Best Campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN

Camping near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while being close to the stunning Smoky Mountains. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the Little River Trail, which offers beautiful views and is accessible from campgrounds like Elkmont Campground. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Cades Cove Campground have reported seeing bears and turkeys. One reviewer said, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby streams and rivers. A camper at Davidson River Campground noted, "There is a nice swimming hole at camp and the bathhouses are well kept."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Black Rock Mountain State Park are praised for their stunning views. One camper shared, "The views are amazing. A bigger RV may not be able to make the trip."
• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were amazing. The site had okay Verizon cell service with 2 bars around 30-40mbps."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA offer amenities for families. One reviewer said, "We loved the lazy river in the pool."

What you should know:

• Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground mentioned, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. A visitor at Cosby Campground noted, "The bathrooms are somewhat clean and the plots are a little close together."
• Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area, so be cautious with food storage. A camper at Cades Cove Campground advised, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips for camping with families:

• Bring Entertainment: With limited cell service in some areas, pack books or games. A camper at Davidson River Campground suggested, "Have a good book, downloaded shows, crossword book, or what have you."
• Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "The site had okay Verizon cell service with 2 bars around 30-40mbps."
• Check for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. One camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA said, "The staff was very helpful, and they keep the campground clean."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park warned, "A bigger RV may not be able to make the trip."
• Use Dump Stations: Many campgrounds have dump stations available. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground appreciated, "The bathrooms were adequate—sinks and toilets and cleaned daily."
• Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Lake Powhatan noted, "We could sporadically send texts, but not get on the internet."

Camping near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.