Looking for the best options for camping with dogs near Knoxville? Finding a place to camp with your dog in Tennessee has never been easier. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Knoxville's most popular destinations.
Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago.
Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
$30 / night
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
$30 / night
Anchor Down Campground has 170 sites and is on Douglas Lake in Dandridge, TN, with views of The Great Smoky Mountains. Many amenities with some standouts being a basketball court, cable tv hookup, golf cart rental, playground, and a pool with a waterslide.
$49 - $139 / night
This KOA campground in Pigeon Forge is perfectly located to take everything the Great Smokies has to offer. Spend the day taking in the local area attractions such as Dollywood theme park, Dolly Parton's Stampede, Wonderworks, or the Old Mill just to name a few. Pigeon forge is bursting with over 70 attractions the whole family will love. Gear up for an adventure of hiking, fishing, biking or driving in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The options here are endless! For a home away from home, try our fully furnished Deluxe Cabins or Camping Cabins. Park your RV at our Pull-Thru RV Site with KOA Patio®, all with free cable and Wi-Fi. Pitching a Tent? We have beautiful waterfront sites conveniently situated with picnic tables and fire rings. Whatever accommodation you choose, you can rest assured you will enjoy your stay in this beautiful location. Explore our abundant entertainment options such as the NEW Gravity Rail, pan for fossils and gems at our Gem Mine, play at the NEW Playground, rent bikes or play in the zero-entry pool complete with a Rain Tree. There's even a safe place for Fido to play within the Kamp K9® Dog Park. As your day winds down, settle in to watch a movie at the Outdoor Cinema, sit around the Community Fire Pit or relax in the Hot Tub.
Greenbrier Campground TN is surrounded by the Little Pigeon River and offer RV sites, tent camping, RV rentals, cabins, and bell tents. Located only 6 miles from downtown Gatlinburg and 8 miles from the entrance to the GSMNP, we are convenient to all area attractions.
$35 - $258 / night
$18 - $31 / night
The west side has 50 sites with water and electric hook-up. The west side also has three paved sites suitable for persons with disabilities. If reserved, proper identification will be required upon check-in.
To get to the West Campground
From I-75 take Exit 128 (Rocky Top) and turn left onto US-441 S (Hwy. 61) for 2.8 miles until you see the stone entrance sign for Norris Dam State Park and turn left. Follow the signs to the campground, which will have you take your first left at the yellow gates. Follow the road for one mile to the west campground. ***Please use caution, the road leading to the campground is steep with dangerous curves.
Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade beside Cosby Creek. This group campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. White water rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Top tourist towns of gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are just 20 miles away. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. White water rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Top tourist towns of gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are just 20 miles away. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cosby never disappoints. At 2,460 feet, Cosby Campground provides a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves a rich cultural history of Southern Appalachia. From the prehistoric Paleo Indians to the early 19th century European settlements, the park strives to protect the historic structures, landscapes and artifacts, which tell the stories of the people who once called these mountains home.
Cosby, Tennessee, located about five miles from the campground, offers convenience stores and fuel. Gatlinburg, a one of the Smokies' famous tourist towns, is located about 20 miles from the site, offering visitors tours, organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
$50 / night
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures, popular biking and hiking trails and scenic waterfalls and streams. Tucked in the mountains under a lush, shaded canopy, this group campground offers the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, turnoff at the sign and follow the directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove Loop Road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
$50 / night
Ranger
Large campground but had level, shaded, and private camp sites. Flush toilets clean but no showers. Traffic was a beast but there were good hiking trails from campground. I was on a loop that allowed generators but very few were in use. Nice creek runs through campground. Campground fairly close to visitor center and nearby hiking trails but wickedly crowded. Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons. Dump station on site.
Ranger
Approx 20 miles from main visitor center. The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic. Camp store is near campsites. Also a ranger station. Several hiking trails are accessible from campground. All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place. Only negative is the requirement to check in between 9-10:00 am the following day if one arrived later than check in time, which caused me to change hiking plans.
Traveler
The sign at the road looks like it was either taken down or blew away. The pin drop doesn’t take you to the turn in on google pr Apple Maps. If you’re coming from Robbinsville it’s on your right after the pin about 1/4 mile. Then at the fork in the gravel road take a right. But all in all it’s a great place. I stayed at 7 in a van. It had level parking and I could walk down to the bank to fish and have a fire.
