Victoria Carruth, the driving force behind Wine Drops Creekside Camping, continues to invest in the future of her glamping business. In an exclusive interview, the CEO of LVK Development Corporation unveiled plans set to transform the Turtletown, Tennessee property.
“The next three to five years are filled with anticipation and excitement as we continue to build and contemplate future needs,” Carruth told Modern Campground.
Wine Drops Creekside Camping, located near the Great Cherokee National Forest in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, offers an exceptional camping experience, featuring unique and off-grid glamping. The location holds historical significance as part of the Trail of Tears route near popular attractions.
“Our location holds historical significance as part of the Trail of Tears route and the award-winning 1996 Olympic Water Trials, offering a unique and experiential camping experience for guests,” Carruth said.
Carruth mentioned that the Great Cherokee National Forest is historically significant as it is part of the Trail of Tears, a route where Native Americans faced tremendous hardship. Hiking this trail allows visitors to reflect on the sorrow, pain, and suffering experienced during this tragic historical period.
Exploring Wine Drops Creekside Camping
In addition to its historical significance, the campsite prides itself on providing customer service, essential camping supplies, amenities, and various activities and events for guests.
Situated between Cherokee Murphy and Blue Ridge, Wine Drops Creekside Camping showcases various tent options and amenities, including off-grid camping essentials, queen-sized therapeutic beds, and more.
Other amenities include dishes, cast iron cookware, battery-powered lights, clocks, mirrors, and breakfast kits, enhancing the camping experience at the property.
According to Carruth, unique experiences include breakfast kits, guided tours of nearby historical towns, and visits to a rare open cave, making for a memorable and educational stay.
Off-grid facilities currently feature a sun shower and potty loo, and plans are underway to install an on-demand hot water shower, with each unit equipped with luxurious bathrobes and slippers.
Bathrooms will also include full-size toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, combs, razors, and deodorant,” Carruth told Modern Campground.
The property has also added a generator and is renovating the bathroom facilities, incorporating on-demand hot water systems from Joolca. They are also updating the compost toilets and primitive sink areas.
“There is something for everyone. Whether it’s grilling on a grill, cooking by the campfire, or cooking on the camp stove, guests will surely enjoy our many amenities of modern-day camping,” Carruth emphasized.
Carruth added that the camp kitchens will feature a propane oven and refrigerator in addition to the camp stove currently available on-site. Despite already having a grill and smoker with a two-burner stovetop, these upgrades are being implemented at Wine Drops Creekside.
“The outside kitchen, dining, and seating area will be next to tackle,” she said.
Beyond the amenities, the camping site ensures an enjoyable stay for outdoor enthusiasts. On-site activities include board games and special events. There are also guided tours to nearby towns.
“Guests can enjoy hiking and picnicking in the Great Cherokee National Forest. Popular attractions nearby include historical towns like Ducktown, Turtletown, and Copperhill,” Carruth said.
Wine Drops Creekside Camping has also received positive reviews and feedback. Guest reviews highlight positive experiences, praising the customer service, activities, and unique offerings.
Guest feedback has led to recent improvements, such as installing an on-demand hot water shower system and enhancing compost toilets.
Eco-friendly and sustainable practices
Another aspect of Wine Drops Creekside Camping is integrating eco-friendly and sustainable practices into its daily operations. The campsite focuses on reusing, reducing, and recycling all products and materials. Additionally, solar lights contribute to energy sustainability, and biodegradable cleaning products are used.
“We have also implemented using recycled toilet paper. Instead of using plastic bags for body waste, we are implementing another form of disposing of our compost waste. We use biodegradable cleaning products for cleaning. If we can reuse, reduce, and recycle, we will,” Carruth explained.
Positive guest feedback
Wine Drops Creekside Camping’s success also involved significant challenges that helped improve the business, including operational logistics, guest satisfaction, and balancing the off-grid camping experience with modern amenities.
“Our biggest challenge is marketing and advertising to the target market. But what we have found is as long as we have all the amenities of modern-day hotels, we appeal to a much broader range of guests,” she shared.
Another challenge is electricity and plumbing. To resolve this issue, a solar system is being incorporated to enhance the tents, providing more heating, cooling, and better lighting for guests.
Wine Drops also faced challenges adding an F&B (food and beverage) system. Carruth acknowledged the need for further research and guest feedback before installing the planned outdoor communal kitchen.
Plans to Enhance the Camping Experience
Looking ahead, Wine Drops Creekside Camping plans to expand its amenities and activities, enhance sustainability practices, and increase guest satisfaction. Additionally, potential partnerships may help grow the campsite’s reputation within the glamping community.
Future additions could include tree houses, Conestoga wagons, renovated sleeping barns, cabins, and walking and bike trails, Carruth told Modern Campground.
The campsite is also exploring the possibility of adding a wine-tasting room in the cellar and turning a garage into a camp store for guests and passers-by. Carruth stated that they have already begun to look at the cost of these additions.
Featured image by Wine Drops Creekside Camping