One of the most popular topics on Southeastern Facebook camping forums is where to camp in the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Townsend, Tennessee area. Members typically give a wide range of answers to this question.
We visit Pigeon Forge a few times a year. I know first hand about the heavy traffic in the area. I always find the responses intriguing. Some people give suggestions of the Pigeon Forge area, others in Gatlinburg, and others will tell you to forsake them all and stay in Townsend. However, I don’t think that upcoming visitors realize that you can have activities planned in Pigeon Forge, but pick a campground in Gatlinburg, and it may take an hour and thirty minutes to reach your plans with the traffic.
We just arrived home from Pigeon Forge. While visiting, we toured over 40 campgrounds in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Townsend. Hopefully, we can give you insight when picking a campground for the next time that you visit. Unfortunately, some campgrounds, especially towards Gatlinburg, are closed for the season. However, I tried my best to get you a photo of the sign, a true representation of the campground, and the pool or activity area. Many pools are covered, but you should at least get an idea of the pool’s size.
One thing to determine is whether you are camping to “relax in the mountains” or to “destination camp” when vacationing. Destination camping usually involves a place to lay your head at night because you participate in so many activities during the day. Many campgrounds are more of the parking lot style and are sheerly meant to be a place to sleep at night.
We have discovered that everybody has their own criteria for what makes a campground great. For example, many people insist on pools and golf cart rentals. Others do not care for any amenities. For this reason, we are not recommending one campground over another. However, we hope to give you an idea of what the area offers, especially with so many choices available.
Pricing guide (approximation based on standard site, rig size, and season): $- $0-50 per night; $$- $51-65 per night; $$$- $66-80 per night; $$$$- $81-100 per night; $$$$$- $101+ per night
Where to Camp in Gatlinburg?
The alpine village of Gatlinburg has been a hub for Smoky Mountain tourism for decades. You will often hear that Gatlinburg is for couples and that Pigeon Forge is for families. Although I believe that both couples and families can enjoy both towns equally well, Gatlinburg is lined with shops and restaurants that may be more centered around couples.
For a good reason, Gatlinburg is busy. However, the campgrounds are all located on East Parkway towards Cosby. They have a mountain wilderness feel that gives you a true Smoky Mountain experience.
I want to give strong advice to call your campground and inform them of the way that your navigation is bringing you to their park. This is especially important if your navigation reroutes for traffic. Make sure that there is no issue, and if possible, stay on main roads. For instance, if coming in from Pigeon Forge, I would most definitely NOT take Beech Branch Road with a camper. Waze had us cut over to avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic on the way from Pigeon Forge to the campgrounds of Gatlinburg. However, these roads have been cut and paved for cabins on top of mountains with no guardrails. As a result, you may find yourself driving in the middle of the road and hoping that someone is not coming the opposite way.
All of the campgrounds near Gatlinburg are off of East Parkway. Listed in order, with the first being the closest campground to Gatlinburg, and the last being the farthest away.
Twin Creek RV Resort Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Laundry, Pet Area, Trolley Service, Pool Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$$
Camping in the Smokies Amenities: Sattelite TV, Laundry, Trolley Service, Pool Full Hook-Up: No Pricing: Not listed
Camp Leconte Luxury Outdoor Resort Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Laundry, Trolley Service, Pool Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$
Greenbriar Campground Amenities: Wifi, Swimming Hole, Cable, Laundry, Golf Cart Rentals, Fishing Full Hook-Up: Mixed Pricing: $$
Outdoor Resorts at Gatlinburg Amenities: Laundry, Pool, Mini-golf, Shuffleboard Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: Private owner lot rentals, see website
Arrow Creek Campground Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Rec Room, Laundry, Pool Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Adventure Bound Resorts Amenities: Laundry, Pool, Waterslide, Gaga ball, Activity Center Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: Not Listed
Smoky Bear Campground and RV Park Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Pool, Laundry, Clubhouse Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$
Smoky Mountain Premier KOA – Gatlinburg East Amenities: Cable, Wifi, Pool, Dog Park, Pavilion Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$
Imagination Mountain Campground Resort Amenities: Clubhouse, Movie Area, Pool, Pavilion, WiFi, Mini-Golf, Ice Cream Parlor, Outdoor Chess, Fossil Mining, Fishing Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Where to Camp in Pigeon Forge?
When visiting East Tennessee a few times a year, we stay in Pigeon Forge. I like to think of the town as Panama City Meets Jesus (sub the ocean for the mountains). The town is very touristy and family-centered. The main drag, Parkway, is filled with go-cart tracks, mini-golf, dinner shows, and great restaurants. Of course, I can’t forget Dollywood. We have held season passes for quite a few years, and Dolly’s amusement park is why we visit the area.
Check out articles on the Local Goat Restaurant, the Hatfield and McCoy’s Dinner Theater, and our guide on Pigeon Forge activities.
The first set of campgrounds that we mention are along Wears Valley Road. This area is slightly less crowded than the Parkway area, yet is just a few miles from the fun.
Up the Creek RV Camp Amenities: WiFi, Cable, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Brookside RV Resort Amenities: WiFi, Pool, Laundry, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Pigeon Forge RV Resort Amenities: Waterslide, Pool, Community Lodge, Laundry, Dog Park, WiFi, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$
King’s Holly Haven RV Park Amenities: Pool, Laundry, Pavilion, Cable, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Clabough’s Campground Amenities: Pool, Laundry, Wifi, Grocery, Jump Pillow, Cable, Lazy River, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
The next three campgrounds are nestled in between Wears Valley Road and Parkway.