Scout
My fiancee and I stayed here for 3 months. It was fine at first. The camp host told us that it was only open til Nov 15th like TVA campgrounds. He actually made it sound like it was a TVA campground. The big rule here that nobody talks about is "live here, but look like you don't live here". Everything went fine until Hurricane Helene hit. It destroyed our campsite. We started the clean up the day after the storm and nothing was said until it still wasn't clean 3 days after the storm .We were working as fast and hard as we could , but it wasn't fast enough for them because they were afraid TVA would find out they all live here year round. He said the camp had changed hands and the new owners were going to be looking over the park and deciding who could stay past the close date of November 15th. We were told to clean it up as fast as we could. I assured him we were working as fast as possible. About this time we got a call and found out my mother had fallen ill and had to leave camp for a few days to go stay with her. We returned to an eviction notice giving us 48 hours to vacate. This was impossible si I contacted the camp host and told him I needed more time and that my mother had been diagnosed with cancer. He seemed to understand and said he'd give us til the 1st to be gone . This gave us an additional 2 weeks or do we thought. A few days later the camp host pulled up obviously drunk and was screaming about the rent needing to be paid. Considering we'd rented a truck, secured a new site, and rented a 2nd storage for everything so we could meet his deadline I we didn't have the money and couldn't pay the rent for the month we were being evicted. I explained that we would pay but since I didn't know what date we were leaving I wouldn't pay him the month in advance like he demands of everyone else who stays here. He got very upset and started texting daily in a very rude manner demanding rent. I read reviews on the place and there were 3 or 4 where people stared that they had to leave and were refused refunds fit the days they dud not stay. Knowing this we were unwilling to pay until we knew how many days we'd be there He said that they would tack on $45 a day if I didn't pay it by the 7th. I tried to explain we would pay when we left but he became verbally abusive and did so on 2 other occasions well before the 1st of the month we'd agreed on. The 2nd time he cussed my fiancee and threw gravel and dust in the air and all over her car while yelling " you tried to f#$k me over just remember that" as though he was coming back with "his boys" to physically put us out by force. We'd been working our asses off attempting to leave the entire time but I guess it wasn't good enough. These people show favorites and treat people differently based on who they want to have there year round. We left and would advise anyone to look elsewhere for a spot to park your RV and camp. There is a right and a wrong way to treat people and our site being a little messed up after a hurricane was enough to make this camp host act very threatening and treat us in a pretty awful way in a very difficult time in our lives. Not the nicest folks we've ever met for sure.
Traveler
Smokemont Campground, located in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty. Situated along the Oconaluftee River, this campground features spacious sites for tents and RVs, making it ideal for families and groups.
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Traveler
Cosby Campground, nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a serene escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush forests and vibrant wildlife, this campground features well-maintained sites for tents and RVs, making it ideal for families and solo adventurers alike
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TravelerCosby Campground, nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a serene escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush forests and vibrant wildlife, this campground features well-maintained sites for tents and RVs, making it ideal for families and solo adventurers alike.
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Guide
There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing.
Guide
Beautiful lake and clean bathhouse. Sites are close together, not really tent friendly
Scout
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Scout
I rode all the way over here from Greeneville to check out the area in order to bring a group of friends camping next weekend.
BUT the entire campground is closed. When I pulled up to the iron gate and saw the sign, it read "CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO VANDALISM AND UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY"
ScoutI drove over an hour to get here to find that it is “closed to public for vandalism”. I was very upset by this but obviously nothing I could do. Just wish I knew how to check before driving all the way. But the drive! Woah! So beautiful, I wish there was a way I could find out when it opens back up because I was very much looking forward to camping here.
ScoutCosby Campground sounds like a gem for those seeking a peaceful yet adventure-filled getaway in the Great Smoky Mountains! The mix of serene camping, hiking access to renowned trails like the Appalachian Trail, and proximity to tourist towns like Gatlinburg makes it a great spot. With opportunities for fishing, wildlife spotting(1,500 bears– wow!), and rafting on the Pigeon River, it offers something for everyone. Plus, its rich history and biodiversity make it an even more unique experience. Definitely worth checking out for anyone craving both nature and nearby attractions!
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Traveler
Great place great people and great management. Clean environment. And clean club house and showers and bathrooms. Has laundry room and fire rings at camp sites
Guide
We stayed 3 nights in one of the creekside sites. Very nice. Staff was very friendly. Water, electric, and sewer all worked. Great location outside the chaos of Pigeon Forge. Townsend and Cades Cove were easy drives.
