Camping spots near Louisville, Tennessee offer access to the Smoky Mountains region with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,700 feet. The area experiences all four seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from March through October, with only select locations offering year-round camping options near Louisville's waterways.
What to do
Biking opportunities: At Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, campers can access nearby biking trails with easy connections to Cades Cove. "Close to the biking trails and Cades cove. Spots are clean, fire pits are great, well maintained pavers patio and nicely landscaped," notes one visitor.
Hiking to historical sites: The area around Louisville provides access to numerous hiking trails with historical significance. At Elkmont Campground, visitors can explore the Daisy Town ghost town. "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," shares a camper.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers exceptional wildlife observation opportunities, particularly at dawn and dusk. "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 a visitor to Cades Cove.
What campers like
River access: Campers consistently praise the river and stream access at many Louisville-area campgrounds. "We really enjoyed Milton Hill dam, very friendly people, well stocked store, easy access to swimming and fishing and full hook up sites if you want them," shares a camper at Melton Hill Dam Campground.
Lake views: The waterfront camping options near Louisville often feature panoramic lake views. "Yarberry Peninsula is such a great place to spend time, no matter what time of year you visit. This trip was in January, and it was chilly, especially on the lake front site I stayed on, but it is just so beautiful, you can handle a little cold to stay at such a nice place," writes a visitor to Yarberry Campground.
Quiet camping atmosphere: Several campgrounds offer a more peaceful alternative to busier tourist areas. "Immediate access to the national park. If you're going to go to Smokie Mountain National Park, the is the side to stay on. Gatlinburg is absolutely nuts while Townsend is about 1000% calmer," notes a visitor to Townsend-Great Smokies KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Some campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. "Cades Cove itself is a gorgeous loop but the campground isn't as private and secluded as one would expect for camping. To me it feels a little more pruned and polished and not as 'wild' as Elkmont & Cosby," shares one camper.
Limited services: Many campgrounds offer basic amenities but lack some modern conveniences. At Abrams Creek Campground, "Make sure you make reservations BEFORE stunning out there. Way off beaten path and reservations can ONLY be made online. No cell service no internet for at least ten miles away from camp."
Accessibility considerations: Road conditions vary widely across the region. "A couple of miles off the Interstate but in its own lovely mountain-lake setting. The sites are built on a terraced hill with lots of trees. The parking area is an asphalt slab and many have a slant to them and will require leveling," notes a camper at Melton Hill Dam Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer designated swimming areas for children. At Yarberry Campground, "The swimming area is in a great spot with a sandy beach. There are also other areas around the campground where you could enter the water with floats, kayaks, paddle boards, etc. They also rent all of those things, as well as paddle boats."
Wildlife education: The camping areas near Louisville provide natural learning opportunities. "Approx 20 miles from main visitor center. The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic. Camp store is near campsites. Also a ranger station. Several hiking trails are accessible from campground," notes a visitor to Cades Cove.
Campground activities: Some locations offer structured recreation options for children. "The campground has a wonderful area and the history of the place is amazing," writes a camper about Elkmont. Another visitor to Townsend-Great Smokies KOA mentions, "We loved the campground. Clean and staff are awesome. The Little River runs behind it. Go tubing!!! So much fun."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many RV sites in the area require careful leveling. "Sites are not well developed with power and sewer in odd places. Monthly rentals and not well kept," notes one RVer about a site near Louisville.
Hookup availability: Full-service hookups are limited to select campgrounds in the region. "Large campground but had level, shaded, and private camp sites. Flush toilets clean but no showers. Traffic was a beast but there were good hiking trails from campground," reports a visitor to Elkmont Campground.
Site sizes: RV campers should verify site dimensions before booking. "Had a great pull thru spot (D2) for our one night stay. We stayed one night as a halfway point on the way up and then again on the way back. It seems they have a lot to offer, though we just used the area as a place to sleep," shares a camper at Southlake RV Park.
