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Best Campgrounds near Pigeon Forge, TN

2,292 Reviews

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee serves as a gateway to several established campgrounds ranging from national park facilities to private resorts. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers camping at Elkmont and Cades Cove campgrounds, which typically operate from spring through fall. Within Pigeon Forge itself, accommodations include KOA campgrounds, Clabough's Campground, and multiple RV resorts catering to various preferences. Most developed campgrounds in the area support tent, RV, and cabin camping, with several offering glamping options and yurts for those seeking additional comfort.

Seasonal considerations are important when planning a Pigeon Forge camping trip. Most national park campgrounds operate on limited schedules, typically from March or April through October. Private campgrounds like Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA and many RV parks remain open year-round, providing consistent access regardless of season. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months and fall color season when visitation peaks. Many campgrounds offer amenities like swimming pools, laundry facilities, and access to trolley stops for convenient transportation to attractions. A visitor commented about one campground: "Totally clean and nice bathrooms, laundry facilities. Only 1 mile from all the things to do."

Proximity to attractions represents a significant advantage for many Pigeon Forge campgrounds. Several facilities are located within walking distance or a short drive to the main Parkway with its shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Campers report particular satisfaction with sites that balance convenience with natural settings. While some campgrounds are situated directly on busy routes, others offer more secluded experiences in nearby valleys. Reviews indicate mixed experiences with site spacing, with some noting tight quarters at popular locations. "This park was beautifully kept. The bathrooms and showers were cleaner than any I have seen," noted one camper about Creekside RV Park. For those seeking a more natural camping experience, the nearby national park campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, fishing streams, and wildlife viewing opportunities, though they typically offer fewer amenities than private facilities.

Map showing campgrounds near Pigeon Forge, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (517)

    1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    124 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    "Close proximity to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and Cades Cove. Well run and staffed camp. Lots of spaces available for RV or tents. Cheap."

    2. Greenbrier Campground

    70 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    10 miles
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    "Easy access to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.  Surrounded by hiking galore in the Great Smoky Mountains.   Nice swimming hole for summer fun.   Ping pong and other games."

    "The campground itself is beautiful and completely surrounded on all sides by the Little Pigeon river."

    3. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    55 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7903

    "Close to everything, right in the heart of pigeon forge. Best bath houses we’ve ever been too, all other reviews were spot on!"

    "This KOA campground is within Pigeon Forge and accessible to where you want to go. A busy campground but quiet while campers do their own thing. The staff is superb and always checking on guests."

    4. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It puts you back into the outdoors as the National Parks should be."

    "It's pure magic, and if you go to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge you will be SO HAPPY to get back to your peaceful campsite.  

    I will come back!!!!!"

    5. Anchor Down RV Resort

    48 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 784-4446

    $49 - $139 / night

    "Lots to do here, don’t hesitate to rent a boat and enjoy Douglas lake. This place is very clean and the staff are amazing, doing whatever it takes to help you."

    "Anchors Down is just outside Severville Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located on Douglas Lake with the Smokie Mountains in the back ground."

    6. Camp Riverslanding

    21 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-8181

    $76 - $92 / night

    "The campground is only a block from the main drag in pigeon forge, but you feel much further away.  A mountain river flows right beside the campground to give it a restful feeling.  "

    "The only place we will camp in pigeon forge"

    7. Up the Creek RV Camp

    19 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-8474

    "This campground is a short drive off the main strip in Pigeon Forge which makes for some peacefulness while camping."

    "This campground is a hidden gem in the Pigeon Forge area. It is close enough to town for convenience, but far enough away that you are not bothered by the hustle and bustle of the Parkway."

    8. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "Right next to the entrance to the Great Smokey mountains. Townsend is a lovely town for eating and lots of walking trails. It is a short drive into pigeon forge if you want more activities to do."

    "The Lizard Lounge has a separate WiFi but you have to be inside or just outside to use it. Amazing river views and very close to the entrance of the National park."

    9. Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground

    18 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    5 miles
    Website

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Very clean and beautifully decorated campground located on the backside of Sevierville away from all those crowds on the main strip."

    "Being in this area the traffic is awful but this place is away from that traffic but still close enough to enjoy everything. The back way into Gatlinburg is a direct shot from the entrance."

    10. Clabough's Campground

    18 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (865) 428-1951

    $70 - $109 / night

    "It had a trolley stop in the middle of the campground that would take you to Pigeon Forge or Gatlingurg for 50 cents."

    "Great spot with good access to pigeon forge, gatlinburg, and seveirville. Some spots are tight but the blob trampoline made my kids stay!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Pigeon Forge, TN

998 Photos of 517 Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pigeon Forge, TN

2292 Reviews of 517 Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

  • Mary D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Anderson County Park

    Amazing Site!

    This is one of my new absolute favorite sites yet! While a majority of the campground is long-term, the sites along water are not. This specific spot was huge and next to a wooded area and nature walk and, in my opinion, the best site in the whole campground! The bathhouse was small, but functional and clean. The campground host was exceptionally friendly. No wifi. I have US Cellular and had limited service. Enough to maybe look something up and receive texts.