Guide
One of my all-time favorite campsites. Great for accessing the mountain bike trails at Tsali. The entire campground is first come first serve, never had a problem finding a spot, but does fill up by the weekend. Roomy camp spots, decent privacy between spots, clean bath houses, all in a beautiful location. Ride right out of your campsite and hit the trails, or easy access to Lake Fontana. Campsite is always well-maintained. All the spots have dedicated tent area, picnic tables and fire rings. Multiple bear proof trash cans and water spickets on both loops and easy to access. Only downside is it closes mid October until April.
Ranger
We drove here and the it was gated up with overgrown vines. Looks like it’s been closed for awhile
Ranger
Highly recommended this place. New facility clean bathroom with offers solid doors for privacy. Right in the middle of the attractions. Loved this place.
Scout
Big Creek Campground, located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a peaceful tent-only camping experience alongside the beautiful Big Creek. With amenities like flushing toilets and potable water, it combines backcountry charm with essential comforts. The area is a hiker's paradise, featuring over 800 miles of trails, including the challenging Baxter Creek Trail and the scenic Big Creek Trail with its stunning waterfalls. Anglers can enjoy excellent trout fishing, especially in spring, while wildlife enthusiasts may spot black bears and river otters. At an elevation of 1,700 feet, the campground is surrounded by picturesque mountains and pristine streams, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration. Nearby attractions include Cataloochee Valley and the Appalachian Trail, enhancing the outdoor adventure experience. Overall, Big Creek Campground is a fantastic destination for nature lovers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Regards
Stella Smith
Founder of Bombitup
TravelerCosby Campground, located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a serene escape into nature with its lush surroundings and access to scenic trails. Featuring 26 sites, it provides a peaceful camping experience, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and proximity to attractions like the Cosby Nature Trail. With amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, it’s a perfect spot for a memorable camping adventure in the heart of the Smokies.
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Traveler
We have stayed at the Campground for 15 years! Love Beth who helps with Reservations. I really like the fact it is a very small campground, sitting back a long way off the main road. Sites are spread out. Shower house easy access from all sites. Very few, if any kids when we go. Having all the amenities of Fontana Village Resort is icing on the cake. I've already made Reservations for 2025.
Scout
Visiting in 2 weeks
Scout
Spent Labor Day weekend there. Awesome trip! Super clean campground and showers. Lots for the kids to do. Trolley that goes into Gatlinburg. Friendly, Christian atmosphere. Great Sunday service. .
Traveler
We should have heeded warnings in other reviews and avoided this place. Managers are lazy and rude, do not respond to messages calls or texts. Moved our booked spot without speaking to us and told us it was an upgrade, it was not in a spot we desired due to having a toddler near the busiest part of the park. They had someone else parked in our spot so we had no choice. We had to figure this all out ourselves because when we got there no one was around and they simply left a map at the door with a different site number on it. The WiFi password was never sent and management did not email it until the next morning. The bathrooms were newly renovated but no shower curtains and were dirty. The pool was closed both days and locked, no notice given to campers. Email said pool was to be open. There are nice common areas that look very inviting, but whenever you go near them, a camera loudly broadcast that you were being recorded, and this continues all around the building with multiple cameras it just makes you feel very strange and unwelcome … When we finally reached a manager she was rude and told us that it seems we simply aren’t happy and that we could vacate immediately with a refund. We declined, as it was 8pm and we had a toddler asleep and a fully set up camp. This was truly the worst experience and expensive for the type of park that it is. Anywhere else this would maybe be a $40 at night stay however it was $90 a night here. From the photos, we thought this park was out in a quiet part of the country, but it is not and is on the edge of a city with a lot of traffic and an intersection with a Walgreens for a view..
Traveler
Wowza! The views here are beautiful, very private and secluded campground. Pet friendly and the creek right next along the site was perfect! Super clean and has exceptional host & owner who will do their best to meet your needs. Prices are competitive but the beauty of this space is like no other by no means! Can't wait to come back for the fall foliage and bonfires. Oh yeah and to sharpen my axe throwing skills, corn hole is already on point so that was a nice touch also!
Traveler
The campground was one of the most scenic I've been to. Some of the lakefront spots had their own access to the lake and plenty of trees. The camp host was amazing!
TravelerWe had an amazing time, the campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome. Hoping to come back soon.
Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Knoxville, Tennessee, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities and activities for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Knoxville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Knoxville, TN is Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 122 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Knoxville, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 245 dog-friendly camping locations near Knoxville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
