Best Campgrounds near Sevierville, TN

Sevierville, Tennessee serves as a gateway to camping opportunities near the Great Smoky Mountains, with options ranging from riverside RV resorts to rustic cabin rentals. Established campgrounds like Ripplin Waters Campground and Two Rivers Landing RV Resort offer full hookup sites along riverbanks, while the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides more natural settings at Elkmont and Cades Cove campgrounds. Accommodations vary widely across the region, including tent sites, RV parks with 50-amp service, cabin rentals, and glamping options. Most campgrounds in the Sevierville area maintain proximity to popular attractions while providing scenic water views along the Pigeon River and French Broad River.

Seasonal considerations impact availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds like Elkmont operating from spring through fall (April to October), while others remain open year-round. Full hookup RV resorts typically charge premium rates during peak summer months and fall color season. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for riverside sites which fill quickly during vacation periods. Road access varies between locations, with most private campgrounds offering paved entrances suitable for large rigs, while national park campgrounds may have more limited accommodations for oversized vehicles. According to one visitor: "Easy to get from Knoxville without going into the craziest part of traffic in Sevierville. There are many RV sites and cabins along the bend of the Little Pidgeon River."

Water features dominate the camping experience near Sevierville, with riverfront sites commanding both higher prices and better reviews. Campers frequently mention the peaceful ambiance created by flowing water, with one reviewer noting "We camped on a river site and it was a very nice view and quiet." Private campgrounds typically feature amenities like swimming pools, laundry facilities, and camp stores, while offering more predictable cell service than more remote locations. Several visitors highlighted the convenience of staying near town while still enjoying natural settings. Privacy varies significantly between locations, with some reviewers noting close proximity between sites at certain campgrounds. The region's growing popularity means helicopter tours and other tourist activities may create ambient noise at campgrounds closest to commercial areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Sevierville, Tennessee (464)

    1. Anchor Down RV Resort

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

    $49 - $139 / night

    "This campground is one of the best you will find in Tennessee.  "

    "We had site 157 this time, and close to all of the amenities. We rented a golf cart ($50 a day) and pontoon boat (about $250 for 4 hours plus gas….40 for us)."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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

    $30 / night

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

    "We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins."

    3. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

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

    "Had we been in a site away from the river, we’d have been packed in like sardines."

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

    4. Greenbrier Campground

    70 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    14 miles
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    "Had a blast at The Greenbrier Campground in Gatlinburg Tennessee. We had a view of the river which was right next to.our campsite."

    "The campground is surrounded by a little river so many sites have river views. Most are relatively spacious. There are also a few spots on the road side of the island. The amenities were spotless."

    5. Douglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    19 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 361-1522

    "I was very lucky to find this spot near the Great Smoky Mountains. It was October, cool and fine, when I backed up to the French Broad River in this immaculate campsite with super friendly hosts."

    "Driving distance to locations for exploring."

    6. Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground

    18 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    4 miles
    Website

    $40 - $50 / night

    "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."

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

    7. Camp Riverslanding

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

    $76 - $92 / night

    "I had a spot right on the river and it was always quiet - even being right next to the hotel."

    "Located right by Parkway, it has easy access to plenty of things to do."

    8. Clabough's Campground

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

    $70 - $109 / night

    "The sites had water and power and were with in reasonable walking distance to the bath house that was there at that time."

    "This is perfect for fishing of swimming right next to your site. The moving water was also pleasant to listen to at night when the campground got quiet."

    9. Up the Creek RV Camp

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

    "This is our "go-to" campground now in Eastern Tennessee."

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

    10. Cades Cove Campground

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

    $30 / night

    "You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."

    "We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade."

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Recent Reviews near Sevierville, TN

2241 Reviews of 464 Sevierville 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.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    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 Sevierville

Camping near Sevierville, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby streams and rivers. A camper 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: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Elkmont Campground said, "The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were amazing."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Anchor Down RV Resort offer plenty of activities for kids. One family said, "There is so much to do with the water activities and on-site that you could get away without a car."

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "Most sites are close, so privacy can be an issue."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Smokemont Campground noted, "No cell or TV service here."
  • Bear Awareness: Some campgrounds are in bear country, so take precautions. A camper at Frozen Head State Park Campground warned, "Watch for copperheads!!! There are lots at this park."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole!"
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "They have a little food truck if you want."
  • Pack Entertainment: Since some areas have limited cell service, bring books or games. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground suggested, "Have a good book, downloaded shows, crossword book, or what have you."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Anchor Down RV Resort said, "It was too tight for our 45 ft bus."
  • Use Amenities: Take advantage of the campground facilities. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground noted, "The staff is very helpful, and they keep the campground clean."
  • Plan for Busy Seasons: If you’re camping during peak times, expect crowds. A camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "It was packed during our visit."

Camping near Sevierville, Tennessee, offers a great mix of nature and fun. With so many options, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best tent camping spots near Sevierville, TN?

For tent camping near Sevierville, Douglas Dam Headwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers stunning lakefront sites with beautiful sunrise views over Douglas Lake. The campground provides essential amenities while maintaining a natural setting. Another excellent option is Greenbrier Campground near Gatlinburg, which features tent sites along a mountain stream with easy access to hiking trails. Both locations provide a peaceful alternative to the busier RV-focused parks in the area while still being within a short drive to Sevierville's attractions, Dollywood, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

What campgrounds are available in Sevierville, Tennessee?

Sevierville offers diverse camping options to suit different preferences. Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground is a small, well-maintained campground with excellent access to Gatlinburg via the back roads, avoiding heavy tourist traffic. Riverside RV Park & Resort sits along the Little Pigeon River with fire rings along the water's edge and easy access from Highway 66. Other options include Bear Cove Village near Dollywood, Anchor Down RV Resort on Douglas Lake, and Up the Creek RV Camp. Most campgrounds in the area offer full hookups, and many provide convenient access to Sevierville's attractions while being a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains.

What is the cost of camping in the Sevierville area?

Camping costs in Sevierville vary significantly based on amenities and location. Budget-friendly options include Ripplin Waters Campground, with full hook-up sites ranging from $40-60 per night depending on the season. For those looking to save money, Cracker Barrel — Sevierville offers free overnight parking for self-contained RVs (with the expectation you'll enjoy a meal). Premium resorts like Anchor Down can cost $75-150+ per night depending on view, season, and site type. Most campgrounds charge additional fees for amenities like golf cart rentals ($50/day) or boat rentals. Many parks offer weekly rates for longer stays, providing savings of 10-15% compared to nightly rates.