll be checking out the Kickstand lodge the next time I head over that way! I love riding in that area, so many great roads. Be well!!

[@jackvoss5841]

RE: water in your tent: (1) I stopped using a ground cloth years ago. They only delay wear on tent floors, they don’t prevent it.. Unfortunately, all tent floors will eventually seep or leak. Instead, I rig a sheet of plastic about 8” wider and 8” longer than the tent floor. I fold up a 4” high lip all the way around. Miter the corners, and fasten them with duct tape. This has saved me several times. Little holes can be temporarily patched with duct tape on both sides. New plastic is available at hardwares. Rain water is available almost everywhere. (2). BUT, even before the tent is erected, all - repeat ALL - debris is removed. Stones, sticks, pine cones,pull tabs, glass, etc. THEY are the culprits. (3). Water runs downhill. Pick a high spot. 😏 Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@chieffinch2011]

We stayed many times in robinsville on our motor cycle travels. Nice country love the ride between there and highland

[@danielcleaver9349]

I love Iron horse! I stayed there a few years ago. They have great food and nice people. Of all the nice people the cooks Lee and Shelley were my favorite. I've never been to kickstand lodge but will have to check it out next time I'm in North Carolina. Thanks for making such a great review 👍

[@matthampton7349]

Great video! Very informative, the iron bourse place is totally my style, we will have to check it out. On a technical note; You guys have the best sound quality and music.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thanks Matt 🖕🏻🤣🤣🤣

[@thelevelrider64]

Good lesson... when talking hotels, motels, or campgrounds, ALWAYS call ahead if at all possible. Nothing worse than finding that dreaded "Closed" or "No Vacancy" sign when you arrive without a backup plan. Which, of course, leads us to the lesson 2 for today: ALWAYS have a backup plan... and a BACKUP backup plan!

[@doomman700]

You will be hard pressed to get a phone answered at KSL.

[@donpet8258]

Do more content like this ! Good info. Leaving Ca. Now for Fl. NC. After Daytona, will try um

[@larrycrouse]

Dianne and I would love to come back down but due to a stroke I suffered in Dec of 2019 I had to get rid of my harley but I so miss that place. Maybe someday again. Moe and Bobbie have nice reasonably priced cabins to stay in as wellyou guys looked like granny and jed when you were running enjoy I wish I was there to show you some of the places dianne and I have found. You will really enjoy the kickstand lodge . We know Moe

[@einsteinrides]

Now you know Moe! 😃 I love the Kickstand, but the last time I traveled out there, I had emailed with them, they responded they were looking forward to seeing us, but when we got there on Monday and they were not willing to let us stay because they had not cleaned up from the weekend. The rain was coming and we were stuck looking for a place to stay. The Ironhorse was not allowing tent camping due to the excessive rain they were experiencing. The girls there in the office at the Ironhorse were super nice and suggested the Fontana Village further up hwy 28. We did find a dry spot for the night and ended up just basing out of there for a few days. I hope to be able to stay at the Kickstand again someday but I'll need to pick my days and be able to show them the emails we sent back and forth I guess.

[@dawnbradrick6289]

Dawns here ☀️very informative

[@domfer2540]

Nice place. Heading to Maggie Valley, see museum?

[@MojoUX]

I REALLY hope you can go to Willville Motorcycle Campground in Meadows of Dan, VA! It's the best I've been to so far.

[@PlainsRyker]

I have stayed at Ironhorse, but had not heard of Kickstand. I think I'll try Kickstand the next time I'm in the area!

[@PoppaDRides]

I know Mo!!!! Being from NC, I've stayed at both places. I much prefer KSL. I love the community atmosphere. I always blow the horn as I pass by... Glas yall are enjoying my neck of the woods...

[@Lt_Tragg]

Fresh coffee grounds! I love drinking coffee and I love how fresh my boots smell after a night with a handful grounds in them. Those coffee bags they provide in motel rooms are perfect because they’re no good for a good cup of coffee.

[@leobrenneis1442]

I’ve alway had good luck with eureka tents not leaking or breaking Safe Travels! Love the show😁

[@luisbraz-ruivo]

One comment about the universal greeting between motorcyclists. In Europe lots of them use their feet to greet other motorcyclists passing by. You just stick out your foot off the footpegs. You keep both hands on the handlebar so it is ok to do it in some minor curves.

