Nestled in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains is a rustic, fun, and best yet- inexpensive campsite. There are four cabins varying in size that are set up with comfortable beds, electricity, and heat/AC. There is space for tent camping as well, either bring your own or rent one. A clubhouse is available with a large satellite TV, pool table, dart board, hottub, wifi, outdoor games, and indoor plumbing. The owners provide you with the option of having them cook for you; I recommend it, the food is delicious... the got-to-have-it speciality is the biscuits and gravy. The name of the campsite comes from the numerous Autumn Olive trees on the land. A variety of products are made by the owners using the Autumn Olive leaves, such as chapstick, sunscreen, bug spray, soap, face cream, and the list goes on. Within an hours drive are fishing spots, hiking trails, ATV tours, and Norris Lake. The property is located about an hour north of Knoxville in LaFollette, Tennessee. All of that being said, the highlight of your visit will be the company.
The couple who runs the business are easy going, down to earth, helpful, lovable, fun people. There’s a small chance that I’m biased since the owners are my aunt and uncle, but I promise it’s true. Most everyone that has come for a visit returns for more. It has been awesome to be a part of their journey; just over 10 years ago four of us cousins and one family friend drove up from Florida in an RV after they bought multiple acres. At that time the space was a blank slate and we stayed the night on the land, telling ghost stories by the fire, tripping over holes in the ground, and drinking water from Stinkin Creek. Aunt Joyce and Uncle Glenn then built a house and officially moved on up into the boonies. They bought and ran a restaurant and got to know many of the locals. Eventually the construction started on what is now the clubhouse, then up went the cabins where you can take your pick of location: up a hill, near the clubhouse, or by the lake. From the beginning up until the present time, my family has always welcomed visitors into their home. They will give you privacy or enjoy your company by playing cards or dice, making s’mores by the bonfire, or having conversation about life. My girlfriends and I once camped out in a tent, made our own version of pickleback shots, and even tried redneck pilates. It’s really about whatever fits the mood!
Different family members and friends of the family have come up for a visit at various stages and everyone loves the owners and want to come back. Please feel free to look the business up on Facebook and check out some photos and testimonials from previous guests. I try to tell people who love nature and good company to come and indulge and I encourage anyone who has spent time here to spread the word as well! They can accommodate just one person or groups, which is why it was decided that Autumn Olive Camping will be the site of this years family reunion. I arrived a few days earlier than planned and was so happy to see my aunt and uncle and meet their new puppy, Ethel. I’m thankful they are so accommodating and up for having the pup and I visit. It took longer than usual to set up due to a problem with one of the sway bars, but with Uncle Glenn’s help I was good to go. Neville and Ethel escorted Aunt Joyce and I on a walk around the property while we caught up on my journey thus far. It really feels great to be in a familiar place with my loved ones, with more family on the way!
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| Autumn Olive |
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