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Best Campgrounds near Pigeon Forge, TN

2,302 Reviews

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee serves as a gateway to several established campgrounds ranging from national park facilities to private resorts. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers camping at Elkmont and Cades Cove campgrounds, which typically operate from spring through fall. Within Pigeon Forge itself, accommodations include KOA campgrounds, Clabough's Campground, and multiple RV resorts catering to various preferences. Most developed campgrounds in the area support tent, RV, and cabin camping, with several offering glamping options and yurts for those seeking additional comfort.

Seasonal considerations are important when planning a Pigeon Forge camping trip. Most national park campgrounds operate on limited schedules, typically from March or April through October. Private campgrounds like Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA and many RV parks remain open year-round, providing consistent access regardless of season. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months and fall color season when visitation peaks. Many campgrounds offer amenities like swimming pools, laundry facilities, and access to trolley stops for convenient transportation to attractions. A visitor commented about one campground: "Totally clean and nice bathrooms, laundry facilities. Only 1 mile from all the things to do."

Proximity to attractions represents a significant advantage for many Pigeon Forge campgrounds. Several facilities are located within walking distance or a short drive to the main Parkway with its shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Campers report particular satisfaction with sites that balance convenience with natural settings. While some campgrounds are situated directly on busy routes, others offer more secluded experiences in nearby valleys. Reviews indicate mixed experiences with site spacing, with some noting tight quarters at popular locations. "This park was beautifully kept. The bathrooms and showers were cleaner than any I have seen," noted one camper about Creekside RV Park. For those seeking a more natural camping experience, the nearby national park campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, fishing streams, and wildlife viewing opportunities, though they typically offer fewer amenities than private facilities.

Map showing campgrounds near Pigeon Forge, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (520)

    1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    124 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    "Close proximity to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and Cades Cove. Well run and staffed camp. Lots of spaces available for RV or tents. Cheap."

    2. Greenbrier Campground

    70 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    10 miles
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    "Easy access to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.  Surrounded by hiking galore in the Great Smoky Mountains.   Nice swimming hole for summer fun.   Ping pong and other games."

    "The campground itself is beautiful and completely surrounded on all sides by the Little Pigeon river."

    3. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    55 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7903

    "Close to everything, right in the heart of pigeon forge. Best bath houses we’ve ever been too, all other reviews were spot on!"

    "This KOA campground is within Pigeon Forge and accessible to where you want to go. A busy campground but quiet while campers do their own thing. The staff is superb and always checking on guests."

    4. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It puts you back into the outdoors as the National Parks should be."

    "It's pure magic, and if you go to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge you will be SO HAPPY to get back to your peaceful campsite.   I will come back!!!!!"

    5. Anchor Down RV Resort

    48 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 784-4446

    $49 - $139 / night

    "Lots to do here, don’t hesitate to rent a boat and enjoy Douglas lake. This place is very clean and the staff are amazing, doing whatever it takes to help you."

    "Anchors Down is just outside Severville Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located on Douglas Lake with the Smokie Mountains in the back ground."

    6. Camp Riverslanding

    21 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-8181

    $76 - $92 / night

    "The campground is only a block from the main drag in pigeon forge, but you feel much further away.  A mountain river flows right beside the campground to give it a restful feeling.  "

    "The only place we will camp in pigeon forge"

    7. Up the Creek RV Camp

    19 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-8474

    "This campground is a short drive off the main strip in Pigeon Forge which makes for some peacefulness while camping."

    "This campground is a hidden gem in the Pigeon Forge area. It is close enough to town for convenience, but far enough away that you are not bothered by the hustle and bustle of the Parkway."

    8. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "Right next to the entrance to the Great Smokey mountains. Townsend is a lovely town for eating and lots of walking trails. It is a short drive into pigeon forge if you want more activities to do."

    "The Lizard Lounge has a separate WiFi but you have to be inside or just outside to use it. Amazing river views and very close to the entrance of the National park."

