6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort and Townsend Great Smokies KOA provide upscale glamping accommodations near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short drive from Alcoa, Tennessee. Little Arrow features premium yurts with comfortable furnishings, climate control, and private decks overlooking scenic mountain landscapes. The KOA offers deluxe glamping tents with plush queen beds, electricity, and rustic-chic décor that elevates the outdoor experience while maintaining a connection to nature. "This campground is right on the river. Lots of trees and shade," noted one visitor, highlighting the natural setting that enhances the luxury camping experience. Both locations provide modern bathhouses with hot showers, on-site markets for essentials, and fire pits for evening relaxation under starlit skies.
The Little River flows alongside Townsend KOA's property, creating opportunities for glamping guests to enjoy swimming, fishing, and tubing mere steps from their accommodations. According to a camper, "We had a spot right by the water and wonderful view, we were able to go tubing and kayaking right by our camper and go hiking in the park not far from the campground." The proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance (less than 2 miles away) makes these eco-friendly glamping sites ideal basecamps for exploring Cades Cove, Elkmont, and numerous hiking trails. Both resorts maintain year-round availability, though peak season runs April through October when wildflowers and fall foliage create spectacular backdrops for glamping adventures. Evening entertainment includes scheduled activities at Little Arrow's communal spaces and stargazing opportunities from private patios at both locations.
"We were impressed with the paved parking space, picnic table, fire pit and level tent pad. It looks like these are very new. Proximity to cades cove loop was great."
"The one lane, one way, circular drive around Cades Cover is scenic but can get very crowded and cars will stop for any wildlife, go early..."
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"The only bad part was the non quiet hours- so It was loud at night. But the campsites are far apart, easy walking distance to bathrooms."
"There are no hook ups for electric and sewer here, nor are their showers."
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"When we first started going here it was a small family owned business and it has certainly changed since KOA took over but I think they’re all positive, just less of the charm."
"The Townsend KOA is located close to the entrance of Cades Cove. It has many rv, tent, and cabin sites. The sites on the river seem to be the best."
"Dog park, laundry."
"Really friendly staff. Nicely stocked store. Clean and large laundry room with TV. We loved the lazy river in the pool. Our site was concrete and level but as with most KOAs not cheap."
"Glamping, cabins, airstreams…something for everyone! There are so many options for activities here to keep the whole family happy.
The bathrooms are really nice."
"The bathhouses are the nicest I have ever seen. The sites were level and had full hook-ups. They are renovating the pool and it looks like it will be amazing."
from $60 - $185 / night
"I would give it 5 stars if it had sewer connection on site. We stayed here 4 nights, and we loved it. The campground is not crowded, there is plenty of space between sites."
"Bath house we went to is clean and warm. All hosts are very nice and friendly. The lake views are beautiful and the fishing of the deck is so much fun!"
"it's a bbit claustrophobic, each site being quite close to the other. We were tent ccamping, and iit appears that most of the sites are a better desiggned for RV camping."
"Lovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming."
from $44 - $140 / night
"Our oldest rented a bell tent, and when I say they are the cutest camping spot, I am not exaggerating. The bell tents sit on the river and away from all the RV sites."
"We stayed 3 nights in the Baby Bear bell tent with our small children and it was perfect. We ended up arriving later than expected and the hosts were wonderful. Very nice and helpful our whole stay."
from $35 - $258 / night
"Tucked away in quiet town of Townsend TN on Hwy 73, the campground has tent sites and RV hookups. There are toilets and a shower for each restroom."
"Office staff was friendly and helpful, we ended up with a riverside lot which was pretty nice, had a firepit and a table with chairs setup."
"We paid extra to get the upgraded spot which included a picnic table, grill, and fire pit. The pool was closed, but it was storming the majority of our trip."
