The best camping in Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park, TN

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Retreat into the peaceful mountains of Tennessee at Rocky Fork.  

The best camping in Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park, TN

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Inner Wolf Retreat Space

1. Inner Wolf Retreat Space

100%
(55)
7.8mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mars Hill, NC
A Sound Healing Retreat Center for you to find renewal and unplug on 6 peaceful acres with a large creek running through the whole property, several ponds, and a large field of flowers. Our property is a healing space , complementing the sounds of nature and meditative sound healing instruments like gongs and crystal singing bowls to help you find your inner compass. Please ask us if you'd like to add a sound healing session to your camping experience. As you enter the property, flow downstream, leaving worries behind, pass the Sound Healing Pyramid Barn, set up for events and sound healing sessions, in addition to retreats. Under the eaves of the back of the barn you'll find a picnic table to enjoy in the shade while listening to the babbling large creek running along side you and leading you to your peaceful campsite in the field, under the trees, and under the stars. Van and small RV camping spots are located by the workshop and small cabin and the portajon.
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from 
$35
 / night
3feather Sanctuary

2. 3feather Sanctuary

94%
(50)
13mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hot Springs, NC
We are the coolest little campground in WNC. 3feather Sanctuary is tucked away in the amazing countryside of the Appalachian mountains, surrounded by beautiful, stately trees and a creek meanders through the property. We have all the amenities and yet retain the rustic natural charm of the majestic mountain town. We have an amazing bathhouse(commonground) with the best shower, communal fridge & honor system w/d, tucked beside a convenient outdoor covered kitchen, we have fiber WiFi, & swimming hole. This is the perfect peaceful getaway near great outdoor activities and some of the best that North Carolina has to offer! 3Feather Sanctuary is surrounded by beautiful, stately trees and has a creek meandering through it. The closest town is Hot Springs, which is 20 minutes away and the Hot Springs are a definite must-see if that peaks your interest! The town itself is also pretty cool. There are some good shops, restaurants & our favorite hardware store!! Downtown Marshall is also close, about 25 minutes and has a lot to offer! Gr8 restaurants, thrifting and cute shops along the river. Our property is about an hour away from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the adorable city of Asheville - which makes for a fantastic day trip with delicious restaurants, breweries, cool shops, and more! The Great Smokey Mountains and Deep Creek are about 1.5 hours away from the campsite. The Appalachian Trail is closeby and there are countless opportunities for stunning hikes. There's also kayaking, tubing, white water rafting opportunities as well as zip lining and horseback riding. There is something for everyone to enjoy and we can't wait to share it with you! Full disclosure: We have a camera pointed at the entrance and one at the bath house door, which we can move around to make sure that when people check in they make it to the right spot since I manage remotely part of the year. We have regular yard maintenance, however, we are Country natural landscape, not parking lot type campground, so the grass is slightly higher in some small areas but truly those things are part of a sustainable and uniquely beautiful camping experience!
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$29
 / night
Inside the tent.

3. Gnome Hollow Farms

100%
(10)
15mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Greeneville, TN
Gnome Hollow at Dixon Hill Farms, LLC Nestled just outside Greeneville, Gnome Hollow hosts guests in their fully furnished on-farm tent campsite featuring beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and an amazing view of the entire mountain range. They also offer guided and self-guided farm tours that give visitors the opportunity to feed the baby and adult goats, chickens, turkeys, guineas, ducks and geese. They have added The Giddy Goat Gift Shoppe where they offer all types of handmade and one of a kind works from local artisans. Their event areas include the Hen Haven Gathering Hall and Pyrenees Pavilion. They also have a picnic and playground area. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and on their website to keep up with their weekly and monthly Family Friendly Events. And if you stay on Saturday Nights, Gnome Hollow Drive-In is there for a little Nostalgia at Dusk. gnomehollowatdhf.com
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$36
 / night
Welcome to our home sweet dome! With breathtaking Mountain View’s and complete privacy!