Walden’s Creek RV Park Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Dog Walking, Laundry, Creek Swimming and Creek Fishing, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: Not Listed
Creekside RV Park Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Swimming, Creek Fishing, Laundry, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Riverbend Campground Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Laundry, Gospel Singing/Church Services, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Just before you enter Smoky Mountain National Forest, heading towards Gatlinburg, lies quite a few campgrounds in very close proximity.
Riveredge RV Park Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Laundry, Pool, Splash Pad, Arcade, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Foothills RV Park Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Pool, Laundry, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Camp River’s Landing Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Dog Park, Gameroom, Pool Splashpad, Jumppad, Laundry, Trolley Service, Fishing, Pavilion Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$$
Alpine Hideaway Campground Amenities: Pool, Playground, Cable, WiFi, Laundry Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Margaritaville Amenities: Pool, Playground, Cable, WiFi, Laundry, Bar and Restaurant on site Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$$$
The next campgrounds are off the Parkway, where there is less traffic, yet still headed towards Gatlinburg.
Gateway to the Smokies Amenities: Pool, Playground, Laundry, WiFi, Cable, Dog Park Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Mill Creek Resort and Campground Amenities: Laundry, WiFi, Cable, Pool, Playground, Trolley Service, Church Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Pine Mountain RV Park Amenities: Splash Pool. Laundry, Cable, WiFi, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
The following campgrounds are centered very close to Dollywood in the Old Mill area.
Pigeon Forge Holiday KOA Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Trolley Service, Laundry, Frisbee Golf, Gem Mine, Bike Rental, Jump Pillow, Lazy River, Pool, Outdoor Theater, Pet Walk, Trolley Service Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$$
Camp Jellystone Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Pool, Playground, Jump Pillow, Fishing, Dog Run, Laundry Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Although the following campgrounds are technically located in Sevierville, they are so close to Pigeon Forge that I group them in the area.
The Ridge Outdoor Resort We visited and wrote an article on the Ridge. Check it out here! Amenities: Pool, Fitness Center, Golf Simulator, WiFi, Cable, Golf Cart Rentals, Playground, Pickleball, Bark Park, Event Center Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
River Plantation RV Resort – Sun Outdoors Amenities: Playground, Pickleball, Pool, Lazy River, Fitness Center, Golf Cart Rentals, Gameroom, RV and Bus Wash, Cable, WiFi, Laundry Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$
The Dell Motor Coach Resort Amenities: Cable, WiFi – Motorcoaches Only Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$
Pigeon Forge Landing Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Pool, Laundry, Gym Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$
Where to Camp in Townsend?
Many campers prefer Townsend over Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge because it is a lot less crowded. No go-cart tracks or mini-golf courses line the highway. In turn, if you are seeking those vacation-like festivities, it will take from 30-45 minutes to arrive. Townsend is for those looking for relaxation and nature. There are some great restaurants in town, but Townsend is truly a haven for those who love the Smokies but do not care for tourism.
Off of Wears Valley Road on the Townsend side of the mountain are quite a few campgrounds with excellent views.
Cove Creek RV Resort Amenities: Pool, Covered Bridge, WiFi, Cable, Laundry, Fitness Room, Pet Area Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$
Honey Suckle Meadows RV Park Amenities: Pool. Deli and Grill, Fishing, Cable, WiFi Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Smoker Holler RV Resort Amenities: Pet-Friendly Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Big Meadow Family Campground Amenities: Laundry, Corn Hole, Pavilion, Dog Park, Splash Pad Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$$
Off State Highway 73 headed towards Cade’s Cove, there are several campgrounds along the river. They are in order headed from Wear’s Valley Road and ending at Cade’s Cove.
Mountaineer Campground Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Pool, Laundry, Playground, Fishing Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $
Riverstone Campground Amenities: WiFi Full Hook-Up: Not Listed Pricing: $
Lazy Daze Campground Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Pool, Laundry Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$
Sundown Resort Amenities: Not Listed Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: Not Listed
Townsend Holiday KOA Amenities: Cable, WiFi, Laundry, Playground, Pool, Outdoor Theater, Fishing, Bike Rentals, Sweet Shop, Tech Lounge, Tubing Rentals, Pavilion Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort Amenities: Pool, Splash Pad, Playground, Pavilion, Cable, WiFi, Dog Park, Full Hook-Up: Yes Pricing: $$$$
Cade’s Cove Campground – Smoky Mountain National Park Amenities: General Store, Horse Rentals, Historic Sites, Food Lockers, Full Hook-Up: No, no hookups of any kind (water, electric, sewer) Pricing: $
Cades Cove is beautiful. Just note that it can take 25 minutes to get down the mountain before you come to a town.
After touring all of the campsites in the area, I am now confident that you will find just what you are looking for! If we missed any campgrounds, please let us know. We hope that you have an easy decision-making process and many safe travels in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Are you planning to visit the Pigeon Forge – Gatlinburg – Townsend area soon? We would love to hear from you! Please drop us a line in the comment section below!
Check out Sport’s Fitness Advisor’s 20 Amazing Benefits of Camping!
Are you new to camping? Check out our article on Which Type of Camper is Right for Me.
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Thank you! This will be extremely helpful when planning our next trip to Pigeon Forge!
I am so glad!!! Thanks for reading 🙂
Great article. Which campgrounds would you recommend for larger rigs? We have a 40′ toy hauler. We also love staying on any river. We are the non-tourism campers. LOL
Most all of the campgrounds accommodate large rigs. However, I would not recommend Cade’s Cove due to the traveling to get there with a larger set-up. Let me know if you have questions on any specific campground 🙂