"Great location and the staff was friendly but that’s the pros."
from $51 - $171 / night
TravelerNext door to trolley depot, and Old Mill heritage. Walking path along river. Walking distance to shops. Nice camping spots, clean showers and bathrooms. Lots of kids amenities, pool open most of the time.
TravelerBeautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy
TravelerThis worked well for us while we were visiting Dollywood in our trailer, but we wouldn't stay here if we had been in a different type of site. Cons: Unless you have a site up against the river or on patriot park, you are packed in VERY TIGHT with other people, sometimes with your sliders only a foot or two away from your neighbor's sliders. We were in a site that was "on patriot park", but the few first sites of that type are really just behind the trolley parking lot and pick up with a path behind you (including ours). People are on the other side of the fence walking about two feet behind you all day and pretty late in to the night. Pros: There are lot of trees and campground is very pretty. Super close to Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge points of interest.
GuideWe really enjoyed our stay at Gateway RV Campground! After spending plenty of time on the road, it’s always nice to find somewhere you can park up, relax, and feel at home.
The campground has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere and was a great place to unwind.
One of the real bonuses is the trolley that stops right outside the campground office. What a fantastic convenience! It makes getting out and exploring the local area so much easier without having to pack everything up and take the RV. Such a simple touch, but one that makes a big difference when you’re traveling.
We’ve stayed at plenty of RV parks during our travels, and it’s often the little things that make a place stand out.
All in all, a very enjoyable stay, and we’d happily return if we’re passing through the area again. Definitely worth a stop!
ScoutDog park, laundry. Showers,come by pick up trash, have lawn chairs, outdoor sports item to rent, have over flow area to park extra vehicles, lot size ample for extra large trailers or tents cabins to rent popular places to eat or shop in walking distances had arts and craft show going that was going to be there a month kept clean water walk with duck's
ScoutWe’ve been coming at this campground for 13 years and it is always an enjoyable experience. The past owners, Barry and Chong, have turned over the day to day management to their son and daughter-in-law. They are so pleasant and accommodating. It is a small campground but drive thru spaces are big enough for big rigs. They keep the campground in immaculate condition…. Would give it 6 stars out of 5!
Guide6 back in campsites, right off a paved road, sites are 20 yards from river, fishing, peaceful, cooler than in town. Outhouse is clean and has TP. Not much traffic on the road, not many campers. There are several campgrounds in the same general area on the river. All are nice, we had our pick and chose Davis. No power, water, or dump but there's a store just down the road that has fishing gear, ice, firewood, drinks, and vices. Good spot in a cool location.
GuideGreat campsites, little closer together than what I like but still nice and shaded all paved. Have three dump stations that are very nice. Will definitely come back. Better have reservations, cause it does stay full.
GuideWe’re heading down to Florida and this was along our route. Our site was right next to the lake. Quiet and very peaceful until 7am lol! People get going right away lol!
Glamping and camping options abound within a 45-minute drive of Alcoa, Tennessee, situated at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains at 869 feet elevation. The area experiences moderate seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows around 28°F. Tent sites in this region typically provide more seclusion than RV sites, with most campgrounds offering access to multiple trailheads and waterways.
Mountain biking on closed roads: Cades Cove Campground offers a unique biking opportunity when they close the loop to motor vehicles. "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.
Tubing in Little River: Townsend Great Smokies KOA offers direct river access for water activities. A camper mentions, "We had a great spot on the river. The staff is very helpful and it's beautiful. We spend thanksgiving here every year." Tube rentals are available from vendors within walking distance of the campground.
Explore historical ghost town: Visit the Daisy Town ghost town near Elkmont Campground. "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. Some are open for exploration, others are cordoned off," notes a ranger review.
Fishing and paddling: Indian Boundary offers excellent fishing opportunities with lake access. "There is a lake for paddling, swimming, or fishing. For those who like to hike, there is a trail around the lake. One can also use this trail for bike riding," says Jason J. The campground store rents kayaks and paddleboards for day use.
