Glamping options near Great Smoky Mountains National Park range from premium canvas accommodations to retro camper rentals. The area sits at elevations between 875 and 6,643 feet, creating distinct camping microclimates that affect temperature and precipitation patterns throughout the year. Campgrounds often experience morning fog that burns off by midday, particularly in valley locations.
What to do
Tubing adventures: 1 mile from Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground, you can access Great Smoky Mountains National Park for longer floating experiences. "This campground is just one mile from the Great Smoky Mountains Park, where you can hike, fish and tube. This campground is just outside Bryson City, NC," writes Brett B.
Historical exploration: Visit Daisy Town ghost town near Elkmont Campground. "One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town. Once you've set up camp, walk or drive down the road toward the Little River and Jakes Creek trails. Follow the signs for additional parking and you'll find yourself at the end of a road lined with assorted cottages and cabins that used to be vacation homes," explains Jean C.
Cycling opportunities: Take advantage of car-free days at Cades Cove Campground. "On certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride. At the store near the campground they rent bikes for a reasonable rate. We took the entire family on the loop bike ride. This was so much fun," shares Jeremy H.
What campers like
Private bathrooms: Greenbrier Campground offers exceptional facilities. "The bath house appeared to be newer, and will trump your home facilities in many cases! Within the bath house, there are several private doors leading to your own 3 piece bath with shelving and granite counters with outlets, and a stunning double shower," notes Erin H.
Trolley access: Stay connected to town without driving from Camp LeConte. "They are right on the Trolley Route, just simply walk to the road and the Trolley will stop and pick you up," says Karen D.
Creekside camping: Enjoy waterfront sites at Indian Creek Campground. "Our backyard was the mountain and our front yard a creek where we could fish sitting right by our picnic table and fire ring. The campground is clean and our hosts/owners were very friendly and helpful," explains Vickie P.
What you should know
Reservation planning: Secure spots early at Elkmont Campground, particularly during peak seasons. "Stayed here many times and is my favorite campground in the Smoky Mountains. Great location with easy access to Gatlinburg but secluded as well. The campground is beautiful with rivers running through it. Is usually very crowed year round (especially during firefly season), but there is plenty of space between the campsites," observes Tyler M.
Wildlife awareness: Black bears are common in Cades Cove. "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience," reports Ashley Y.
Connectivity limitations: Signal varies by location. "NO ATT service and Wi-Fi spotty and slow except when in pavilion. If connectivity is important (and it legitimately can be), this might not be the place for you," notes Steve G. about Indian Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Townsend-Great Smokies KOA offers multiple recreation options. "Super clean, friendly staff, great camp sites. I love the patio sites. Great access to the river for tubing!" comments Addy.
Playground options: Multiple play areas at Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA keep children entertained. "All kinds of stuff for the kids. Two pools, jump pillow and pad, banana bikes, play ground and three ponds for fishing," shares Robbie T.
Swimming opportunities: Natural water features provide cooling options. "The swimming hole was a blessing during the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults," explains Elizabeth B. about Greenbrier Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Book premium locations at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort for the best experience. "We stayed on a riverfront site A30 in the A loop. 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. The C loop on the other side of the campground for riverfront sites may be farther off the road a little quieter," advises Mrs B.
Level sites: Concrete pads available at Camp LeConte. "Clean and well kept. Small campground but all sites are cement pads. Pricing is great being very close to downtown and trolley rides are available," notes Rita.
Glamping alternatives: Options beyond traditional RVs. "Little arrow outdoor resort was an awesome Campground. we really enjoyed our time there, the staff was great very friendly. There was a lot to do there for everyone in the family," reports GeriAnn H. about the glamping Smoky Mountains resort that offers luxury accommodations for those without RVs.
