Best Campgrounds near Pigeon Forge, TN

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:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Anchor Down RV Resort said, "Super tight for our 45 ft bus."
• Use Amenities: Take advantage of the amenities offered. One visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground enjoyed the "great pool" and "clean and large laundry room."
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in peak season. A camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground noted, "It was completely sold out."

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.