Cabins near Kodak, Tennessee offer access to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains where elevations range from 900 to 1,500 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows around 30°F. Many camping areas are positioned along the Little Pigeon River, providing water recreation opportunities and natural cooling during hot summer months.
What to do
Explore historic sites: At Elkmont Campground, visitors can investigate the Daisy Town ghost town with abandoned vacation homes. "One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town...Some are open for exploration, others are cordoned off, and some are undergoing renovation."
Enjoy water activities: The Little Pigeon River runs through several campgrounds providing swimming and tubing options. At Greenbrier Campground, "The swimming hole was a blessing during the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults."
Wildlife viewing: Cades Cove offers exceptional wildlife observation opportunities in early morning or evening hours. "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."
Biking on closed roads: Several campgrounds offer special biking opportunities on roads closed to vehicle traffic. "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."
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Campers consistently highlight the private bathroom setups at The Ridge Outdoor Resort. "The bath house appeared to be newer, and will trump your home facilities in many cases! Within the bath house, there are several private doors leading to your own 3 piece bath with shelving and granite counters with outlets, and a stunning double shower."
Riverfront locations: Many cabins are positioned directly on flowing water. "The Little Pigeon River was just steps off the back of our camper. My kids enjoyed the swimming hole as well although the water was freezing."
Peaceful settings despite proximity to attractions: Camp Riverslanding balances accessibility with tranquility. "Located right by Parkway, it has easy access to plenty of things to do. The bathrooms are outstanding, located in the same building as the laundry, there are several private bathroom/shower rooms, decorated nice and very clean."
On-site amenities: Many locations offer extensive recreation facilities. "The campground is surrounded by water and you can hear the creek from the site. They have a really nice bath house too. I love to fish and fishing is just a few steps away."
What you should know
Noise levels vary significantly: Some campgrounds are affected by nearby businesses or traffic. "Photos of tent sites along the Little Pigeon River are misleading as can be. Being in Pigeon Forge I knew not to expect complete solitude but this was over the top nonsense. When the noise of the amusement parks and traffic dies down you get about an hour of peace before the food warehouse on the other side starts loading trucks."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals must be secured well in advance, especially during peak seasons. "Sites are booked in advance through recreation.gov so make sure you book, during nice weather this place is very busy, even during the week."
Outdoor cooking considerations: Clabough's Campground provides designated cooking areas. "The designated tent sites are very small and can only accommodate 1 tent. There is a raised area with smooth river pebbles that you set your tent on. This is nice if it rains, because all the water will drain away quickly."
Site differences: Cabin locations within the same campground can offer dramatically different experiences. "The tent sites are right next to the pavilion, arcade and snack shop which is in the process of being re-built. The sites in section D are located in the trees and have good shade and also back up to the creek."
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Several campgrounds organize regular family events. "Besides the usual paved, level campsites, they have small cabins and a clean bath house. The campground also has a 'gathering place' which provided us and others an outdoor venue to watch the very first college football game of the season."
Playground access: Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground offers facilities designed for children. "They have put a lot of thought and time in building and 'decorating' the campground. Some sites are sort of close but most are satisfactory."
Water recreation for kids: Many cabins provide safe water access for supervised play. "Each site has a bbq and campfire ring. Very clean and well maintained. They also have little cabins to rent for those that don't have a camper or rv."
Off-peak timing: For families seeking quieter experiences, consider non-summer months. "We stayed here in August, 2019. Besides the usual paved, level campsites, they have small cabins and a clean bath house. The campground also has a 'gathering place' which provided us and others an outdoor venue."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: River Plantation RV Resort offers different types of sites with varying amenities. "All paved sites, full hookups at every perfectly level site. Owners will even back up and set up your rig."
Maneuverability considerations: Some campgrounds have tight access roads that require experience to navigate. "For newbies they will back you in and set you up or help you do it. Absolutely amazing!"
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. "Very clean with heated bathrooms washing machines and other amenities. The sound of the rushing river is a plus."
Year-round availability: Not all cabins near Kodak are open in winter months. "It's small but don't let that deceive you, it's small for a reason. Close to Gatlinburg yet it feels remote and is quiet."
