Townsend sits at approximately 1,070 feet elevation in a valley known as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies," offering campers more moderate temperatures than higher-elevation areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Little River flows through most campsites near Townsend, Tennessee, providing water recreation opportunities with temperatures that remain cool even during summer months. The area's lower-elevation terrain creates easier road access in winter when higher park roads may close.
What to Do
Bicycle rental at Cades Cove: During designated days, the 11-mile Cades Cove loop closes to vehicles for bicycle-only access. "What a great campground!! This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It puts you back into the outdoors as the National Parks should be... on certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride. At the store near the Cades Cove Campground they rent bikes for a reasonable rate," notes Jeremy H.
Tubing from upstream locations: Many campgrounds offer easy river access for tubing. "The river is beautiful," reports Steve D. about Townsend-Great Smokies KOA. For more adventurous water recreation, some campers drop in upstream: "Even if your camp spot is not on the river, there are two or three places to access it, making it possible to cool down on a hot muggy summer day by wading in the very cold stream, or even tubing down to your campsite by having someone drop you upstream," explains Ric M.
Historic exploration at Elkmont: The former vacation community offers a unique walking tour. "One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town. Once you've set up camp, walk or drive down the road toward the Little River and Jakes Creek trails... you'll find yourself at the end of a road lined with assorted cottages and cabins that used to be vacation homes. Some are open for exploration, others are cordoned off, and some are undergoing renovation," describes Jean C. about Elkmont Campground.
What Campers Like
Private bathrooms at riverfront locations: Higher-end campgrounds offer surprisingly comfortable facilities. "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," explains Erin H. about Greenbrier Campground.
Riverfront sites with direct water access: The ability to step from campsite to water ranks as a top feature. "We loved the campground. Clean and staff are awesome. The Little River runs behind it. Go tubing!!! So much fun," shares Cathy O. about Townsend-Great Smokies KOA. Similarly, Taylor M. appreciates the more adult-oriented atmosphere at Up the Creek: "Easy to get into spots with nice picnic tables, concrete patio, and small fire pit."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers exceptional animal sightings from safe distances. "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. 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," writes Ashley Y. about Cades Cove. For firefly enthusiasts, Phoebe A. recommends: "This year my partner and I stayed there during the peak of firefly season, and once the sun went down we we walked down the short gravel road that leads to the parking lot for day-hikers. There is a meadow here where we watched fireflies for hours and it was MAGICAL!"
What You Should Know
Limited or no cell service throughout area: Most campers report minimal connectivity. "Cell service wasn't great for me here, but then again in all the Smoky Mountains I cruised around with pretty much 1 bar or less," notes Crystal C. about Elkmont. Similarly at Cades Cove Group Campground, visitors report "No phone service so you get to completely relax," according to Brittni F.
Campsite density varies significantly: Proximity to neighbors differs between campgrounds. At Cades Cove Group, Michelle A. notes: "These sites are very close together, not a lot of privacy but I guess that is to be expected in the most visited national park in the country." Conversely, at Little Arrow, sites have "plenty of space between the campsites. I was pleased with my site and the privacy," according to Jean C.
Strict food storage requirements: Bear activity necessitates proper precautions. "Remember to lock your food in your car, this is bear country and they do not encourage you to entice the bears into camp!!" warns Crystal C. Sites provide specific storage options: "It's bear country, so your food and toiletries need to be locked in a vehicle or hard-side camping unit; there are some food storage lockers provided for the walk-in sites."
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming holes for hot days: Natural water features provide refreshment. At Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, "river around campground is amazing. Nice pool very clean bath houses," reports Ward. Similarly, at Greenbrier: "The swimming hole was a blessing during the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults," explains Elizabeth B.
Playgrounds and recreation areas: Several campgrounds include dedicated children's facilities. "Very kid friendly KOA. Was always very busy with comers and goers due to the area being touristy," explains Laurie B. At Little Arrow: "This place is amazing! Great place for kids, so much to do," says Cain S.
Indoor activity options for rainy days: Some campgrounds provide covered spaces. "Best kept secret was the free arcade room in AC with couches to boot," shares Elizabeth B. about Greenbrier. At Mountaineer Campground, "There is also a big pavilion used by some church group every Sunday morning, offering worship services to vacationers, and doing Sunday school crafts with the little kids," according to Ric M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all sites accommodate big RVs equally. "Approx 20 miles from main visitor center. The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic... All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place," reports Kim L. about Cades Cove Campground. For larger vehicles, Up the Creek offers "some new larger campsites, and there is a dog area that is fenced in," according to Amanda F.
Hookup availability varies significantly: Different campgrounds offer various connection options. "We spend thanksgiving here every year," says Nicole B. about Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, which offers full hookups year-round. However, national park campgrounds like Elkmont have limited services: "a couple of accessible sites do have electricity for medical equipment."
Off-season access considerations: Winter camping options exist but with limitations. "The KOA and Little Arrow operate throughout all seasons," while national park campgrounds close. "Very helpful and accommodating to a tent camper," says Shelby N. about off-season camping at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA.
