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Best Campgrounds near Pigeon Forge, TN

2,285 Reviews

Some of the best camping in Tennessee is near Pigeon Forge, TN, surrounded by the magical Smoky Mountains. There's something for every kind of camper ⁠— backpackers, tourists, RVers, and boaters. With a variety of campgrounds and cabin rentals, amenities can range from very rustic to resort-style with heated pools. You can even get a glimpse of life in the 1800s with a stay in a covered wagon. Pigeon Forge is a short drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which lies on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The park is home to historic Southern Appalachian cultural sites, diverse animal and plant life, waterfalls and old-growth forests, and many miles of trails for hikers of all levels.

Map showing campgrounds near Pigeon Forge, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (515)

    1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 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

    54 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. 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."

    10. Clabough's Campground

    18 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!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Pigeon Forge, TN

992 Photos of 515 Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pigeon Forge, TN

2285 Reviews of 515 Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge

    Beautiful grounds if you feel like splurging

    It is an absolutely beautiful campground with an awesome club house and a ton to do. The pool and lazy river are heated. Honestly though you really need to want to splurge to justify staying here because you are still camping if that makes sense.

    Also the trolley “system” is super confusing and the front desk knows nothing about it lol

    Our site is great. It is right across the road from the playground without having to pay for a family site.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cades Cove Campground

    Quite, beautiful, weekend traffic

    This is one of the quietest campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Sites are nestled in the woods in a cove in the Smokies. No cell service. No internet. No cable tv. Just peace and quiet! This is a national park campgrounds, so no water, electric or hookups. There is a dump station and modern bathrooms. Cold water showers. There is a camp store with basics. There is a lot of traffic especially on weekends with visitors driving the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    Labor Day weekend

    Overall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Being a holiday weekend it was very crowded and very noisy, including a few neighbors without regards to quiet hours. Overall the facilities including bath house are were very nice though I believe the large crowds caused issues with the crew being able to keep up with keeping them clean. The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountaineer Campground

    Pleasant Stay

    Lovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming. My favorite experience here has been the pavilion prayer and fellowship on Sunday mornings hosted by Charm ministry volunteers. Very casual with lots of singing and great conversation in a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the laundry and pool area. The camp hosts were very helpful and work hard to keep the above clean. The campground offers a 50% discount on a 28-day stay which I took advantage of. They allowed me to stay an extra 28 days due to my dog passing away so I could wait for his remains. They were very understanding, thoughtful and gracious during this sad time for me and I am very grateful to the management and hosts for the time, space and respect they extended to me July & August.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Panther Creek State Park Campground

    Panther creek camping

    I had a very cute camp spot up in the woods away from the road it was number 50 it was so cute and quieter than the rest of the spots. It also had two fire pits one up by the tent area and one down by the picnic table

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Big Ridge State Park Campground

    Big level site

    Site 43. Big site. fairly flat. Just have levelers on one side. Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc. Roads are a little narrow in the campground, made it a little hard to back trailer in- the front of the truck was the issue hitting rocks on the side of the road.

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Triple Creek Campground

    Would recommend!

    It got only for stars because I can hear traffic from my campsite.
    I was next to a brook, under a paw paw tree. It was safe, very friendly. The bath and shower house were clean and very nice for tent camping! Laundry room, firewood delivery.

  • Mandi R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Fort Wilderness RV Park

    Just passing theough

    The staff was friendly enough. The credit card machine wasn’t working, luckily I had cash. It’s more like a mobile home park not a campground. It was very quiet though.

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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