Enjoy a good car camping getaway when the nights are still cold enough to enjoy a roaring campfire, a snugly tent and good eats. (Originally I had this scheduled for the last weekend in March but there is a Car Camping trip from the Atlanta Club scheduled at Cloudland Canyon for that weekend so I thought I'd bump it to the next weekend)

Big Creek is a camping spot near Big Frog Mountain east of Chattanooga in the National Forest south of Parksville Lake and the Ocoee River. It's not a "official" campground. Just a flat spot in the woods with five or six camping spots big enough for multiple tents. I like it because it's about a 45 minute drive in either direction to the closest gas station or convenience store. It's hard to get much more isolated than that by car in the eastern United States.

Where: Big Creek (Lat: +35° 2' 47.26", Lon. -84° 32' 39.52)
Strangely on Google Maps this shows no road there but believe me it's there and it's called Peavine- Sheeds Creek Road, FS-221 or just Peavine Rd. I have detailed directions as to how to get there if you are coming from Chattanooga or Atlanta. Email me and I will send them too you. Here is a Yahoo Maps link that shows the road.

When: Friday evening to Sunday Morning, April 2nd-4th. You may come out on Friday night or Saturday morning. Stay either night or both, it's up to you.

What: This is car camping so bring all your luxuries. Big Tent, comfy air mattress, camp chair, stove, cooler, etc. Bring your own food and drink, sharing is optional. Also - There are no bathrooms at this location so I will have an Outhouse tent and a luggable loo with me. Bring you own TP! IMPORTANT - please bring at least 5-10 pieces of firewood to burn in the communal campfire. Remember also that this campsite is far back in the woods. Driving to a store to get something you forgot will take you over an hour round trip.

Etc: There are several trails nearby for day hikes on Saturday. Hike down Big Creek or summit Big Frog Mountain. Or sit by the fire. It's all up to you. This is a no pressure trip.

Carpool: If you want to carpool or caravan out there I will be leaving for Big Creek at 2:00 PM on Friday April 2nd. The carpool/caravan location for Chattanooga will be in the parking lot of the Staples/Party City/Old Navy shopping center at Hamilton Place. I drive a gold Buick Rainer and I will be towing a red cargo trailer.

Weather: Lastly the weather. This trip is meant to be an fun, enjoyable and relaxing weekend in the woods. Therefore, if the weather forecast for the weekend looks to be calling for rain on the Wednesday or Thursday prior I will cancel this trip at my discretion.

Please email me if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you there!