4. Bee Our Guest

100%
(69)
15mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Mars Hill, NC
Beautiful mountain views and complete privacy located on 11 secluded acres. 1/2 mile to Bailey Mountain hiking trials and 1/2 mile to downtown Mars Hill where you can enjoy the university, restaurants, brewery, coffee shops, grocery stores, and art galleries. 20 minute drive to downtown Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Wolf Laurel ski slopes. Come enjoy this one of a kind peaceful, completely off grid glamping experience. ***Dome is completely off grid, runs completely off solar power. Guests can check how much power they have on the generator under the kitchen countertop by hitting the display button. Electric should be sufficient but glampers will do are responsible for using the electricity responsibly so as to not drain the battery completely. There is a microwave for cooking, a charcoal grill on the deck (charcoal and grill necessities included) and a fire ring for open flame cooking. There is a hammock provided for warmer days! Please note that when temperatures dip into the teens and the single digits make sure to bring warm clothing as dome can still get a bit chilly on those nights. Also note that there is a hand washing station outside of the dome next to the port a potty however when temperatures dip into the teens and single digits the water can freeze up in the hand washing station. We do also provide hand sanitizer as a back up. The outdoor shower is only open typically from April through October. In addition, the only form of heat is a wood burning stove with starters and wood provided, so it will be your responsibility to make sure that the stove keeps burning with wood as to keep the dome warm. This most likely will entail getting up at least once a night to stoke/put wood on the fire. On very hot summer days the dome can get very warm inside. We have a high powered fan and black out curtains to help but it still can get very warm. Best to utilize the outdoor space in the late morning/early afternoon hours or use this time to explore the area. THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING! Also, there may be some bugs that you see. Especially stink bugs in September and October. We do our best to keep bugs out, yet this is a Glamping experience which is between camping and a typical Airbnb experience so please plan/pack/expect accordingly. Thanks!
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$128
 / night
Private Log Cabin built in 1937 is now a bed & breakfast experience with river view and mountain view.

5. Nolichuckey Bluffs Cozy Campsites

100%
(10)
16mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 12 sites · RVs, Lodging · Greeneville, TN
Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains near historic Greeneville, Tennessee, Nolichuckey Bluffs Bed and Breakfast RV, Camping, Cabins is a wonderful place to just get away from it all and escape into nature. Campsites are private with vistas overlooking the river and mountains. RV locations are easily accessible and have full hook-ups. Cabins are cozy with first-class amenities and East Tennessee hospitality. The fully equipped pet friendly cabins offer breathtaking views of the Nolichuckey River and mountains. Breakfast is available upon request and for a fee. Make a reservation or pick up a jam and jelly made from berries right here on the property. Your furry friends are our furry friends but we do require a special reservation and fee for them. So please let us know about them before you arrive. Whether you're looking for a weekend get-away, a place to hold a family reunion, a wedding, a church retreat, or a small business conference, Nolichuckey Bluffs can accommodate.
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from 
$45
 / night
View as you drive down into the holler

7. Root Cellar Tiny House

100%
(10)
18mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Bakersville, NC
This 1890's farm was many things in times long ago! It acted as a working Tobacco Farm, a country store and was known to have the purest spring in the region by the indians and mountain men! It also has a dark past complete with murder and moonshine! For a full history check out this book, Red Hill. The untold story of the Whitson Brothers and the Murder of Kit Byrd. The short version of the story: The farm also acted as a country store that was also a front for moonshine. The Whitson Brothers who owned our farm had a deal with Kit Byrd;  a mountaineer from "on the mountain" who had a knack for making good shine. It ultimately was the death of him at the hands of the 3 Whitson Brothers. This murder years later led to the death of a large percentage of the population in this small NC Mtn town. Learn more about this land:On a mountain by a river in a true "holler". This 1890's historic tobacco farm features our Root Cellar Tiny House, perfect for 2-4 people.  Full over Full Bunk Bed, Wifi,  AC/heater, tiny fridge,  small coffee maker, one car parking in front for easy access. Includes a covered porch, RV toilet & sink, outdoor heated shower, outdoor fire pit & covered kitchen for cooking.  Space includes 2 person tent site making the tiny suitable to sleep 6. Stay includes $20 adventure trip credit with NC Outdoor Adventures.The spaceThe Root Cellar Tiny House is sitting above Whitson Branch surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a little over 100 yards to the Toe River and one of the areas last remaining walking wood suspension bridges.This is our quiet space that we want to share with you. Our slice of heaven. Please keep that in mind and respect it. Throw trash away, don't leave out food or trash or you might wake to a big bear treat! Slow down when driving into the holler!Help us help our environment! The toilets and outdoor showers have been carefully planned out to be environmentally conscious, with special consideration to our creeks that drain into the Toe River. The "outhouse/camp" toilet has instructions so please read it and also has a foot pump hand cleaning sink beside it. The shower is an instant hot water shower heated by propane. While this space is not winterized it has some insulation and a propane heater. The Tiny can be rented during the winter for $68 a night good Nov-March.Guest accessGuests' space is a tiny house with a covered porch, attached bathroom, shower, covered outdoor kitchen, and one 2 person tent site. The tent site is best used April-October unless you have proper winter camping equipment.Looking for adventure...look no further it is right outside your door, literally. Use your $20 adventure credit onsite with NCOA: whitewater, tubing, rock climbing and more. A few of the river activities end or begin a short walk from the Root Cellar House. You can also purchase hiking/river essentials at the Tiny Hike Shop. Important notes:*Linens for bedding provided but we ask that you please bring your own bath towels and use biodegradable soaps like Bronners Soap (available for purchase at the Adventure Outpost on-site).*rooms are cleaned every three days unless someone requests otherwise for an additional charge. *Please drive slow as we have a hound dog and cats that run around as do some neighbors. Deer are everywhere, drive carefully. It is super curvy and steep with no guard rails. RVs or large trucks can not get down our road or through the one-car train tunnel to the river!!! No turnaround.* Sorry farm stay not pets allowed. We have a very protective cat (only towards other animals not people).Any questions for the host?
Toilets
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from 
$67
 / night
Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

8. Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

99%
(95)
18mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 5 sites · Lodging · Bakersville, NC
Our pods (arched cabins) are tiny homes, well situated for both spectacular views as well as romantic privacy. Each home has an arched cabin style, cozy, yet well-appointed with a bedroom (queen bed), full bathroom, full kitchenette and living area with sofa and Roku TV. Homes are located close enough to enjoy a campfire with neighbors, but separated enough to enjoy that special romantic evening on your own large deck with spectacular views, or late at night enjoying the stars above. Each cabin has its very own fire pit. All cabins are outfitted with an outdoor hottub. Property is over 60 acres of onsite hiking trails, or find your special spot to sit and enjoy the view. We are just up the road from the Toe River. The famous Appalachian Trail is just minutes away, as are the Gem mines that made Mitchell County famous. Our property is historic and once a famous location for moonshine production, detailed in the book "Red Hill" available on Amazon. Or Google the "Bakersville Riots". Truly a place to enjoy hiking, or just relaxing on the beautiful large decks.
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$112
 / night
Mountain Paradise

10. Mountain Paradise

92%
(132)
19mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Marshall, NC
Enjoy a campsite to yourself on top of a mountain with beautiful mountain and sunset views. Situated near the charming and historic town of Marshall, nearby Hot Springs, Mars Hill and Asheville, you'll have access to a variety of delightful experiences. Despite being close to these attractions, our location is tucked away at the end of a dead-end, low-traffic road. With easy access off the paved road. You’ll have the camp area to yourself although there are some other homes in the neighborhood around our land. Tag us and follow our Instagram @mountainparadisecampground Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled with the proximity to the Pisgah National Forest, the Appalachian Trail, and numerous other beautiful hiking trails, recreational activities, and tourism opportunities.
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$36
 / night
Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens

11. Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens

100%
(160)
19mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Unicoi, TN
Learn more about this land:You’ll cross the covered bridge (clearance 11’6” ) as you enter our farm, a 73 acre small family farm, nestled in the Buffalo Valley of Northeast TN, and featuring a down home country atmosphere. What makes our farm special are all of the unique extras: a working log cabin blacksmith shop, log cabin art gallery, certified commercial kitchen, lots of watchable wildlife, and walking trails. We have a one acre wildlife pond and a smaller pond fed by springs and Buffalo Creek, which runs through the farm. Our small buffalo herd is pastured not far from the campsites and our friendly peacocks and chickens roam the grounds. We also offer classes in blacksmithing, art, foraging and cooking periodically. We are rural but not remote and are minutes away from state parks, fishing, hiking, rafting and other recreational activities as well as downtown Johnson City and Historic Jonesborough with breweries, shops, and many restaurants. As purveyors of Appalachian culture and cuisine, we invite you to stay a day , or longer, to share our friendly and relaxing small farm atmosphere in the mountains.
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$39
 / night
French Broad Sunset

