Answers below cover gatherings, the property, and the Watauga Lake area. For a personal date, overnight stay, or house details, write to [email protected] or use the Contact page. The host replies by email. ALFa AI on each page answers basic questions from this FAQ.
Where is the property?
3308 Hwy 321, Hampton, TN 37658 – near Watauga Lake in Carter County, between Hampton and the Watauga Dam area, inside Cherokee National Forest.
How far is the airport and major cities?
- Tri-Cities Regional (TRI): ~29 mi / 45 min
- Johnson City: ~23 mi / 35-40 min
- Bristol + Bristol Motor Speedway: ~26 mi / 40 min
- Boone, NC: ~35-40 mi / 55-70 min
- Asheville, NC: ~2 hrs · Knoxville: ~2 hr 15 min
Groceries, gas, pharmacy, and hospital?
Gas and convenience stores in Hampton; full grocery and Walmart in Elizabethton (~12 mi). Hampton Pharmacy is on Hwy 321. Nearest hospital is Sycamore Shoals (Ballad Health) in Elizabethton.
Boat launch, rentals, and fishing
Rat Branch Boat Launch (USFS) is about 3.8 mi. Fish Springs Marina and Watauga Lakeshore Resort rent pontoons; Boots Off Hostel rents kayaks and SUPs. A Tennessee fishing license is required for most anglers. Buy at gooutdoorstennessee.com. Fees and license types: TWRA license sales.
Swimming and hiking nearby
Shook Branch Beach has a designated swim area about 3 mi from the property. The Appalachian Trail crosses Watauga Dam from Shook Branch. Laurel Falls, Roan Mountain (Carver’s Gap), and Doe River Gorge are popular hikes – check USFS alerts for any 2026 Roan area repairs.
Weather and what to pack
Lake elevation is about 1,959 ft. Summer air is often in the 60s-80s F; lake surface in swim season is often in the 70s to low 80s F. Swim season runs June through August; fall color peaks in late October. Pack layers, a rain shell, water shoes, and sturdy hiking shoes year-round.
Fire guidance and night sky
Cherokee National Forest and Roan Mountain may post seasonal fire guidance. TN burn permits are required from Oct 15 to May 15 for brush burning. Evenings at the property are fireworks-free so the stars stay bright. Check current USFS alerts before using the fire pit.
Overnight stays, pets, and house details
Overnight stays, pet policy, rates, and bedroom details: TBD. Email [email protected] or visit the Contact page.
Things for rent or sale besides the property?
Yes. Extra items (boats, kayaks, furniture, tools, and similar) are listed with photos on the For Rent & Sale page. Inventory changes. Email the host about an item; the owner confirms it is still available.
How do I sign up for a gathering?
Open Sign up. Read the gathering guidelines first. Then:
1. Pick the gathering.
2. Fill in who is coming (name, age, address, phone, email, and family).
3. Read the guidelines and the release, check the boxes, and type your name to sign.
4. Submit and check your email for a copy. If the date says TBD, the host will email the day when it is set.
What are the gathering guidelines?
They are on the Guidelines page. Sign up asks you to read them and agree to follow them. They cover fellowship, children, quiet evenings, parking, shared spaces, the water, and staying home if you are ill. Pet and smoking rules that are still TBD stay TBD; email the host.
Where are project photos and videos?
On the Media page: solar power cart, vehicle solar kit, and portable RV backup solar (cargo trailer). The host adds stills and clips as each build is documented.