  • Jessi B.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Soaring Eagle Campground

    Huge disappointment

    !Infested with termites! They price gouge. The lots are basically right on top of each other(some spots are not big enough for slide outs). The check-in lady is very condescending and will rob you blind while wearing the biggest smile. There's cornhole, a basketball hoop, and a volleyball net, but they are all falling apart or are inaccessible. No fire rings at your site. There's a huge hive of ground nesting bees by the picnic tables that are set up next to the pool. The pool area is also the only area in which you can access a fire ring. The lake is beautiful and is accessible to boats. Low riding cars beware of double speed bump and sinking concrete. There is no bathroom for the pool area. The maintenance man seems a bit unfriendly. They do not honor their online rates. 😒 We also had to move from a spot that we were already paying for bc she reserved it out from under us. I-40 echoes through the campsite. We were constantly woken up by j braking semis and emergency service vehicles. We will definitely not be visiting again.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • Allissa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    One night stay

    Right on Little River. The view and sound was so enjoyable. The restroom is a couple minute walk away, very convenient. Zero signal for Att (for signal, take a right out of the campground heading toward Gatlinburg. There’ll be a Pulloff with a view on the left, pull in and use your phone if needed).

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Douglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Great Location

    Nice campground near river and dam. Had three pup tents for overnight motorcycle stay. Bridge nearby is a bit noisy if that bothers you. Decent rest rooms. Camp host was very friendly! Half hour to Gatlinburg and Dolly Wood.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    Way overpriced for tent camping

    Three of us on motorcycles with pup tents were going to be charged for three tent sites at $141 each per night . We laughed and left. Hotels were charging less than that. Being a KOA member didn’t make a difference.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge

    Beautiful grounds if you feel like splurging

    It is an absolutely beautiful campground with an awesome club house and a ton to do. The pool and lazy river are heated. Honestly though you really need to want to splurge to justify staying here because you are still camping if that makes sense.

    Also the trolley “system” is super confusing and the front desk knows nothing about it lol

    Our site is great. It is right across the road from the playground without having to pay for a family site.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

Guide to Pigeon Forge

Camping near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hikes, like the Little River Trail, which offers beautiful views. One visitor mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site... it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Cades Cove Campground reported seeing turkeys and bears during their stay. One camper said, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: The streams and rivers around the campgrounds are great for fishing. A reviewer at Cosby Campground noted, "There is a stream that runs through the back of the site that our kids loved."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground said, "The views are amazing."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Davidson River Campground are praised for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, "Every time I go, it’s always clean and quiet."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds such as Greenbrier Campground offer plenty of activities for families. A reviewer shared, "My young family of six were instantly impressed... there were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds."

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 full amenities. For example, Cosby Campground lacks drinking water and electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area. A visitor 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:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Greenbrier Campground has a lot of amenities, including a swimming hole and playgrounds.
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Davidson River Campground noted, "No cell signal but we were able to set up our star link."
  • Pack for All Weather: The weather can change quickly in the mountains. A visitor at Smokemont Campground mentioned, "Temperatures were cool in the evenings, so we didn't need any A/C."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Pigeon Forge near Dollywood?

Gateway RV Campground - Tennessee is perfectly situated just 3 miles from Dollywood, tucked away on the quiet side of Pigeon Forge. This family-owned resort offers pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups while maintaining a peaceful valley atmosphere despite its proximity to attractions. Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground is another excellent option with a direct route to Gatlinburg and close proximity to Dollywood. This small but well-maintained campground offers a quieter experience while still providing easy access to Pigeon Forge attractions.

Are there any year-round campgrounds in Pigeon Forge, TN?

Clabough's Campground operates year-round in Pigeon Forge and offers excellent amenities including two pools, a small lazy river, and a bounce pillow for kids during the warmer months. They provide convenient access to town via a trolley stop within the campground that takes visitors to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge RV Resort is also open throughout all seasons, offering winterized facilities and hookups suitable for cold-weather camping while maintaining accessibility to Pigeon Forge attractions year-round.

What cabin camping options are available in Pigeon Forge?

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort offers unique accommodation options just minutes from Pigeon Forge. Instead of traditional cabins, they feature distinctive lodging in teepees and covered wagons. These accommodations come with amenities like fire rings, firewood, and access to heated bathhouses. The resort also provides golf carts to help guests move around the property. For travelers seeking cabin-style camping near Pigeon Forge, Honeysuckle Meadows in nearby Wears Valley offers a beautiful mountain setting surrounded by the Smokies, though you'll need to verify their current cabin availability.

Which RV parks in Pigeon Forge are most highly rated?

Anchor Down RV Resort consistently receives top ratings for its exceptional facilities, cleanliness, and helpful staff. Located on Douglas Lake with Smoky Mountain views, it's about 20-30 minutes from Pigeon Forge attractions. The resort offers lake access for fishing and boating, plus spectacular mountain vistas. Riveredge RV Park is another highly-rated option that puts you closer to the heart of Pigeon Forge, with well-maintained grounds and convenient access to local attractions. Both parks feature full hookups and amenities designed specifically for RV travelers.

Are there campgrounds along Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge?

Up the Creek RV Camp offers waterfront camping along the Little Pigeon River, with sites that provide soothing water sounds and scenic views. This location combines the peaceful ambiance of riverside camping with convenient access to Pigeon Forge attractions. Elkmont Campground, while not directly in Pigeon Forge but nearby in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers beautiful riverside sites where campers can set up hammocks and enjoy their morning coffee by the water. Both options provide the relaxing atmosphere of waterside camping while maintaining accessibility to Pigeon Forge.

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