Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Gatlinburg, TN
Greenbrier Campground's fenced dog park provides a dedicated space for pets to exercise off-leash while camping near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Several pet-friendly campgrounds in the Gatlinburg area accommodate dogs with varying amenities and policies. Elkmont Campground and Cades Cove Campground within the national park allow pets in the campground areas but restrict them from most hiking trails. The campground is pet friendly but the park is not - dogs can only access two specific trails in the entire national park. KOA campgrounds in the region, including Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA and Townsend Great Smokies KOA, welcome pets with full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and pet-friendly cabins. Camp Riverslanding features an outstanding dog park alongside its riverside camping options.
Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Gatlinburg require dogs to be leashed when outside designated off-leash areas. Cosby Campground, located about 45 minutes from Gatlinburg, offers a more secluded camping experience with pets in a heavily wooded setting ideal for hammock camping. The campground connects to limited pet-accessible trails, though most national park trails prohibit dogs. Greenbrier Campground provides convenient access to the Little Pigeon River where pets can cool off during summer months. Several campgrounds offer pet waste stations throughout the property to maintain cleanliness. The Gatlinburg area experiences significant temperature variations throughout the year, so pet owners should consider appropriate shelter and hydration for their animals, especially during hot summer months when campground temperatures can rise significantly.