12. French Broad Sunset

100%
(15)
19mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Marshall, NC
Beautiful RV site or camping site with 50 AMP Electric, Water & Sewer Hookups, a light weight metal table with 4 chairs and Fire Pit on the French Broad River. The site is pull-in onto either concrete pad or gravel pad (your choice) from a paved road. The site is 35ft x 53ft. The StarLink reception is strong at this site as reported by Hipcamp campers. French Broad Sunset is only 3 minutes to downtown Marshall, NC. Peaceful setting with amazing vistas on the river with the gentle whitewater rapids, wildlife, and stunning sunsets. Hipcamp campers can fish off the property (432 ft of river frontage). Lots of close outdoor activities (hiking, white water rafting (Section 8 and 9), tubing, horse back riding, bicycle, motorcycle and ATV rentals close by, guided fishing and hunting), yummy restaurants (fine and causal), regular music events, fun shopping, local brewery, and many ongoing local events. Marshall has a Super Ingles (groceries), and a natural food market (Madison Natural Foods). Bring your fishing gear, canoe, raft, and SUP (French Broad River on Section 7) to use right at the site. Playground 1/4 mile easy walk from site. Site is on a dead-end road in a quiet, peaceful setting. Site is accessed by going under a bridge (clearance is 13 feet 3 inches) to Rollins Rd. 25 minutes to Asheville, 30 minutes to Hot Springs (AT trail, Hot Springs spa), 30 minutes to Wolf Laurel (snow skiing)
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$45
 / night
Mila’s Bunny Farm

13. Mila’s Bunny Farm

100%
(20)
20mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Burnsville, NC
Nice secluded tent campsite on an angora bunny farm. Listen to the sound of the mountain creek while you sleep, and cuddle with bunnies by the running water wheel during the day. Very relaxing spot to decompress and unplug on 7 acres that are mostly wooded. Pisgah National Forest is just two miles away with plenty of hiking to explore. The charming town of Burnsville is just 10 miles on a beautiful, scenic highway. Homeplace Brewery, Birdfoot Taproom, and Snapdragon are among the local spots to visit. Asheville is also nearby at just under an hour’s drive. The trail entrance to Big Butt is a couple miles away with a few great overlook points. If you want to do the whole 24 mile length of the trail (featuring 5 mountain peaks above 6,000ft), I can make shuttle arrangements for your party to be picked up at the end. Navitat Ziplining is very close, as well as gorgeous flower farms and Mountain Light Sanctuary to visit over in Barnardsville. Come enjoy our mountain community!
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$32
 / night
The cabin sits atop a hill.

15. Raven Ridge

99%
(269)
21mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 2 sites · Lodging · Marshall, NC
Raven ridge is a 5.0 acre property with plenty of botanical appeal, Appalachian charm and mountain views. James landed on the property in 2009, built a small dairy barn and milked 3 cows for a couple years before building the two cabins. In 2015 he was joined by Sofi, originally from Sweden and together they have three daughters. Together they manage a botanically interesting hobby hill farm and are happy to host travelers and seekers in their cabins. Hilltop was a joint project that James built in 2012 with a talented woodworker and friend in 6 months. We have maintained the original vibe of the place, rustic simplicity and elegance a notch or two above glamping, well-described by the zen koan, "chop wood, carry water" Orchard House was built entirely by James from the block up to the roof, averaging 1 hour/day for 3 years or 1,000 hours. Some of the Hilltop photos are a bit dated, we have a more private outhouse behind the cabin, and have made a few improvements here and there. Reach out anytime for any reason. We love hosting and nearly everyone enjoys their stay.
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$77
 / night
The community barn from the cabins.

16. Paint Rock Farm Glamping

98%
(44)
21mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 13 sites · Tents, Lodging · Hot Springs, NC
Paint Rock Farm provides an including, nourishing experience to reconnect with nature, ourselves, and each other for healing and transformation. Join us to experience WNC's finest glamping destination! Each glamping unit is uniquely and beautifully furnished, nestled on 160 acres of private land. Named after Paint Rock and the Cherokee Paint Rock Clan (the healers and medicine clan of the Cherokee) Paint Rock is a peaceful private farm encompassing 30 acres of meadow and 130 acres of private conservation forest, adjacent to the French Broad River and surrounded by national forest. A restored barn offers all guests a space to gather, relax, enjoy meals together or meet new friends around the fire. Guests have access to the community kitchen inside the barn, large community fire pit, heated bathhouse, outdoor showers, and miles of meadow and forest trails to explore. We are located 7 miles from the town of Hot Springs, famous for a natural hot spring spa and a plethora of outdoor adventures including the spectacular Appalachian Trail. Several dining options are also available in the area.
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$90
 / night
Steele Haven

