Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Crowded with small sites
Crowded with small sites. Saturated grassy and muddy area all around our site. Way over priced! Staff was polite and helpful with replacing 50amp breaker at the shore connection.
414 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Eastern Tennessee's rolling hills and river valleys around Greeneville feature a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and recreation areas that accommodate various camping styles. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground in nearby Limestone offers year-round camping with full hookup sites for RVs and designated tent areas, situated along the scenic Nolichucky River. Within Greeneville proper, Horse Creek Recreation Area provides more rustic camping from May through October, while Old Forge Recreation Area offers primitive sites with basic amenities. Several private operations like Lazy Llama Campground and Around Pond RV Park supplement these public options with additional amenities for both tent and RV campers, creating a spectrum of experiences from basic to full-service.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with some facilities like Horse Creek and Old Forge Recreation Areas closing during winter months. The area experiences typical Appalachian climate patterns with humid summers and mild winters, though higher elevations can see significant temperature drops. As one camper at Davy Crockett noted, "Beautiful view of Nolichucky River, large swimming pool, and super clean bath houses." Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with many of the more remote locations having limited or no coverage. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season when tourism peaks.
Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area, with the Nolichucky River being a central feature at several campgrounds. Campers frequently mention the clean facilities at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, which also offers historical programming and family-friendly activities. According to one reviewer, the park has "lots of pull-through spaces for larger campers and small ones as well." For those seeking more seclusion, Old Forge Recreation Area provides a quieter experience with fewer amenities but more natural surroundings. The Greeneville area campgrounds offer excellent access to hiking trails and fishing spots, with most campsites providing fire rings and picnic tables for outdoor meals. The proximity to the Appalachian Trail and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (about an hour away) makes Greeneville a strategic base camp for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the broader region.
"Large swimming pool, TONS of historical events around, hiking & river walks. Super clean and new bath houses as well. Honors Tennessee state discounts. If possible make reservations online."
"The drive in follows the TN “Sunnyside Early Country Trail” through picturesque farmland with mountains in the near distance. Do your shopping before arrival, there’s nothing close to the park."
from $14 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Conveniently located close to highway 81 and town!"
"Even though it's very close to the interstate, it was very quiet. We had a full hook up site, relatively level. It had a picnic table and fire ring."
"With mountains in the distance and the constant rush of the French Broad River, the setting is awesome. Even the occasional train whistle gives me a feeling of nostalgia and of simple days."
"The bathhouse (clean private showers and private bathrooms) was a 1/4 mile walk from our spot, but a Porta John was close by. Our particular spot had a lot of shade and easy access to the river."
"Did a couple of days at Around the Pond Campground in Greenville Tennessee.( mtns.) It was a awesome trip with our friends Ronni Herold& Dean."
"Close to highway."
"Having both RV and tent campgrounds, each with large fire pits and lantern stands, this peaceful creekside setting lies just beyond low mountain farms in the northern part of Greene County Tennessee."
"Nice trails."
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $55 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $48 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Good trails along the rolling hills and creeks. Very simple rustic site with very little facilities. Pros: very wooded and private large campsites, babbling creek, outhouses."
from $7 / night
Check Availability"Drive in is a nice paved road, got our information on where our sites where from the Camp Host, Who was super informative."
"Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute. A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."
from $50 / night
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Crowded with small sites. Saturated grassy and muddy area all around our site. Way over priced! Staff was polite and helpful with replacing 50amp breaker at the shore connection.
Doe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay.
For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods.
There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain.
There were only a few considerations with this venue.
The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads.
The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.
3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active.
The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder.
Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!)
Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.
Everything is new after Helene came through. I liked the park, and the staff was very helpful. Sometimes vehicles on the bridge near the dam could be noisy. After exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park each day, I was too tired to care. It's conveniently located and I'd stay here again when I'm in the area. There were Canadian geese, otters, and nesting bald eagles in the area.
Very nice campground with very good sites easy to back into and pretty level
Overall, a decent dispersed camping spot. I saw and heard no one my entire time at this spot. It’s right on the river which is great. The drive in is mostly paved, but a little narrow. Please pack your trash out though. It seems like no matter the state I camp in, people leave their trash. This site was particularly bad. It’s good to go now, but bring a bag and leave it nicer than you found it.
The owner was super nice and gave us all the info we needed! Very close to the falls to swim at and hike to (wear hiking shoes to get to the falls) over all great quiet little campground!
This is the best place to park your travel trailer for a few days! Tons of space it’s not to crowded and everyone is so nice
A lot of amenities for the kids however getting camper backed in and parking is horrible
We 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
Camping spots near Greeneville, Tennessee range from primitive sites along woodland creeks to full-service RV parks with modern amenities. The area sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows around 25°F. Nolichucky River access points provide fishing opportunities and cooling relief during humid summer months when humidity often exceeds 70%.
Fishing opportunities: The 2-acre stocked fishing pond at Share the Farm offers a peaceful spot for anglers. According to one camper, it's a "quiet campground with a private pond for fishing."
Mineral hot springs: Across the state line in North Carolina, Hot Springs Campground provides access to natural hot mineral tubs. A visitor noted, "The tents sites along the river were great... Loved the spa. Amazing views open air hot tubs."
Historic exploration: The replica farm at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground brings pioneer history to life. One visitor mentioned, "There's a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crocket.. in character and costume."
