Glamping options near Kodak, Tennessee include canvas tent structures, yurts and comfortable cabins that provide access to natural settings while maintaining modern comforts. The area sits at elevations between 900 and 1,200 feet, creating varied terrain that transitions between the Tennessee Valley and the Smoky Mountains. Most glamping sites maintain availability throughout all four seasons, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to 80-90°F in summer months.
What to do
Bicycle Cades Cove Loop: The 11-mile loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has designated vehicle-free times 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. We took the entire family on the loop bike ride. This was so much fun," notes a visitor from Cades Cove Campground.
Explore historic structures: Visit the abandoned cottages at Elkmont's Daisy Town ghost town area. "Once you've set up camp, walk or drive down the road toward the Little River and Jakes Creek trails. Follow the signs for additional parking and you'll find yourself at the end of a road lined with assorted cottages and cabins that used to be vacation homes," shares a camper at Elkmont Campground.
Use the Gatlinburg Trolley: Some campgrounds offer direct access to town without driving. "This place is awesome! Great location on a river, quiet, well maintained… even has a Gatlinburg trolley stop on the grounds so makes day trips into the town easy!" reports a visitor staying at Greenbrier Campground.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Several glamping sites and campgrounds offer individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. "The bath houses were excellent, by far they were the best thing about this place. Very clean, spacious, and well appointed," writes a camper about Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.
Riverfront sites: Camping along the Little Pigeon River provides water sounds and recreational opportunities. "We stayed in site #16 and it was perfect! It's one of their wider sites so we didn't feel we were on top of our neighbors. The Little Pigeon River was just steps off the back of our camper," explains a guest at Greenbrier Campground.
Winter camping comfort: Some glamping tents include wood-burning stoves for off-season stays. "Very helpful and accommodating to a tent camper," notes a winter visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway and commercial activity can affect some campgrounds despite scenic settings. "We were awakened every night at 1 am or later to the sounds of tractor trailers backing up. The came the loud bangs of the trucks actually being loaded," warns a tent camper about Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground.
Space limitations: Many developed campgrounds maximize capacity which affects site size. "The sites are narrow and fairly close together, although they've done an excellent job of maintaining the heavy trees around the river and on the 'treelawn' area which separates each site," explains a reviewer at Greenbrier Campground.
Advanced planning required: Reserve sites early, especially during popular 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," advises a camper at Elkmont Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity centers: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation facilities. "Very kid friendly KOA. Was always very busy with comers and goers due to the area being touristy," mentions a visitor to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground.
Swimming options: Some sites offer designated swimming areas during summer months. "The swimming hole was a blessing durning the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults," shares a reviewer at Greenbrier Campground.
Indoor recreation spaces: Air-conditioned common areas provide comfort during extreme weather. "Best kept secret was the free arcade room in AC with couches to boot," notes a family staying at Greenbrier Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Front sections of campgrounds often have different amenities than back areas. "If we do go back, it will be to stay on the opposite side of the property, much farther back off the main road and pray for a little more peace and quiet," advises an RVer at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.
Uneven sites: Some campgrounds require leveling equipment. "Only surprise was unlovely site, our neighbor had to loan blocks to set camper," mentions a guest at River Plantation RV Resort.
Cable and Wi-Fi access: Campgrounds near Kodak often offer connectivity despite mountain terrain challenges. "Sites also come equipped with water, sewer and electric hook ups, and even a cable hookup!" reports a camper at Greenbrier Campground.
