Camping cabins near Bean Station, Tennessee sit in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching the upper 80s and mild winters with occasional snow. Most cabin rentals remain open year-round, though amenities vary significantly by season with limited availability during winter months.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: At Greenbrier Campground, visitors can enjoy water activities directly from their sites. "Our site had a nice tent pad next to my picnic table and grill area. It was not the biggest of the sites at the location but plenty large enough for me, and not far from the restroom," notes one camper. The Little Pigeon River flows through the property, providing fishing opportunities without leaving the grounds.
Historic exploration: Elkmont Campground offers access to the Daisy Town ghost town. "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."
Private hiking trails: Secluded woodland trails make Rocky Meadows Farm appealing to nature enthusiasts. "For those who want peace and quiet, it doesn't get much better than this! It's secluded but clean, and lots of fireflies and a great view! My girls loved exploring and catching fireflies," reports one visitor. The property features well-maintained hiking paths through wooded areas.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many campers highlight the upgraded bathrooms at several properties. "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," according to a visitor at Greenbrier Campground.
Water features: Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground receives praise for its riverside amenities. "There are hammocks and swings on the riverbank for anyone to enjoy and during the summer campers get an hour of tubing or kayaking in the Little Pigeon River as part of their reservation," notes one review. The property maintains multiple outdoor seating areas along the water.
Seasonal attractions: Fall color viewing stands out as a highlight for many visitors. "Beautiful camping, hiking, and incredible views and overlooks. My favorite time to camp or spend time in Elkmont is definitely the fall," reports one camper. Late September through early November typically offers the most vibrant foliage displays throughout the region.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most properties require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. The Baileyton KOA Holiday maintains accessibility year-round with full hookups. "We stayed here overnight just as a stopping point on our trip, but we were pleasantly surprised! Nice pool, very clean park, lots of things for the kids," notes one visitor.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some properties. "If I had 1 complaint, it would be the sound of traffic from the highway a few miles away. It certainly drowned out the sounds of nature but I had no issue ignoring for my short visit," reports a Rocky Meadows Farm guest. Similarly, the Newport-Smoky Mountains KOA receives comments about traffic noise: "Highway traffic noise (semis, engine braking) is LOUD...might be ok in a camper but not in a tent."
Site spacing variations: Campground layouts differ significantly throughout the region. "Sites are narrow and fairly close together, although they've done an excellent job of maintaining the heavy trees around the river and on the 'treelawn' area which separates each site. This helps to make a narrow space seem deceptively private," notes one Greenbrier visitor. Buddy Bear campground layout receives similar comments: "Some sites are sort of close but most are satisfactory."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Natural water features provide cooling relief during summer months. The Big Ridge State Park Campground offers designated swimming areas. "Great place to swim for the summer with the kids," notes one visitor. The park maintains a beach area on Norris Lake with seasonal lifeguards typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly for younger visitors. "My kids loved exploring and catching fireflies," notes one Rocky Meadows Farm guest. Firefly activity peaks from late May through June, with some properties offering specific viewing areas.
Recreation facilities: Many campgrounds include dedicated play areas. At Baileyton KOA Holiday, "Pool is salt-water so no chlorine smell. Playground is away from most camp sites and has a tire swing and small set up." The property also schedules organized activities for children on weekends during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varied terrain when setting up. "We stayed in 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," notes one Big Ridge State Park camper.
Convenience factors: Location relative to attractions influences many RV campers' decisions. "Campground is just about a 10 minute drive from Pigeon Forge or Dollywood. Road noise is a little loud from our campsite, but other than that it's perfect," reports a visitor to Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground. The property provides paved sites suitable for larger rigs.
Service availability: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "We had decent AT&T cellular service but TMobile was not as good. We were able to stream and work efficiently," notes a Newport-Smoky Mountains KOA visitor. Most campgrounds with cabin accommodations offer WiFi at central facilities, though signal strength diminishes at outlying sites.
