The Greenback area of Tennessee sits at elevations between 850 and 1,200 feet at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, creating a diverse camping environment with mild springs and vibrant fall colors. Camping options range from primitive backcountry sites with no facilities to full-service resorts with modern amenities, creating opportunities for different camping styles beyond standard tent sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Indian Boundary provides access to a scenic lake for fishing throughout the camping season. "There's a lake with a sandy area, and a beautiful mountain range to enjoy. It's my favorite camping spot!" mentions Alison B. about Indian Boundary.
Bike riding: Cades Cove offers dedicated days when roads are closed to vehicles for cyclists. "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," shares Jeremy H. about Cades Cove Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area provides numerous opportunities for animal sightings from safe distances. "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," explains Ashley Y. about her Cades Cove experience.
Water recreation: Many local campgrounds feature water access for paddling and swimming. "Great for paddling, swimming, or fishing. For those who like to hike, there is a trail around the lake. One can also use this trail for bike riding," shares Jason J. about the lake at Indian Boundary.
What campers like
Private bathrooms: Campgrounds near Greenback offer various levels of bathroom facilities. "The bathhouses were FABULOUS. SERIOUSLY. I've never wanted to bathe in a campground bathroom before, but I do it out of necessity. Well these bathrooms were luxurious and modern and so SO clean," raves Jenny J. about Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.
Nature immersion: The proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides unique outdoor experiences. "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," explains Monica P.
River locations: Several campgrounds feature sites directly adjacent to moving water. "We stayed on a riverfront site A30 in the A loop. Our site was pretty, right on the water," mentions Mrs B. about Little Arrow. Similarly, Elkmont Campground offers water proximity as Tyler M. notes, "The campground is beautiful with rivers running through it."
Quiet getaways: Double Camp/Citico Creek provides a more secluded option for glamping close to Greenback, Tennessee. "All camping in Citico Creek area is primitive but absolutely gorgeous. Plenty of trails, swimming and fishing!!" shares Leanne P., highlighting the more remote experience available.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds require advance booking. "Make your reservations far in advance this is a destination!" advises Ashley Y. about Cades Cove. For Elkmont Campground, "reservations are required" according to reviews.
Traffic considerations: Several campgrounds experience congestion issues. "Approx 20 miles from main visitor center. The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic," warns Kim L. about Cades Cove. Similarly, about Elkmont: "Traffic was a beast but there were good hiking trails from campground."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies greatly by location. "No cell service for Verizon and none for many miles on the drive to the site," reports Carol B. about Cades Cove. Another reviewer mentions: "Leave your phone at home, you won't have a signal, broadcast radio barely makes it in" at Double Camp/Citico Creek.
Seasonal variations: Campgrounds operate on different schedules. Indian Boundary operates from "April 17 to November 4" while Elkmont runs from "April 29 to October 31" according to campground information. Cades Cove operates from "March 11 to October 31."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some glamping destinations near Greenback provide dedicated children's areas. At Sweetwater KOA, "There is plenty for the kids to do-- arcade room, jump pad, and playgrounds," according to Jovee S.
Swimming options: Water features offer family recreation during warmer months. "Nice pool very clean bath houses" notes Ward about Little Arrow, while at Toqua Beach Campground, "There is a Beach area with volleyball" according to Timothy T.
Kid-friendly events: Some campgrounds organize special activities. "This park goes all out for the holidays. We are a month out from Halloween and they have done a spectacular job with decorating. They have lots of kids events. On Saturday there is a train that takes kids and adults on a ride around the park," explains Laura H. about Sweetwater KOA.
Wildlife education: The area provides opportunities for children to learn about nature. "You drive around a valley with rivers running through and you're surrounded by mountains. Tons of wildlife, even saw a bear from a distance," shares Dan N. about Cades Cove, making it excellent for family nature lessons.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Prepare for varied site conditions across campgrounds. "Sites are big and level. Power hook ups if you need them and plenty of shade," reports Jim M. about Indian Boundary, while at Little Arrow, another camper notes: "Only surprise was unlovely site, our neighbor had to loan blocks to set camper."
Hookup options: Check available utilities before booking. "We stayed for the night in 28ft travel trailer without unhooking on a wonderfully level site," shares ShelleyCooksey about Sweetwater KOA, where full hookups are available.
Generator policies: Regulations vary between locations. At Elkmont, "I was on a loop that allowed generators but very few were in use," notes Kim L., while many other campgrounds in the area prohibit generator use entirely.
Dump station access: Plan for waste management needs. "Dump station on site" at Elkmont, while other campgrounds require using facilities at locations like "Sugarlands Visitor Center (doesn't open until late May); the one at Cades Cove is open year round."
