We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Oak Ridge. The Dyrt can help you find the best cabin camping destinations for your next trip. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Tennessee cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
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
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
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.
If you want to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southeastern United States, plan a stay with at Loyston Point. TVA offers hundreds of campsites among its six dam reservoir campgrounds, available from mid-March to mid-November. All six campgrounds are now managed by Recreation Resource Management (RRM) under a concessionaire agreement with TVA. This has allowed an expansion of services that includes new campground stores, wireless access, an online reservation system and more.
$8 - $100 / night
$18 - $300 / night
Rich history with fresh adventure! Just steps away from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Little Arrow invites you to take aim at adventure. Our cozy accommodations have been thoughtfully designed with perks like wood-burning fireplaces, plush bedding, and more to meet your unique needs! With RV Sites, Cabins, Glamping Tents, Tiny Homes, an Airstream, and a Vacation Home, escaping to your own wilderness retreat has never been easier! We're passionate about the mountains that surround us and strive to make the most of our stunning environment. From a swimming pool, easy river access, 24/7 coffee lounge, a club house, hiking trail, and exciting activities onsite, your visit will be full of adventure!
$60 - $185 / night
Guide
We stayed here on a KAT section 2 trip. Super friendly and helpful staff. They had campsites, covered wagons, and cabins. The had a small camp store and sold firewood
GuideWe stayed there while running the KAT section 2. Great staff. Lots of room for horses. They had campsites, covered wagons and cabin space.
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
Ranger
This place is a great place for camping had nice paved trails clean campground. The bathroom was clean. The shower was hot. Lots of friendly campers.
Scout
Visiting in 2 weeks
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
That's a great recommendation! Elkmont Campground sounds like a wonderful place to experience the Great Smoky Mountains. The variety of accommodation options makes it accessible to campers of all preferences. Therefore SRSLY Low Carb helps me stick to a diet and it reflects well on my body. I love active recreation. However, I always take care of my diet because I have health problems. Have a nice trip and take care of your health.
TravelerWe had an amazing time, the campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome. Hoping to come back soon.
Traveler
If you're looking for peace and quiet, then this is the place to be. Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground. Note... Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just erritates the bears.
Traveler
We were there on a Saturday night in August and it was completely sold out. It's a very busy campground with close together spaces but that's to be expected at that time and place. The staff was awesome and it's a great facility, shockingly with that many people it was absolutely silent at night. If you want to be in that area at that time it's pricey but hard to beat; however, I have no desire to be in that busy of a campground. There is a good chance we would like to see it in the off season.
Scout
I highly DO NOT RECOMMEND this place. They completely do not respect their guests. I booked a half a year in advance and asked the question if they have a separate bed for each and they assured me they do. Unfortunately, my child ended up sleeping on the table. I tried to ask for an additional mattress or a partial/full refund but they didn’t want to hear me. They offered me to go to the store and buy one for myself. A complete disrespect I drove for six hours to be as disappointed as I had never been in life. Please, beware that coming here you’re going to sleep either on the floor or on the table and the staff doesn’t care about you or do not respect you. People, please do not come here.
Scout
They always went above and beyond to make sure that they elderly couple that I take care of accommodations were met.. and always done it with a true southerns hospitality
Scout
Very tiny cabin, grass overgrown, far distance from pool. We paid in advance for 2 nights but checked out after 2 hours. Very gross, unkept. Because it’s pigeon forge I expected it to be good but it’s disgusting. The videos of JellystonePark show trampolines and water park like activities but this park had one small pool with no parking. Even my kids wanted to leave. Do not go here it is a Huge disappointment!
Guide
Clean, well maintained campground close to everything Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge has to offer.
Also super close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park which we enjoyed during our visit.
Legend
Approximately 4 miles off of exit 144, from I~75. Easy to locate, and a well maintained RV campground! Website has all the info on the different types of sites, cabins and ATV’s. Resources for permits, pricing, and other requirements are also listed. The trails are accessible from the CG. FHUs on Back in and Pull-throughs,bathhouses, on site fishing pond, playground, and Ohhh yes….the ATV wash station! General store is on the right from the entrance, which is awesome! They sell firewood and ice, as well as extreme OHV sporting equipment/gear, snacks, souvenirs….to list a few. Rental cabins are available nearby, for larger families or groups. I believe they thought of almost everything! I would love to come camp here in the fall, as I can imagine that the views are spectacular! They provide WiFi, but my T-Mobile reception was good, at 3 bars.