[@matt_7617]

Very nice campground! I think I'd go for the kickstand... Too bad that I am much too far away here in Europe :)) But you make me feel homesick (in a good way) 😄👍👍

[@darlenesexton122]

Back yrs ago when my parents used to take us camping it only cost couple of dollars a night and places that had cold running showers 5 dollars at the most

[@woodsontr]

I know you know this but, a tarp over the tent, as well, works good. My wife and I did this already this year. We stayed high and dry. I’m 68 and She’s 61. 🤷🏿‍♂️💭👈 Just a thought. Have fun out there!!

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Cheers

[@stevenikitas8170]

You two are real troupers. I go car-camping 2 nights a year, and even that I find tiring. I couldn't do it the way you do.

[@johnnysechrist6313]

Tarheels are good folks, glad I was born and raised there.

[@larrycrouse]

Stayed in both . Iron horse not very friendly to us but was a great set up and the kickstand lodge was awesome . There is more back story but I will leave it like that for now

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

We agree KS is awesome

[@topher7720]

I actually just bought a little over of an acre of ground with water and Electric on it. I'm going to put an awning on it to back an RV underneath next to the deck add a few things and then hopefully within the year I will have everything set up to where I can get on my bike and do exactly what you two are doing that is my goal. I work 13 plus hours a day I only have one day off driving tractor trailer at 60 years old. I will make that my home and my base camp and I'm going to take off! Something I should have done a long time ago

[@chuckbrewington6817]

Looks like a nice ride.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

It’s awesome out there

[@clownpocket]

I would have gone over to Smitty’s in Tellico Plains for $12 a night. Kickstand seems nice too.

[@wise1wood]

Many nights with Mo and Bobby. They are the best.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

They really are.

[@jackvoss5841]

I see you folks are back on the bikes. Better. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@rscottcaldwell]

U nailed it about Iron Horse. More commercial since new owner took over. Thanks for reviews on Kickstand Lodge. I’ll have to check it out. Only been to Iron Horse once since new owners took over.

[@rubberhead3520]

Maybe you could do a video on how to set up your tent if it is going to rain? How to keep from getting under tent?

[@PMCraig]

Stayed at Iron Horse tent camping with a couple of buddies for a few days. First day we got there was a deluge all afternoon and evening. We never put our tents up, instead we slept upstairs on the couches in the rec room section of the lodge. Not sure what we would have done otherwise. Next morning things dried out and we were able to set up camp. Overall, it was nice, the bathrooms and showers were very clean. No complaints really

[@opichocal]

Best thing about kickstand is the chocolate lab! I love puppies and it looks more like home

[@craigcook1571]

Boy, that rain looked good, I’m in Texas and it is powder house dry, and hot hot hot here. I rode my bike Saturday and again yesterday and it’s miserable with a helmet on. The creeks I stop and fish in are about dried up, so right now here, it’s just not as fun as it should be

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Wow we’ve heard it’s hot down there

[@craigcook1571]

@@TwoWheelsBigLife it’s rough

[@vagnerarboite7328]

I love your channel I love your adventures and I take the opportunity to learn a little bit of the English language

[@dannycarver6259]

Y’all need to check out Hunt’s motorcycle lodge in telico plains at the start of Chrohala skyway !! There the best in the area in my opinion !!!

[@mickeywheeler1755]

Have you looked at Simply Life motorcycle camp ground. Stay a week there, April 2021. Great folks in a great area. PS I have been following you 2 for a while and love what you are doing. Stay safe and maybe our paths will cross. Papa wheelie down in Florida

[@robertnipp1497]

Good info! We will be in that area in Sep/Oct camping at Smokemont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but I do want to check out those motorcycle campgrounds someday. I hope you got to spend some time camping and riding in the park. The Little River Gorge Road is a beautiful ride.

[@scottlin777]

I tent camp when I travel. 99% of the time I don't make reservations. I like to wing it. There have been several times where I go to a camping site and there's no tent camping allowed. Just part of the adventure, I guess. The Ironhorse looks too fancy for my taste. I think I would prefer the Kickstand. Would be nice if the Kickstand had raised gravel tent pads though.

[@ridicule35]

Hey folks, cool video. Tent equipment is usually manufactured to certain quality standards based on usage being occasional, frequently used or intensive where you literally living out of it from one camp site to the next. You guys should contact the folks at LoneRider. Their gear is top notch but is NOT cheap. Secondly, here in Europe, we have general camp sites( for cars, RV’s, etc) but you can also find motorcycle ‘dedicated’/friendly campsites. These ones think of camp site usage through the eyes of a motorcycle rider. Basic needs are covered. Perhaps there exists an app that lets you find motorcycle specific camp sites throughout the US ?

