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Best Campgrounds near Pigeon Forge, TN

2,243 Reviews

Some of the best camping in Tennessee is near Pigeon Forge, TN, surrounded by the magical Smoky Mountains. There's something for every kind of camper ⁠— backpackers, tourists, RVers, and boaters. With a variety of campgrounds and cabin rentals, amenities can range from very rustic to resort-style with heated pools. You can even get a glimpse of life in the 1800s with a stay in a covered wagon. Pigeon Forge is a short drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which lies on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The park is home to historic Southern Appalachian cultural sites, diverse animal and plant life, waterfalls and old-growth forests, and many miles of trails for hikers of all levels.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (502)

    1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 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

    54 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

    97 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

    $37 - $63 / 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

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Recent Reviews near Pigeon Forge, TN

2243 Reviews of 502 Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

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 camping is available near Pigeon Forge, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pigeon Forge, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 502 campgrounds and RV parks near Pigeon Forge, TN and 20 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pigeon Forge, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pigeon Forge, TN is Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 123 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pigeon Forge, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Pigeon Forge, TN.

What parks are near Pigeon Forge, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Pigeon Forge, TN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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