Pigeon Forge campgrounds connect visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains from elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 feet. The area receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush surroundings for camping. Most Tennessee campgrounds near Pigeon Forge stay open year-round, though amenities like swimming pools typically operate from April through October.
What to do
Scenic driving loops: Cades Cove Campground provides direct access to the famous 11-mile scenic loop. "The main attraction for most is a driving tour loop that starts & ends right at the campground. You drive around a valley with rivers running through and you're surrounded by mountains. Tons of wildlife, even saw a bear from a distance," explains one camper.
Mountain biking options: On select days, Cades Cove closes its loop to vehicles. "On certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride. At the store near the campground they rent bikes for a reasonable rate," notes a visitor.
Eagle watching: Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "Did I mention the bald eagles that hang out by the campground? They are quite a treat," shares one camper. Another adds, "While sitting by the water I watched an eagle splash down in the river grabbing lunch."
Riverside relaxation: Many campgrounds feature water access. "There's hammocks and swings on the riverbank for anyone to enjoy and during the summer campers get an hour of tubing or kayaking in the Little Pigeon River as part of their reservation," notes a Buddy Bear visitor.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Greenbrier Campground receives consistent praise for its bathroom facilities. "The bath houses were awesome with individual rooms equipped with toilet, sink and shower," explains one visitor. Another camper notes, "The bathrooms/showers were numerous and clean AND air conditioned."
Riverside campsites: Water access ranks high for campers. "Me and my family has been to this campground a few times now and it is hands down my favorite! We have tent camped back home but wasn't sure with bears and the kiddos as they are always scared of sounds at night lol. So we stumbled onto Greenbrier via web," shares a happy camper.
Escape from crowds: Up the Creek RV Camp offers a quieter alternative. "This is seriously the quietest campground I've ever been to. I wouldn't bring children to it (there's nothing for them to do there, anyway) but it's a very relaxing 'adult' campground," notes one visitor. Another adds, "It's a short drive off the main strip in Pigeon Forge which makes for some peacefulness while camping."
Creek access for kids: Smaller water features appeal to families. "My kids loved playing by the river. It's close to all the areas attractions but far enough where it feels like you are camping in the wilderness," writes an Up the Creek camper.
What you should know
Traffic noise varies: Road proximity affects different campgrounds. At Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA, "Photos of tent sites along the Little Pigeon River are misleading as can be. Being in Pigeon Forge I knew not to expect complete solitude but this was over the top nonsense."
Limited cell service: Connectivity challenges exist throughout the region. "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," reports one Elkmont camper.
Distance between attractions: The Smoky Mountains cover vast territory. "The Smoky Mountains are too big to really navigate all from one camp area. Roads are narrow and windy and on busy days you hardly can accomplish even a couple things of interest on your list," notes an Elkmont visitor.
Campsite spacing concerns: Many campgrounds prioritize quantity over spacing. "Like all KOA places, they squeeze in as many sites as possible, with everyone stacked on top of each other," notes one KOA visitor. Similarly, at Clabough's, "Campers are pretty close together though."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes for cooling off: Elkmont Campground offers natural water features. "A mountain river flows right beside the campground to give it a restful feeling. This is a great site for kids, with a good pool and jump park area," shares a visitor.
Kid-friendly amenities: Clabough's Campground offers multiple recreational options. "There are 2 pools, a lazy river, a playground and air mattress, plus it is just a couple of minutes from the Parkway, yet it feels like it is much farther from town," notes a frequent visitor.
Bear safety awareness: Protect children by following park regulations. "Remember to lock your food in your car, this is bear country and they do not encourage you to entice the bears into camp!!" advises an Elkmont camper.
Off-peak visit advantages: Less crowded seasons provide better experiences. "We camped here in November and didn't have a problem getting a site, but the place did fill up! November is when the leaves are changing. Temps cool at night, moderately nice during the day," shares a Cades Cove visitor.
Tips from RVers
Premium site options: Townsend Great Smokies KOA offers upgraded sites. "After walking around the river front patios are amazing followed by the river front decks," shares an RVer. Another visitor adds, "Spots are clean, fire pits are great, well maintained pavers patio and nicely landscaped."
Utility hookup reliability: Electric access varies between campgrounds. "There are clean a lovely creeks around the campground that makes it nice to camp by or kids play in. The shade helps with cooling in the summer, and makes it nice to sit outside," notes an Up the Creek visitor.
Level site availability: Many campgrounds offer properly graded sites. "All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place," reports a Cades Cove camper. Another camper at Up the Creek notes, "Nice sized camping spots, concrete pads with picnic tables and fire pit, some have raised fire pits."
Navigating narrow roads: Some areas present challenges for larger rigs. "Long and windy road to get to the area," cautions a Cades Cove visitor about access routes.