[@Dave-eu3ib]

U guys need to come to MX. Enjoy the great food great medical and cheap camping.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

This winter we plan on it.

[@lunchbox2628]

On the leaky tent topic…you should check out Big Agnes. A pricey option. But, fully waterproof with 1500mm rated walls and roof. I recently purchased a blacktail3 (solo camper) and it is awesome!

[@wineguy47]

For tent camping check out REI - I have been a member since 1972. Don't skimp on your camp tent. You need a tent with a rain fly and vestibule. You can rent all camping equipment from REI to check it out and even buy their used equipment. Joining also gives you a dividend at the end of the year for any purchases. You can't go wrong with REI. Founded by one of the first American to summit Everest - I met him at the gas station I worked at in Seattle while in college at UW - Jim Whitaker.

[@doulos77]

You both seem like just great people. Just an observation on my part to be taken with a grain of salt: the biggest improvement to the channel would be to film more of the riding and improve the quality of the camera work to capture the same. I only offer this only to help take your channel to the next level. Be safe!

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

We’ll do our best

[@davesims7079]

Do you miss the Bushtec?

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes we do

[@flathead1930]

The Simple Life Campground is nice

[@alicial6072]

Well, the owners of the Ironhorse clearly have never tent camped, a sink to wash dishes is a must especially if you don't have water at your site and at $35.00 a night, they can afford to install a sink.

[@robertbirdsall3489]

I see you are in our area...We're in Elizabethton, TN. We invite you to do a "bunk-a-biker" at our home. I'd love to show you some of the great riding around our area!

[@cynthiamgentles6781]

Have you looked into a portable electric fence for bear country. Lightest is 2.4 lbs

[@Peteslife]

When you said you had mail to post, I was waiting for you to say you are sending in this video to youtube to post on the channel.. that might have been funny.

[@dugbucky3298]

Wow, what a wet time, looks fun. So... my bother and I just had this conversation yesterday. Two fingers down wave to all bikers, do we go 3 fingers down for trikes? I do dishes in bare feet too Jed. 🙂 love the videos!

[@ahmeterdemir9097]

Did she say $1400 a night for the king suite and $71 for a tent spot at IronHorse? WOW.

[@jeanjacques9980]

I think it was $71 dollars for two nights, I could be wrong. Americans would go into shock with the prices in Norway for everything!

[@ahmeterdemir9097]

@@jeanjacques9980 over here in Arizona it will be $10 to $20 at max for camping. I am planning to ride in Norway next summer or so. May be strong USD May help 😂😅

[@jeanjacques9980]

Yes I believe $1400 per night with a minimum number of nights, maybe 3?? I think $71 for a tent, two nights?? Judging by the other prices could very well be per night. The other site looked far more homely and appealing, my camping days are over.

[@jeanjacques9980]

@@ahmeterdemir9097 Hope you win the lottery or you might be forced to rob a bank, pizza minimum €25.00 and half a litre of beer €10.00, weather highly changeable.

[@timbarnett3898]

I bought 6 acres at apex of Hoods Canal Hill in Washington State, where I'd like bikers to have camping location while doing large WA. St. NW loop, or shorter day trips around Puget sound water ways! Check out hoods Canal/NW Washington. I'm looking down on 101. If you ride down my hill, go straight too Port Townsend, around coastal Loop. But go Right at bottom of my hill go too jRs Hideaway in Belfair, N. To Bremerton an aircraft carriers, etc, back along Puget sound to home! This is great area to ride, just finding places to stay the hard part!

[@mrc9699]

Nice video, reminds me of why I don't tent camp any more . . .

[@johnlenart597]

Used to be a small restaurant in Stecoa, but it burned down. 😫😫

[@bobcarry4820]

COPPER INFUSED POLYESTER socks will probably stop your feet from stinking. Worked for me.

[@robertgould2876]

That’s why we have phones to call ahead it’s called using your smarts did you check to see if you packed your brains

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Duh I don’t know keyboard warrior. 👍🤦‍♂️

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

Heck ya ..... I've heard about that place but never been there.. I wave like Barney Fife LOL

[@billcobb9408]

thats a cool place. I have been there