    9. Clabough's Campground

    19 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (865) 428-1951

    $70 - $109 / night

    "It had a trolley stop in the middle of the campground that would take you to Pigeon Forge or Gatlingurg for 50 cents."

    "Great spot with good access to pigeon forge, gatlinburg, and seveirville. Some spots are tight but the blob trampoline made my kids stay!"

    10. Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground

    18 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    5 miles
    Website

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Very clean and beautifully decorated campground located on the backside of Sevierville away from all those crowds on the main strip."

    "Being in this area the traffic is awful but this place is away from that traffic but still close enough to enjoy everything. The back way into Gatlinburg is a direct shot from the entrance."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pigeon Forge, TN

997 Photos of 520 Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pigeon Forge, TN

2302 Reviews of 520 Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

  • SunnyLake
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Lakeside RV Resort & Marina

    Great Place with Great People

    Under new ownership, this little campground is wonderful.  Easy access and close to the activities on Douglas Lake or a quick drive into Sevierville, Pigeon Forge - Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  The views from the lake are amazing and the campground hosts are so helpful and available.  Clean and fun!  Love it here!

  • Laur H.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Clabough's Campground

    Good for families

    Our stay was good. It was our first time camping in Pigeon Forge, we usually stay closer to Nashville in state parks. The campsites are extremely close together - everyone is packed in like sardines. We knew it would be tight from when we looked at the map when booking but whew - if you don’t know your neighbors, you will! This seems par for the course in the area. The location here compared to attractions in PF was so convenient it made it worth it.

    We really appreciated the amenities - the bath house was super clean and the laundry room was nice. We loved that the campground picks up trash daily. There was an issue with the sewer in the area where we were and the campground was quick to resolve it. We also appreciated having campground staff escort us to our site so we did not have to wander with a map.

    The playground is big and nice, and my nephew loved the bouncy pillow. The pool and lazy river looked really neat but we didn’t have swim gear with us since it’s fall, although we saw some people swimming so maybe it is heated?

    On the other hand - The staff does not answer any email inquiries, apparently. The cancellation policy is really awfully strict. We didn’t necessarily feel super welcomed at check in.

    There seem to be a LOT of long-term/permanent residents here. That always makes me uncomfortable since I feel like I’m in other peoples space, but no one was unfriendly. It did seem like the rules (which I read carefully prior to arrival) are selectively applied.

    Overall it was a good trip and we wouldn’t be opposed to staying here again, but this definitely isn’t our preferred type of campground.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Grumpy Bear Campground

    Nice but small

    The attraction here is the river. It is absolutely gorgeous. Riverside are small and close together.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Lake view but live in campers

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Two seperate areas

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Trash..

    This area was easy to find with Apple Maps and T-Mobile and Verizon had signal. When we drove in it was around 9pm in a Saturday night and all sites was taken with what looked like people living there. And the road dead ends. All along the water. Tents and tarps everywhere. We found one spot not on the water and set up. Fire rings and picnic tables are at every spot. But when I woke up and it wasn't pitch black my heart broke. There was bags of trash and litter everywhere around us and tossed in the forest around us. The forest had a lot of thorns but I was able to get three large kitchen bags of trash out. From propane tanks to over twenty cans of food. Just tossed into the woods. We camp all over the United States, and this is our first place close to home and it broke my heart to see how our state treats these beautiful places. Please don't come if you don't appreciate nature enough to not use it as your trash can.

    So on Dyrt there's two sites with this name and same gps but you can follow around the lake and find the other one. Both areas are a lot alike. But definitely more fit for tent camping on the water. Park by the road and walk down sites so none fit for us since we camp in the truck. The sites all looked like the other areas around here where people very much lived there and never left, so not one site at either camping area was open.

  • s
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Creekwood Farm RV Park

    Great RV Park

    This park is conveniently located between Maggie Valley and Waynesville with access to lots of western NC attractions. The staff is excellent and cares about the campers' experience here.

