580 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park surrounds Gatlinburg, Tennessee, creating a diverse camping landscape that ranges from developed national park campgrounds to private RV resorts. Elkmont Campground, located less than 10 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, serves as a popular base camp with tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings amid forested terrain with creeks and rivers flowing through the grounds. Cosby Campground offers a more secluded experience about 30-45 minutes from the tourist areas, while still providing access to hiking trails including connections to the Appalachian Trail. Private options include Greenbrier Campground with riverside sites and full hookups, and several KOA locations in Pigeon Forge and Townsend that operate year-round with amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and camp stores.
Most campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park operate seasonally from spring through fall, typically April through October, with limited winter camping options. According to camper Mandi M., "Cosby is heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping. Campsites are clean and bath houses are interspersed nicely throughout the campground." Cell service is notably absent within most park campgrounds, requiring visitors to drive to Gatlinburg for connectivity. Weather patterns include frequent rainfall and high humidity, with summer temperatures often reaching the 90s in lower elevations. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage in all camping areas, with bear-proof containers required throughout the region. Advance reservations are essential, particularly for summer weekends and during the synchronous firefly season at Elkmont, which requires a special lottery system.
Riverside campsites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with many campers highlighting the soothing sounds of flowing water. "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont. I was able to hang my hammock right next to the river to enjoy my naps and morning coffee," notes Tori K. Campgrounds closer to Gatlinburg tend to be busier, while those seeking solitude often prefer Cosby, which Rachel K. describes as solving "this conundrum" of loving the Smokies but disliking crowds. Wildlife sightings, particularly black bears, are frequently mentioned in reviews. Campers report that spring and fall offer the best balance of pleasant temperatures and reduced crowds, while summer brings higher humidity and more visitors. The area's famous synchronous fireflies draw significant crowds to Elkmont during their brief mating season in late May to early June.
"It’s located only a short drive from Gatlinburg and several major hiking trails including Chimney Top."
"The tent site were large and very clean with the sound of rapids coming from the nearby river. There were multiple bathrooms available which were clean and well maintained."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"I will say that the lots are close to one another and it is not very private but it was pretty hot and we didn't hang outside by the camper much."
"Had a blast at The Greenbrier Campground in Gatlinburg Tennessee. We had a view of the river which was right next to.our campsite."
from $35 - $258 / night
Check Availability"My first visit to Gatlinburg... Amazing. So much to do nearby, and so much to see: not a single moment went by that wasn't filled with some new adventure."
"Close to gatlinburg and pigeon forge"
"This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It puts you back into the outdoors as the National Parks should be."
"Not long drive to higher elevations or back to civilization with shopping galore. Both Pidgeon Forge and Gatlinburg in close driving."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"It's very peaceful and close to awesome trails-Low Gap and Lower Mt Cammerer. Also the best hidden jewel nearby is Carver Orchard and Applehouse."
"Spent 1/2 day hiking the trails and through the campground here. Observed Super camping sites in this less accessed entry point to the Smoky Mountains. I have this down for an actual stay here."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"About 1 hour away from Gatlinburg, but this side is less crowded. The sites are plenty big, a little tight to back into, but not a big deal."
"The campground is close nearby to many of the attractions in the area - the Cherokee village and museum are to the south of it."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"The strip, Dollywood, Gatlinburg and River tubing."
"I had a spot right on the river and it was always quiet - even being right next to the hotel."
from $76 - $92 / night
Check Availability"Has lake view with swimming and beach. Also swimming pool. Basketball,pickleball, volleyball and many more activities. Golf cart rental as well. About 30 min from Gatlinburg."
"This campground is one of the best you will find in Tennessee. "
from $49 - $139 / night
Check Availability"We spent four days here while exploring Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and surrounding areas."
"One of my favorite rv parks, beautiful setting, close to everything but very peaceful. And they have lil cabins and rvs to rent if you don't have one."
"Right outside park, away from the mess of gatlinburg."
"Gatlinburg is absolutely nuts while Townsend is about 1000% calmer. The KOA is exactly what you'd expect. Knowledgeable staff and clean facilities. Pros:
-Fantastic bathrooms and showers."
ScoutA lot of amenities for the kids however getting camper backed in and parking is horrible
ScoutWe found the the best spot we have ever stayed. Big sandy beach down a 100 foot decline. Parked at the top where there is a fire ring and nice size flat spot for a small camper or truck set up like we had. Very secluded. Can’t believe we got this spot. So thankful. Pack it in pack it out
TravelerFor a campground with a nice view, it's alright. Bathrooms and showers are functional but could use a little more tlc. Grass was freshly mowed when I stayed. Again, there is no cell service for ATT, not that it's the campsites fault or anything. it's just not there. For a tent site with no hookups, i thought it was a bit pricey, compared to other campsites I've visited in the area. I like the concrete slab and tables for every site though.