18. Steele Haven

95%
(11)
21mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Johnson City, TN
Our scenic campground sits in a wooded area overlooking a meadow that slopes down to a small, year-round creek. Enjoy sunrise and sunset views for much of the year, along with frequent sightings of deer, turkeys, Canadian geese, and mallard ducks—despite being just minutes from the city. The campground borders an active railroad line. While trains pass only 1–2 times a day, they have no reason to sound their horns. Please do not approach the tracks as there are no fences, and trespassing is strictly prohibited. Each site includes a 12' x 12' raised tent deck with 1/4" board gaps for securing stakes. Parking for one vehicle is available at each site, with overflow parking just a few hundred feet away. A large fire ring with stump seating is provided at each site. Amenities include a portable toilet, a central water hydrant, safety lighting, and clearly marked parking and campsite areas to help with nighttime navigation. In May and June, fireflies light up the trees and meadow. On clear nights, the train embankment blocks city lights, revealing a brilliant night sky. A historic cemetery dating to before the American Revolution is also located on the property. We are in Tennessee, and poison ivy is present—please learn to identify and avoid it. Our family is allergic and actively working to remove it from the grounds. Dining and shopping are just a 10-minute walk away, with nearby options including Kickback Jacks, Aubrey’s, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Rendezvous Cafe, Buffalo Wild Wings, Ming’s Asian Cuisine, Wahaca Mexican Kitchen, Sully’s Steamers, and Rio De Brazil. You’ll also find camping gear and sporting goods at Academy Sports + Outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts will find hiking, mountain biking, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and parks all within a 15–45 minute drive.
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$18
 / night
The Honey Hut

19. The Honey Hut

100%
(33)
21mi from Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Weaverville, NC
This property is located in a small community of houses about 10 minutes away from downtown Weaverville. Weaverville has bakeries, art galleries, grocery stores and several restaurants. Things you should bring: Pillow(s) and sleeping bag or full-sized sheet set + warm blankets appropriate for weather. Towels/washcloths. A bag of ice for the cooler. 1lb propane cylinder for stove. Food/drinks. Firewood for campfires. We provide a porta potty with hand sanitizer/toilet paper. A hot shower (a propane instant hot water heater) both located at the parking area. There are also plugs to recharge electrical devices and also lanterns to use located at the parking area. There are 2 spigots on the property with drinkable water. We provide the cookware, tableware, coffee cups, french press, salt/pepper, a kitchen towel, a fitted sheet, and recycling/trash can.
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from 
$68
 / night

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park adventure.

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The best camping in Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park, TN guide

Overview

About

Located near the Cherokee National Forest and the Appalachian Trail, Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park is an excellent destination for nature lovers. Visitors can go hiking along old beds or explore them on a mountain bike, while anglers can enjoy fishing for both white and black crappie in Rocky Fork and South Indian creeks. At the same time, rock climbers can conquer the impressive quartzite cliffs towering over 200 feet. Backpackers are also in luck—Rocky Fork camping means hiking out to one of the three primitive backcountry campsites, each of which is limited to for people. If you’re looking for a mountainous getaway along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, look no further than Rocky Fork State Park.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for veggie lovers: Mountain Cove Farm is happy to share their garden produce with guests.
  • Best for glamping: Bee Our Guest offers a covered dome with a cozy bed and other amenities. 
  • Best for history buffs: Stay in the Root Cellar Tiny House on a historic tobacco farm that dates back to the 1890s.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve the park's three backcountry, primitive campsites in advance via the Tennessee State Parks website. Reservations are available all year round.
  2. Campsite reservations open 12 months in advance.
  3. Because there are only three sites, reservations can be challenging to get. So book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, holidays, and weekends.

When to go

Experience Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park's weather at its best from March until May and from September to early November. At that time, temperatures range from the upper 50s to mid-70s and are perfect for outdoor exploration. Spring brings vibrant blooms and green trees, while fall dazzles with colorful foliage. Summer allows for easy camping and hiking, but be prepared for occasional hot and humid days. Winters in this mountainous location can be cold with the possibility of snow.

Know before you go

  • Rocky Fork State Park sits about 30 minutes from Johnson City, TN, and Asheville, NC. 
  • The park features a visitor center, picnic shelters, and a playground.
  • Carpooling to Rocky Fork is recommended since the parking area is small with limited spaces.
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