Camping near Maryville, Tennessee typically sees temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer, with high humidity during warmer months. The area sits at elevations between 900-1,200 feet, serving as a gateway to the higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Campers can access multiple entrances to the national park from Maryville, with the Townsend entrance being the closest at about 15 miles south.
What to do
Bicycle the Cades Cove Loop: At Cades Cove Campground, the scenic drive increases opportunities for wildlife viewing. "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," notes Jeremy H.
Explore abandoned vacation homes: Walk from Elkmont Campground to Daisy Town ghost town. "The campground has a wonderful area and the history of the place is amazing," writes Amy P. The historic district contains dozens of preserved vacation cottages from the early 1900s, offering a glimpse into the area's past before it became a national park.
Fish from the shoreline: At Yarberry Campground, bank fishing is productive and accessible. "We took our son and soon enough a few more kids came and we all fished together and had a very nice time catch and released! Great memories!" reports Regina R. The campground provides direct lake access with multiple entry points for anglers.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Campers consistently rate the waterfront sites at Elkmont Campground highly. "I love elkmont! It's located only a short drive from Gatlinburg and several major hiking trails including Chimney Top. It's also beautiful, surrounded by trees, you can hear waterfalls, plenty of space from other campers," says Emma M.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Abrams Creek Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting potential. "This campground it beautiful and it features a handful of drive in spots as well as a wonderful trail where you can hike in for back country camping. This year my partner and I stayed there during the peak of firefly season, and once the sun went down we we walked down the short gravel road that leads to the parking lot for day-hikers. There is a meadow here where we watched fireflies for hours and it was MAGICAL!" shares Phoebe A.
Modern facilities: Little Arrow Outdoor Resort receives praise for its upscale amenities. "The bath houses were excellent, by far they were the best thing about this place. Very clean, spacious, and well appointed," notes Mrs B. The campground also features a coffee shop with local roasts and a playroom for children.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance planning. For Yarberry Campground, "I highly recommend booking your spots very early, as it can be difficult to get a spot during the warmer months," advises Lori H. Many national park campgrounds open reservations 6 months in advance.
Weather challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. At Look Rock Campground, "Temperature fluctuations can happen throughout the day by 20° or more. Storms can pop up and bring heavy rain and wind to this area so be prepared," warns Tyler M.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating winding mountain roads. For Cades Cove Campground, "Long and windy road to get to the area," mentions Aliy L., which can be challenging for larger vehicles or after dark.
Bear safety protocols: All campgrounds in the region enforce strict food storage rules. "Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons," Kim L. notes about Elkmont Campground. Food must be stored in vehicles or provided bear boxes when not in use.
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated kid-friendly activities: Townsend Great Smokies KOA offers multiple family options. "Super clean, friendly staff, great camp sites. I love the patio sites. Great access to the river for tubing!" shares Addy. The campground also features a playground and pool.
Consider camping-adjacent attractions: For families wanting both outdoor and entertainment options, "The KOA is exactly what you'd expect. Knowledgeable staff and clean facilities. Pros: Fantastic bathrooms and showers. The river is beautiful. Immediate access to the national park," says Steve D.
Balance wilderness experience with amenities: For families new to camping, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort bridges the gap. "This is a BEAUTIFUL outdoor resort with five star amenities, truly. The playground is beautiful and the kids loved it. There is a community firepit with rocking chairs around it, and it looks like it came out of a Martha Stewart magazine," describes Jenny J.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Southlake RV Park, "Sites are not well developed with power and sewer in odd places," warns Chuck W. Request specific information about hookup locations before arrival to avoid setup challenges.
Consider campground layout: When evaluating options near Maryville, note that Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA has "Nice pool, right on the river so you can fish. Also adjacent to a massive open field park that's great for the kids or dogs," according to Matt K., but others mention it can be noisy.
Check size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations on larger RVs. At Abrams Creek Campground, the compact nature means "Even though its a small campground, we were able to get a site, but I've hiked through in the middle of summer with no availability," notes John H. The sites can accommodate smaller rigs but may be challenging for larger models.
