Best Campgrounds near Townsend, TN
Townsend, Tennessee serves as a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with several established campgrounds providing access to mountain scenery and river recreation. The area features a range of camping options from Cades Cove Campground within the national park to private options like Townsend-Great Smokies KOA and Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. Accommodations vary from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping facilities. Many campgrounds in this region sit along the Little River, offering water access for fishing, swimming, and tubing while providing proximity to park attractions like Cades Cove and hiking trails.
Campground availability follows seasonal patterns with most facilities operating from March through October, though some private campgrounds remain open year-round. The KOA and Little Arrow operate throughout all seasons, while national park campgrounds like Cades Cove and Elkmont typically close for winter. Road access remains reliable in this lower-elevation section of the Smokies, with most campgrounds situated along paved highways. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months and fall color season when facilities regularly reach capacity. Most campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, though amenities vary significantly between developed private resorts and more rustic national park sites. According to one visitor, "Townsend is a very pretty and nice area with lots to offer, with easy access to Cade's Cove Loop and the state park."
Campsites along Little River receive consistently positive feedback, with many visitors highlighting the water access as a primary attraction. Several campgrounds feature riverfront sites where campers can enjoy the sound of flowing water and direct access for recreation. One camper noted, "We had a spot right by the water and wonderful view, we were able to go tubing and kayaking right by our camper." Mixed-use campgrounds combine tent camping areas with RV sites and rental cabins, appealing to different camping preferences. The national park campgrounds offer a more natural setting with fewer amenities but greater immersion in forest environments. Most camping areas provide basic facilities including restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, while private campgrounds typically add showers, camp stores, playgrounds, and organized activities, particularly during summer months.