Scout
We've been traveling full time for the past year and Bean Pot campground is by far the best. Beautiful sites, great owners and staff and alot of amenities. They also have fun activities. Definitely will be back!
Scout
Eagle Rock Resort & Campground is amazing. If you are looking for a place to ride trails and relax, this is the place. You could seriously come here multiple times a year and still not see all of the different trails. The site manager, Jeff, and his staff was extremely nice and helpful. Always there to please and help make your experience one to remember. I am not the camping type so the condos they have for rent was perfect for my group. Spacious and clean with everything you need. We even had very comfortable king size bunk beds, never seen anything like it before. Cannot say enough great things about this experience. Definitely worth a stay!!!
Scout
Not in a bad way there were plenty of trees providing shade. We were there for the Bigfoot festival it's close enough to Gatlinburg and pigeon forge to go do things there far enough away you don't have to deal with the commercialism if you don't want to Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/HKIFIes9rE4
ScoutBooked a place to stay for vacation and ended up having to cancel in enough time for a refund. They said they would do a full refund wait 10-15 business days. Waited the time frame and no deposit was made. Ended up calling and they told us to email someone, emailed said person and haven’t heard anything. Careful if you might end up canceling cuz they will take your money. Just seen another post where the same thing happened with someone.
Traveler
Great clean campground close to the smokey mountain national park. Level sites,nice size sites,clean laundry facility ,enclosed dog area. Alsoa on a river with a very nice 1/2 mile trail and fly fishing. We stayed for 6 nights. Highly recommend.
ScoutIt looks so good so far. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a very good day!
Guide
We had a little bit of a rough start here with the reservation. But all of that was forgotten once we arrived. The place was not even close to capacity while we were there, and they kept us all spaced very well. In fact, we couldn't even see another camper from our porch side. The place was well kept and beautiful!
ScoutCampground did not follow advertised online information. No escort to spot, no dog park, no food delivery, just to name a few. It also appears that with the volume of rules you are required to comply with, your camp sites of individuals staying annually should also have to follow. Sites 64, 99 and 102 were a real disappointment to see each day when leaving. The camp spots were so small to be able to park our single vehicle. We were overall disappointed and our bi annual stay in the area, will not include Jellystone.
Guide
The name has changed to Smitty's Lodge & CG. I found this awesome campground close to the beginning of the Cherohala skyway in Tellico Plains. Includes picnic table, fire pit and some chairs (they also sell firewood), clean restrooms and showers, use of refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and super nice hosts. I highly recommend visiting this campground. I stayed in a tent, but they do have cabins for rent also. Campsites are level and spacious.
Ranger
We reserved a site with full- hookups and our friends reserved a tent site. Our site was fine, but there wasn’t what I would describe as a tent site. Our friends ended up just camping behind our camper in the flattest area they could find. All of the sites are pretty close and out in the open.
When we stayed some of the activities/amenities weren’t available (there had been a fire or something at the kitchen). We had a pretty decent time, though. We rented kayaks and paddle boards and explored the lake and they had a huge inflatable slide that our kids spent hours on. The ramp to the swim beach was ridiculously slimy but kids all enjoyed swimming in the lake and jumping off the dive platform. The camp had a movie in the evening (Jaws) and gave out popcorn. There were basketball courts and beanbag toss. Lots of people were out on their fishing boats.
So potentially plenty of activities for the kids, but the campground sites could be a bit nicer for the price. Any staff we interacted with were super pleasant.
Traveler
Nice campground with spacious sites! Has gate at entrance so no worries about locking everything up. Great view of the Pigeon River and good places to catch smallmouth bass along the river. Sites are level and graveled with a concrete pad and table. 50 amp service full hookup. Just a short trip to Pigeon Forge and you can catch the backroads and avoid traffic into town. Really can't beat the campground for the price!
TravelerGreat management and customer service. Gravel pads; may require some levelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Oak Ridge, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Oak Ridge, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 94 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Oak Ridge, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 84 cabin camping locations near Oak Ridge, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