Private bathroom facilities: Greenbrier Campground offers exceptional bathroom amenities. "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," explains one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Cades Cove provides excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "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. Early mornings and evenings offer the best viewing times.
Firefly viewing: Elkmont is famous for its synchronous fireflies in late spring. "This is also the viewing area for the synchronous fireflies in late May/early June (dates vary; parking passes by lottery in April) if you don't have a campsite reservation," notes a visitor. Viewing requires advance planning as parking passes are distributed by lottery each April.
Upscale outdoor accommodations: Little Arrow Outdoor Resort offers premium glamping options near Alcoa. "If Pottery Barn made a campground...This is a BEAUTIFUL outdoor resort with five star amenities, truly. The grounds are well appointed, landscaped, and maintained. The community firepit with rocking chairs around it looks like it came out of a Martha Stewart magazine," describes Jenny J.
Site selection considerations: At Elkmont, choose your loop carefully. "I was in site A14, beside a branch of the Little River with a large tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and paved, slightly sloped, parking pad. It was a compact site; the location of the picnic table between the tent and fire ring made it a challenge to set up a screen house over the picnic table and maintain sufficient distance from the fire."
Wildlife precautions: Bear safety is important throughout the region. "Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons," explains Kim L. about Elkmont. Most campgrounds require all food and scented items to be locked in vehicles overnight.
Seasonal planning: Peak tourism affects traffic significantly. "Approx 20 miles from main visitor center. The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic," notes Kim L. about Cades Cove. Visit popular attractions early morning or evening to avoid crowds, especially during summer and fall color season.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds near major roads experience traffic noise. "When the noise of the amusement parks and traffic dies down you get about an hour of peace before the food warehouse on the other side (about 50 yds) starts loading trucks non stop through the night," reports a camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA.
Kid-friendly amenities: Gateway RV Campground offers excellent facilities for children. "The bath house was clean (and warm!) it was cold, so we didn't get to use the playground, but the kids really wanted to use it!" mentions Hannah P. The campground provides a swimming pool and playground within a secure environment.
Swimming options: Indian Boundary offers a beach area ideal for families. "Great beach area and they rent SUP and kayaks. I would highly recommend booking your next adventure at this campground!" shares Tiffney B. The swimming area features a gradually sloping sandy entrance suitable for younger children.
Activity planning: Cades Cove provides good opportunities for family engagement. "This is a great campground, but can get a little busy. That doesn't make it good or bad, but you need to know what to plan for. If you want nature and solitude, go somewhere else. If you want nature, love community, and want someone for your kids to play with, this is perfect," advises DrDavid P.
Rainy day alternatives: River Plantation RV Resort offers indoor options when weather doesn't cooperate. "This resort had a lot of great activities from a lazy river to GaGa ball. Most sites are back-ins and the roads are gravel. But everything is well maintained," notes Gordon K. The arcade room provides additional entertainment during inclement weather.
Level sites: Mountaineer Campground provides well-prepared sites. "All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place," notes a reviewer. However, another camper mentions: "Our neighbor had to loan blocks to set camper," so bringing leveling blocks is still recommended.
Quiet vs. active options: Townsend offers a more peaceful alternative to busier areas. "If you're going to go to Smokie Mountain National Park, this is the side to stay on. Gatlinburg is absolutely nuts while Townsend is about 1000% calmer," recommends Steve D. The Townsend area provides easier access to the park with less traffic congestion.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies widely throughout the region. "We needed to work and do school while there and the Verizon cell service was limited and the WiFi signal was not great at our rig. The Lizard Lounge has a separate WiFi but you have to be inside or just outside to use it," reports John about Townsend Great Smokies KOA. Consider downloading offline maps and information before arrival.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds have year-round dump facilities. "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," advises a camper. Plan accordingly for longer stays or when traveling in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Alcoa, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Alcoa, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 101 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Alcoa, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 74 glamping camping locations near Alcoa, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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