ScoutAt my arrival, the office mistakenly saved my debit card information under the wrong customer file and charged my card. When I brought this to their attention, I was assured that my card information would be removed from the incorrect account and that the issue had been resolved. Despite those assurances, my debit card was charged again. This second charge occurred after I had already notified the staff of the mistake and after I was specifically told that my card information would be deleted. As a result, I spent a significant portion of my vacation dealing with a problem that should never have happened in the first place. Not only did these errors create financial stress and inconvenience, but they also ruined what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. I trusted your staff to correct the mistake after it was first reported, and unfortunately that trust was misplaced when my card was charged again. I believe it is unreasonable for me to bear the consequences of repeated errors made by the office, particularly after I had notified you of the problem and received assurances that it had been corrected. For these reasons, I respectfully requested a refund and I was denied and told that it was my banks fault for letting the transactions to occur. They won't take accountability and refuse to work with me. This was my debit card that was charged and over$400 and was on hold for a total of 8 days. My bank cancelled my card. Just one headache after another because of all of this. I feel as though they should've accommodated me seeing how their actions and failure to pay attention caused all of this.
TravelerI plugged the GPS in for the location the app showed, and this is not the campground location. It is further northeast near Asheville, "Carolina hemlocks rec area" is what it is titled under.
TravelerFull Hookups, 20,30,50 amp. Water and sewer. Sights are level with concrete pads. Restrooms are very nice and clean, private toilet and shower(air conditioned). Golf cart rentals are available. Staff were nice and helpful. The only two downsides that come to mind are that there is only one spot to drop off trash(it can be a hike depending on where your sight is). The other is that the sights are quite small and very close to each other. Each sight has a fire ring but you wouldn’t want to use the one at your sight as you might catch your rig on fire. However, when we were there occupancy was low and it was easy to use the next door fire ring I wouldn’t count on that being the case all the time. Overall recommended.
GuideI am sitting at campfire right next to a stream. The RV sites are all stream side. You fall asleep listening to the water. The hosts are wonderful people, so helpful and accommodating. And their roaming chickens "The Dixie Chicks" are so adorable! A small, wonderful retreat in the Smokey Mountains!
GuideThis is among the cleanest RV campgrounds I've ever been in. It is a single road with lots on both sides...very easy for pull-in's, back-in's regardless of rig size. Full hookups all in great condition and clean, level concrete pads. Bathroom and shower facilities are extremely clean. The hedges that separate lots make for some really good privacy. The riverfront lots have a beautiful view of the river that are embellished by the beautiful pastures visible on the other side.
This area is truly the mouth of the the funnel that all visitors go through to get to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, so in the summer - and especially on weekends - you can still budget an hour or more getting from here to Smoky Mountains. However, there are a lot of great restaurants within 15 minutes driving distance from here.
The area behind Smoky Mountain Knife Works is mostly quiet, and plenty of space to do some walking, running and biking. And, for the bike riders, there are some side roads that quickly get you more rural for some scenic biking.
Nearby restaurants we tried: Chubby's (large-portion very good comfort food), Aubrey's (upscale restaurant, also very good food on the higher end).
We'd definitely come back here again, but you'd feel strapped down without a car.
ScoutWe recently stayed at Appalachian Ridge RV Park and were very impressed with the property. The park is well maintained and offers a great mix of premium concrete pads as well as standard gravel sites. The fire pits are substantial and perfect for relaxing evenings outdoors, and each site includes a nice picnic table.
The park is very dog-friendly, with a dedicated dog area that our pups enjoyed. The bathhouse and laundry facilities were clean, modern, and well cared for. One of the things we appreciated most was how quiet and peaceful the park was during our stay.
If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, and dog-friendly RV park with quality amenities, Appalachian Ridge RV Park is definitely worth considering. We would happily stay here again.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there private campgrounds in Gatlinburg that offer cabin rentals?
Greenbrier Campground offers comfortable cabin rentals in a scenic setting near Gatlinburg. These accommodations provide a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities for those who want to experience the mountains without tent camping. Another excellent option is Camping in the Smokies, which features cabin rentals alongside their traditional camping sites. These private campgrounds typically provide more amenities than public options, including Wi-Fi, on-site convenience stores, and organized activities, while still maintaining easy access to Gatlinburg attractions.
What are the best campgrounds in Gatlinburg for families?
Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is ideal for families, located just a short drive from Gatlinburg and major hiking trails. The campground features spacious sites with tent pads, beautiful surroundings with trees, and the soothing sounds of nearby rivers. Kids can explore two waterways running through the property, and families appreciate the central location for adventures throughout the park. For a less crowded alternative, consider Cades Cove Campground, which offers family-friendly amenities, easy access to wildlife viewing, and is perfect for introducing children to the outdoors.
Are there RV campgrounds near Gatlinburg with full hookups?
Dumplin Valley Farm RV Park offers excellent full hookup sites with easy pull-through access on partial gravel pads. Located conveniently close to Interstate 40, it provides easy access to Pigeon Forge and a reasonable distance to Gatlinburg attractions. For a more premium experience, Anchor Down RV Resort offers full hookup sites with upscale amenities in a beautiful setting. Both locations accommodate larger RVs and provide the essential utilities needed for a comfortable stay while exploring the Smoky Mountains region.
Where can I find tent camping sites in Gatlinburg with mountain views?
Fox Fire Riverside Campground offers spectacular tent sites directly on the riverbank with mountain views in the background. The tent area is separate from RVs and campers, providing a more natural experience with the peaceful sounds of rushing water that largely drown out any nearby highway noise. For a more secluded option with excellent mountain vistas, Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides wooded sites with access to stunning mountain views along nearby trails. It's more peaceful than other park campgrounds and sits about 40 minutes from Gatlinburg.
Keep Exploring