Hiking options: Old Forge Recreation Area connects to several forest trails. A camper described it as having "Good trails along the rolling hills and creeks" and being "not far from the Appalachian Trail, the TN/NC border, and highway 26."
River proximity: Many campers value waterfront sites, especially at Horse Creek Recreation Area where campsites line the creek. One reviewer described it as "a wonderfully peaceful place. The creek flowing through the middle of the grounds is a wonderful scenic point and provides with sound cover."
Pool access: Baileyton KOA Holiday features a salt-water swimming pool that families appreciate. A visitor pointed out, "Pool is salt-water so no chlorine smell. Playground is away from most camp sites and has a tire swing and small set up."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention clean bathrooms across several campgrounds. At Baileyton KOA Holiday, one reviewer called it "Hands down the best KOA we've camped" and another noted the "bathroom & shower" were "clean."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generously sized sites. At Davy Crockett, a reviewer mentioned "many of the campsites were generously sized, many of them with lots of trees shade" and that their site was "right next to the river."
Site accessibility varies: At Horse Creek Recreation Area, there are important access limitations. One camper warned: "To be clear, there is only one site that you can drive to. (Site 14) When it says the sites are 'walk-in', it does not mean you can drive near your site and walk over into it. It means you have to park in a parking lot and haul your stuff up to 200 or 300 yards away along a trail over bridge."
Seasonal operations: Some campgrounds in the area close during winter months. Old Forge Recreation Area operates from April to October, while Cosby Campground runs "mid April - mid October."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Cosby Campground, one camper noted, "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."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Old Forge Recreation Area offers a more rustic experience. A visitor described it as "very simple rustic site with very little facilities" and noted "no water so bring treatment methods."
Family activities: Weekend programming makes Baileyton KOA Holiday particularly family-friendly. A reviewer mentioned, "Enjoy the pool and weekend activities for the kids. You won't want to miss out on the outdoor movie nights either!"
Historical programs: Lazy Llama Campground offers a unique animal experience on their working llama farm. A visitor mentioned it's "Hidden in the backroads of TN this small, cozy campground is on a llama farm."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground, a visitor wrote, "Playground is great and was perfect for our girl scout trip."
Swimming spots: Natural swimming areas offer relief from summer heat. At Horse Creek Recreation Area, there's "a swim hole but, cold water" according to one camper.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Around Pond RV Park, a visitor noted sites are "not particularly level" though the campground has "cute pond with swans and ducks."
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer convenient pull-through sites. At Around Pond RV Park, one RVer mentioned their experience: "Pulled up to the staging area near the office and didn't even have to get out of the truck. Guy came up on a golf cart and confirmed my name. Took us right to our spot which was a full hook up pull through. Site was gravel and completely level."
Hookup options: Utility connections vary between campgrounds. Hot Springs Campground offers "dirt site by the River all hook ups" and at Baileyton KOA Holiday, a camper noted, "We stayed in a pull through site and it was not very level (we had planned to not even unhook from the truck but had too bc of this)."
Big rig accessibility: Some campgrounds can accommodate larger vehicles. At Kinser Park, there are sites with "electric hookups, fifty-amp hookups" and "sewer hookups" making it suitable for larger RVs with full utility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find tent camping sites near Greeneville, TN?
Tent campers near Greeneville have several excellent options. Nolichucky Gorge Campground is situated right on the Nolichucky River just off I-26 near Erwin, offering a quaint setting with gravel pads in a secluded location. For a more remote experience, Little Oak Campground is about an hour away but provides a peaceful retreat that feels secluded. This hidden gem requires a 7-mile trek off the main road but rewards campers with one of East Tennessee's loveliest camping experiences, especially in spring when you might have the place to yourself.
Is there a KOA campground in Greeneville, TN?
There is currently no KOA (Kampgrounds of America) campground directly in Greeneville, TN. The closest KOA locations are in the surrounding region, including options near the Great Smoky Mountains. For Greeneville camping, consider alternatives like Around Pond RV Park which offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Other local options include Share the Farm and Lazy Llama Campground, both offering different amenities and experiences while staying near Greeneville.
Are there lake campsites available near Greeneville, TN?
Yes, lake camping options are available near Greeneville. Anchor Down RV Resort is situated on Douglas Lake with stunning Smoky Mountain views. It's widely regarded as one of Tennessee's premier campgrounds with plenty of activities, lake fishing, and scenic vistas. Kinser Park offers another lake camping option with boat-in and drive-in access, reservable sites, and basic amenities like water and toilets. Both provide excellent opportunities to enjoy waterfront camping with different levels of amenities to suit various camping styles.
How far is Greeneville, TN from Gatlinburg?
Greeneville, TN is approximately 70 miles from Gatlinburg, with a driving time of about 1.5 hours via I-81 S and US-411 S. This makes it possible to visit attractions like Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a day trip. Cosby provides a great base near Gatlinburg with paved road access and nearby amenities. Alternatively, Fox Fire Riverside Campground offers riverside sites in the Smoky Mountains region, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of East Tennessee while having access to both Greeneville and Gatlinburg areas.
What are the best campgrounds near Greeneville, TN?
Several excellent campgrounds are located near Greeneville. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground offers pull-through sites for various camper sizes with beautiful views of the Nolichucky River, a swimming pool, and historical attractions. Another great option is Horse Creek Recreation Area, which provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water, and toilet facilities. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Old Forge Recreation Area offers a quieter setting with basic amenities. Each campground provides unique experiences from historical immersion to scenic natural settings.
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