  • s
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Pride RV Resort

    Excellent RV Park. The staff is great and hospitable.

    The staff here care about the campground and put their best effort towards being hospitable to the guests.

  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Knoxville Campground

    Great Pass through Campground not for staying long term

    Location was great to get to lots of things but campsites are very tight and no room for an actual camping feel.

Guide to Pigeon Forge

Camping near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hikes, like the Little River Trail, which offers beautiful views. One visitor mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site... it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Cades Cove Campground reported seeing turkeys and bears during their stay. One camper said, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: The streams and rivers around the campgrounds are great for fishing. A reviewer at Cosby Campground noted, "There is a stream that runs through the back of the site that our kids loved."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground said, "The views are amazing."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Davidson River Campground are praised for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, "Every time I go, it’s always clean and quiet."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds such as Greenbrier Campground offer plenty of activities for families. A reviewer shared, "My young family of six were instantly impressed... there were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds."

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground mentioned, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Cosby Campground lacks drinking water and electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground advised, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Greenbrier Campground has a lot of amenities, including a swimming hole and playgrounds.
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Davidson River Campground noted, "No cell signal but we were able to set up our star link."
  • Pack for All Weather: The weather can change quickly in the mountains. A visitor at Smokemont Campground mentioned, "Temperatures were cool in the evenings, so we didn't need any A/C."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Pigeon Forge near Dollywood?

Gateway RV Campground - Tennessee is perfectly situated just 3 miles from Dollywood, tucked away on the quiet side of Pigeon Forge. This family-owned resort offers pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups while maintaining a peaceful valley atmosphere despite its proximity to attractions. Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground is another excellent option with a direct route to Gatlinburg and close proximity to Dollywood. This small but well-maintained campground offers a quieter experience while still providing easy access to Pigeon Forge attractions.

Are there any year-round campgrounds in Pigeon Forge, TN?

Clabough's Campground operates year-round in Pigeon Forge and offers excellent amenities including two pools, a small lazy river, and a bounce pillow for kids during the warmer months. They provide convenient access to town via a trolley stop within the campground that takes visitors to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge RV Resort is also open throughout all seasons, offering winterized facilities and hookups suitable for cold-weather camping while maintaining accessibility to Pigeon Forge attractions year-round.

What cabin camping options are available in Pigeon Forge?

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort offers unique accommodation options just minutes from Pigeon Forge. Instead of traditional cabins, they feature distinctive lodging in teepees and covered wagons. These accommodations come with amenities like fire rings, firewood, and access to heated bathhouses. The resort also provides golf carts to help guests move around the property. For travelers seeking cabin-style camping near Pigeon Forge, Honeysuckle Meadows in nearby Wears Valley offers a beautiful mountain setting surrounded by the Smokies, though you'll need to verify their current cabin availability.

Which RV parks in Pigeon Forge are most highly rated?

Anchor Down RV Resort consistently receives top ratings for its exceptional facilities, cleanliness, and helpful staff. Located on Douglas Lake with Smoky Mountain views, it's about 20-30 minutes from Pigeon Forge attractions. The resort offers lake access for fishing and boating, plus spectacular mountain vistas. Riveredge RV Park is another highly-rated option that puts you closer to the heart of Pigeon Forge, with well-maintained grounds and convenient access to local attractions. Both parks feature full hookups and amenities designed specifically for RV travelers.

Are there campgrounds along Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge?

Up the Creek RV Camp offers waterfront camping along the Little Pigeon River, with sites that provide soothing water sounds and scenic views. This location combines the peaceful ambiance of riverside camping with convenient access to Pigeon Forge attractions. Elkmont Campground, while not directly in Pigeon Forge but nearby in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers beautiful riverside sites where campers can set up hammocks and enjoy their morning coffee by the water. Both options provide the relaxing atmosphere of waterside camping while maintaining accessibility to Pigeon Forge.

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