RV sites near Gatlinburg, Tennessee offer varying experiences based on proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,700 feet, campgrounds in this area experience moderate temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in summer months. Most RV accommodations within a 30-mile radius provide access to the Little Pigeon River or Douglas Lake.
What to do
Explore nearby hiking trails: At Twin Creek RV Resort, guests can easily access trails in the nearby mountains. "There's a road that goes through the campground that passes through to the back side of Gatlinburg, but it was very rough and dangerous in a big truck, but there's some great hiking back in there," notes one visitor.
Fish in local waterways: Many campgrounds offer creek or river access for fishing. "Beautiful sites, full hookups, pool, basketball and lake. Great place to spend a whole week," shares a camper who stayed at Anchor Down RV Resort.
Use public transportation: Several RV parks connect to the Gatlinburg trolley system, reducing the need to drive. "The trolley stop at the entrance makes it easy to get into town without paying for parking," mentions one camper about Twin Creek RV Resort.
Enjoy on-site recreation: Franklin-area campgrounds provide alternatives to Gatlinburg's busy atmosphere. "Staying here you will be super close to some amazing hiking and also the many activities on the Cullasaja river. You can easily go out for the night in Franklin and explore the rest of the beautiful area."
What campers like
Concrete camping pads: Many visitors appreciate the level, paved surfaces at upscale parks. "The sites are level concrete pads with private fire pit. The premium sites have custom fireplaces and the views are gorgeous," reports a visitor to Anchor Down RV Resort.
Creek access: Waterfront sites remain popular for ambient sound and recreation. At Up the Creek RV Camp, "There are clean and lovely creeks around the campground that makes it nice to camp by or kids play in. The shade helps with cooling in the summer, and makes it nice to sit outside."
Private spaces: Some parks offer more separation between sites than others. "We have been coming to Up the Creek shortly after they opened. This campground is a short drive off the main strip in Pigeon Forge which makes for some peacefulness while camping. We love the fact that there is trees between campers so it doesn't feel like your camping on top one another."
Cleanliness standards: Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between properties. "Shower areas are large enough for families with young ones to be together with wet, dry, sink and commode area all in one room - some shower heads are adjustable for height and become hand held. Cleanliness was amazing."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many RV parks close during winter months. River Plantation RV Resort operates year-round while others like Twin Creek RV Resort run from "March 28 to December 2."
Site spacing concerns: Several reviews mention tight quarters at certain campgrounds. "The sites are close, but I've stayed in closer, so it wasn't that big of a deal," notes one visitor. Another adds, "Sites were small/tight. Staff was extremely nice. Bathhouses were clean and felt safe."
Reservation systems vary: Some parks maintain waiting lists for popular dates. "It is so hard to get a reservation here, so we decided to take what we could get so we could try it out! A tip to get reservations! Call and put your name on a waiting list for the dates you need. If they have cancellations, they call the people on the list instead of releasing the dates on the website!"
Road noise considerations: Sites along main roads experience traffic sounds. "The spots along the fence line are HORRIBLE! The road noise is awful and there's construction on the other side of the road that begins in the early morning and lasts till late afternoon."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Riveredge RV Park receives praise for its water features. "Awesome campground. Great location in Pigeon Forge, some sites have a creek view, offers fishing (need license), great shade, good size lots, although some may feel cramped, nice camp store, phenomenal restrooms, nice game room, amazing pool with splash pad and jacuzzi."
Entertainment options: On-site activities keep children occupied during downtime. "We are a family of 4 with an 8 and 10 year old. We spent 5 nights here in June 2022. We really enjoyed the clean and well maintained characteristic of this place."
Bathroom proximity: Consider campsite location relative to facilities. "There's only one bathhouse, so if you plan on using that a lot, work with the office to make sure that will work for you."
Holiday activities: Some parks organize seasonal events. "Every Saturday in October, campers decorate their site and hand out candy to the costumed campers! My kids LOVED that. We have already booked for this next October and plan to make it a tradition!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Request specific areas based on your needs. At Pigeon Forge RV Resort, "We had reserved a 'premium' riverfront access site plus we paid an extra fee to 'secure' our site (as opposed to having them assign a site upon arrival)."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for varied site conditions. "Site was way above average, staff was awesome, location was super convenient (city transit goes right through the CG every hour."
Satellite reception: Tree cover affects television service. "Since everyone else in the campground had large RVs (with bathrooms), I never saw anyone else in the bathroom. The shower had nice hot water but in the women's, the flow was a little wimpy. Hubby said his shower had a nice strong flow."
Special event timing: Check local events calendars. "We picked the wrong time to go to PF/Gatlinberg. It was way too touristy for us. It was way too touristy for us."
