Cabin accommodation options near Great Smoky Mountains National Park range from primitive structures within park boundaries to fully outfitted rental units with modern conveniences. Located in the southern Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 875 to 6,643 feet, the region experiences significant temperature variations between valley floors and mountain peaks. Winter cabin rentals often require advance booking, with availability limited from November through February at many locations.
What to do
Creek activities: At Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, visitors can enjoy fishing and tubing in the adjacent river. "Our site was pretty, right on the water. However, there is a A LOT of road noise coming from the other side of the little river at all hours of the day and night," notes one visitor about the riverfront experience.
Mountain biking: Townsend offers excellent trail access with bike rentals available seasonally. "We rented bikes on site, perfect day. We also did longer hikes in the area. Stayed here for 4 days as a basecamp, just a great wooded site," reports a camper who visited Cades Cove.
Historical exploration: The Elkmont historic district contains abandoned vacation homes from the early 1900s. "The campground has a wonderful area and the history of the place is amazing," shares one visitor about exploring beyond the campground itself.
Winter activities: Several cabin providers maintain year-round operations. "We stayed here over Christmas time in a 20' travel trailer. Very clean with heated bathrooms washing machines and other amenities. The sound of the rushing river is a plus," notes a winter visitor to Greenbrier Campground.
What campers like
Private bathrooms: Multiple campgrounds feature individual bathroom facilities. "The bath houses were excellent, by far they were the best thing about this place. Very clean, spacious, and well appointed," writes one guest at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.
Proximity to attractions: Cabin locations provide strategic access to park entrances. "Great location on a river, quiet, well maintained… even has a Gatlinburg trolley stop on the grounds so makes day trips into the town easy," explains a visitor to Greenbrier Campground.
River sounds: Many cabins position visitors near flowing water. "Camper along the river and it was amazing. Great hiking opportunities and close to Gatlinburg if you run out of supplies," notes one Elkmont visitor about the ambient sounds.
Stocked fishing: Some properties maintain fish populations for guests. "The creek is stocked with trout, so bring your fishing gear," advises a camper who stayed at Indian Creek Campground.
What you should know
Winter closures: Several park campgrounds operate seasonally. "Elkmont is closed from Nov-March. We try to come up camping in this area 4 times a year. Camp Riverslanding is our campground for after Christmas/New Years," shares one winter visitor.
Road noise: Some riverside properties experience traffic sounds. "The negative: Photos of tent sites along the Little Pigeon River are misleading as can be. Being in Pigeon Forge I knew not to expect complete solitude but this was over the top nonsense," warns a visitor to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground.
Campground congestion: Peak seasons create crowded conditions. "Like most KOAs, it's packed. Children run the night like Westside Story," notes a Townsend KOA visitor about the summer atmosphere.
Check-in requirements: Some locations have strict arrival policies. "Only negative is the requirement to check in between 9-10:00 am the following day if one arrived later than check in time, which caused me to change hiking plans," mentions a visitor to Cades Cove.
Tips for camping with families
Kids' activities: Look for campgrounds with designated play areas. "Super clean, friendly staff, great camp sites. I love the patio sites. Great access to the river for tubing," reports a visitor to Townsend-Great Smokies KOA.
Entertainment options: Some cabins include modern conveniences. "Best kept secret was the free arcade room in AC with couches to boot. The laundry room was fine. The bath houses were awesome with individual rooms equipped with toilet, sink and shower," shares a Greenbrier visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Plan morning or evening drives for animal sightings. "Cades Cove itself is a gorgeous loop but the campground isn't as private and secluded as one would expect for camping. To me it feels a little more pruned and polished and not as 'wild' as Elkmont & Cosby," explains an experienced regional camper.
Swimming spots: Several campgrounds feature designated water play areas. "This campground has a ton of activities for the whole family. Just a short drive into the GSMNP, we did hiking during the day, explored Bryson City, then enjoyed the campground at night," writes a visitor to Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have uneven pads. "Only surprise was unlovely site, our neighbor had to loan blocks to set camper," notes a Little Arrow visitor about parking challenges.
Generator restrictions: Noise limitations vary between campgrounds. "I was on a loop that allowed generators but very few were in use. Nice creek runs through campground," reports an Elkmont visitor.
Seasonal dump stations: Winter travelers should note availability changes. "The nearest dump station is a seasonal one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (doesn't open until late May); the one at Cades Cove is open year round," explains an experienced RVer.
Site privacy: Consider vegetation between spaces. "The camp staff is extremely accommodating and very helpful. The bathrooms/showers were clean and the campground was well laid out," comments a visitor to Townsend KOA about the overall atmosphere.
