Glamping sites near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee offer unique accommodations within the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, where elevations range from 1,000 to 1,700 feet. The region experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s°F and winters dipping into the 30s°F. Most campgrounds in this area operate from March through November, with select locations remaining open year-round for visitors seeking off-season experiences.
What to do
Creek exploration at Elkmont Campground: Situated just 8 miles from Gatlinburg, Elkmont provides easy access to hiking along Little River and its tributaries. A visitor shares, "camper along the river and it was amazing. Great hiking opportunities and close to Gatlinburg if you run out of supplies." The campground's location puts you within minutes of multiple trailheads.
Bicycling at Cades Cove: On certain days, the 11-mile scenic loop at Cades Cove Campground closes to vehicles, allowing cyclists exclusive access. "What a great campground!! This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The campground is beautiful and 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."
Visit historic Daisy Town: The abandoned vacation community near Elkmont Campground offers a glimpse into the past. "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."
Wildlife viewing: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its biodiversity, particularly around dawn and dusk. A camper at Cades Cove notes, "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."
What campers like
Private bathrooms at Greenbrier: Unlike standard campground facilities, Greenbrier Campground offers individual bathroom suites. "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."
River access for cooling off: Many campgrounds feature direct water access. At Mountaineer Campground, "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."
Secluded glamping close to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: For those seeking luxury camping without sacrificing proximity to attractions, Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort offers specialized accommodations. "It's a fairly small campground right on the Parkway. It's close to town, but far enough away to avoid traffic. The campground has nice, paved spots for rv's. It has glamping tent cabins, as well as vintage campers."
Community atmosphere: Several campgrounds foster social interactions. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort features "a community firepit with rocking chairs around it, and it looks like it came out of a Martha Stewart magazine. We spent a lot of time at the community firepit meeting people and having adult beverages."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. "Elkmont is open early March – October and reservations are required. If you arrive without a reservation, there is a phone line there that you can call to make them, or you can return to town where you have cell service and make reservations online."
Bear safety requirements: The region is active bear territory with strict food storage rules. "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."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the mountains. At Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, "Wi-Fi is included for 1 device per day that you're there. After that, there is an extra fee and it does not even work half the time. I go to unplug but couldn't even get a couple of iMessages to go out."
Road noise concerns: Some riverside sites experience traffic noise. "Our site was pretty, right on the water. However, there is a A LOT of road noise coming from the other side of the little river at all hours of the day and night. It was not exactly relaxing and peaceful with dozens of motorcycles going by at a time."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation amenities: Some campgrounds feature extensive family-focused facilities. At River Plantation RV Resort, "They have a lot for the kids to do, full court basketball, tennis courts, battle ball, arcade room, and pool. Also next door to a ropes corse and close to pigeon forge."
Choose riverfront sites for natural entertainment: Children enjoy water access directly from campsites. "My kids enjoyed the swimming hole as well although the water was freezing. The staff was friendly and everything was very clean."
Consider luxury glamping options for comfort: Families new to camping might prefer upscale accommodations. "Me and my family has been to this campground a few times now and it is hands down my favorite! They have campers set up fully equipped besides blankets pillows or even towels which is no big deal to bring along."
Check for seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer structured programming. At Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, "There is a pool on site... There is a coffee shop on site also, with a playroom for small kids, and nice comfy chairs to lounge in... One weekend we were there (Fall) they had a live band for entertainment, on a Saturday evening, and it was awesome. They also had a S'mores bar set up for the kiddos."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Many campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. At Gateway RV Campground, "Slots are small. The staff is wonderful and the location is great!" Another visitor noted, "The only reason I left four and not five stars is because the spots are very close together."
Premium riverfront sites book early: The most desirable spots with water views fill quickly. "We stayed in site #16 and it was perfect! It's one of their wider sites so we didn't feel we were on top of our neighbors. The Little Pigeon River was just steps off the back of our camper."
Level site availability: Some campgrounds offer better leveling than others. "All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place." However, at other locations, "Only surprise was unlovely site, our neighbor had to loan blocks to set camper."
Proximity to attractions: RV parks are strategically located for day trips. "We spent 4 nights there recently. So much to do yet so little time to get it done. Being near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, The Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville etc., it makes for a wonderful centralized place to stay."
