Gatlinburg TN camping provides access to over 800 miles of hiking trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At elevations ranging from 800 to 6,600 feet, campers experience temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between valley campgrounds and mountain sites. Weather patterns include frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, with lightning activity peaking in July.
What to do
Bike the Cades Cove Loop: Take advantage of vehicle-free days at Cades Cove Campground when the 11-mile scenic drive is closed to cars. "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.
Tube the Little Pigeon River: During summer months, cool off in the water at Townsend Great Smokies KOA. "The Little River runs behind it. Go tubing!!! So much fun," recommends Cathy O. The campground provides easy river access with rental options available nearby.
Explore historic structures: Visit the abandoned vacation homes at Elkmont's Daisy Town. The area contains numerous cottages and cabins from the early 1900s. "The campground has a wonderful area and the history of the place is amazing," notes Amy P. Some structures are open for exploration while others are being renovated.
Visit the swimming hole: Greenbrier Campground features a historic swimming spot perfect for cooling off during hot days. "The swimming hole was a blessing during the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults," explains Elizabeth B. The cold mountain water provides relief from summer temperatures.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Greenbrier Campground offers individual bathroom suites with showers. "The bath house was awesome with individual rooms equipped with toilet, sink and shower," notes Elizabeth B. These private facilities exceed expectations with their cleanliness and design.
Off-season camping opportunities: Several campgrounds remain open during winter months. "We stayed here over Christmas time in a 20' travel trailer. Very clean with heated bathrooms washing machines and other amenities. The sound of the rushing river is a plus," shares Larry M. about his winter stay at Greenbrier.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Cades Cove area provides excellent chances to spot native animals. "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 morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing times.
Quieter camping locations: Cosby Campground provides a less crowded alternative to more popular areas. "The Cosby campground tends to be a little quieter than Cades Cove or Elkmont, but I like it that way! There is ample parking nearby and trailheads," explains Jessica L. Even during peak seasons, Cosby often has available sites.
What you should know
Transportation options: Some campgrounds offer shuttle services to nearby attractions. At Camp Riverslanding, "Shuddle runs through camp regularly to take you downtown," notes Travis S. This eliminates parking challenges in congested tourist areas.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no cellular coverage. At Smokemont Campground, "No cell service but ten minutes away you can get a signal," reports Scott K. Plan communications accordingly, especially if you need to stay connected for work or emergencies.
Seasonal variations in availability: National Park campgrounds follow specific seasonal schedules. "Most sites are walk up, so you don't need a reservation, and there are probably 100+ sites, so even during the busiest of times you can find a good site," shares Lori H. about Cosby Campground. Off-season camping often means fewer crowds but reduced services.
Noise considerations: Urban campgrounds may experience unexpected noise issues. At Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA, some campers report that "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 starts loading trucks non stop through the night," according to John W. Consider site location carefully when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campground amenities: Gateway RV Campground offers multiple recreational facilities. "Very friendly folks in the office, playground for the little ones, crystal clear swimming pool as well as kiddie pool, basketball court," notes Rich H. These amenities provide entertainment options during downtime between excursions.
Indoor recreation spaces: Some campgrounds offer indoor spaces for rainy day activities. Greenbrier Campground provides unexpected entertainment options: "Best kept secret was the free arcade room in AC with couches to boot," reveals Elizabeth B. These spaces become valuable during afternoon thunderstorms.
Junior Ranger programs: The National Park offers educational activities for children at visitor centers. Programs typically take 2-3 hours to complete and include guided walks, educational talks, and activity booklets. Rangers present badges upon completion of required activities.
Safety considerations: Bear activity requires proper food storage at all campgrounds. "Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons," observes Kim L. about Elkmont. All food items, toiletries, and scented products must be secured when not in use.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. At Smokemont Campground, "Large campground with paved roads and drives. Rocks line the driveway of each site, close enough to require careful placement to leave room for stairs and slides," warns Tod S. Measure your rig precisely before booking.
Utility locations: Check hookup placement before selecting sites. "Utility hookups are close. Sites are close together and a little cramped but enjoyed our stay," notes Travis S. about Camp Riverslanding. Some sites may require extra-length hoses or cables to reach connections.
Seasonal dump station availability: Not all dump stations operate year-round. According to Jean C., "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." Plan accordingly if visiting during shoulder seasons.
Navigation challenges: Roads leading to some campgrounds present difficulties for larger rigs. "Long and windy road to get to the area," reports Aliy L. about Cades Cove. Allow extra travel time and consider daylight arrival, especially for first-time visits with larger vehicles.
