Camping in Memphis, Graceland and Beale Street

Don’t be cruel. Hunk-a hunk-a of burning love. I could go on and on, but you’ve guessed it by now, Joan and I visited Memphis and Graceland. I’ll confess that we’re not the consummate Elvis fans, but as children of the 60’s, we remember the movie star more than the singer and we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit Graceland as we drove through Memphis.

I want to address the bad rap we heard often as we traveled to Memphis. Many shared that we should “be very careful” and “it’s dangerous” or the “crime is so bad”. As a business traveler for many years and now an avid RV’er, this statement can be made about any large US city. Every destination has “those” areas where you just shouldn’t go and remain safe. Our experience in Memphis could not have been more fun and for this trip we didn’t experience any of the concerns our fellow travelers mentioned.

Where to stay

It’s hard to pass up a stay at the RV campground at Graceland. A location, members get the traditional 10% break. The campground is located directly behind The Heartbreak Hotel, really, I can’t make this up! For an in-town campground, you can’t beat the location. It’s minutes from the Interstate, but you aren’t bothered by the noise. You are located about 100 yards from the main road and behind the hotel and this too helps minimize the noise. The campground has security, paved roads, very level spaces, full hook-ups, a large and clean laundry and one of my favorites, a very friendly staff.

Graceland

First, staying at Graceland, you can’t walk away without visiting the Elvis mansion and many of the other sites offered. There are various Graceland packages and we took one of the lesser costly options which gave us a tour of the mansion, car museum, archives and Hawaiian experience. It was fun and full of past memories. The mansion has been fixed in time as it was when Elvis live there with the exception of the changes to show the many awards and artifacts during his life. The mansion was interesting to see, as well as experience the many fans discussing their experience, both those from the States and those from other countries who were equally ecstatic.

I have a large amount of pictures from the visit, but unfortunately I’m not able to share due to a copyright notice posted at the entrance to the mansion preventing commercial use. Regardless, that doesn’t diminish out visit or desire to share our experience.

Beale Street

We also had the opportunity to visit Beale Street. The campground and hotel made this very easy. Needless to say, our Ford F-350 dually is not the best touring vehicle and worse when driving and attempting to find a parking space in a very congested downtown area. For $10 a person, the hotel offered evening shuttle service taking you’re directly to the heart of Beale Street and pick up. Beale Street was a blast. Dinner at BB King’s, great blues bands and just plain fun as we took in all offered for the evening.

This was a great week. Plenty of sensory overload and something we’ll look back on as a favorite destination from this trip.

As always, I love RV life, Jerry

 
Not sure about what RV accessories you need as you start RV travel? Check out our RV Accessories page where we have listed a wide range of products from essential items to those “nice to have” RV products to make RV life more enjoyable. Every item listed is being used or has been used by Joan and I as we’ve traveled across the country in our RV.
 

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