Pigeon Forge RV campgrounds vary significantly in layout and proximity to attractions. Most sites are located within a 10-mile radius of downtown, with elevation ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing, requiring travelers to prepare accordingly.
What to do
**Creek exploration: Several campgrounds feature wading streams where kids can play. At Up the Creek RV Camp, campers enjoy two wadable creeks. "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," notes one visitor.
**Sports access: Many Pigeon Forge TN RV campgrounds connect to recreational facilities. Kings Holly Haven sits adjacent to Wear Farm Park, providing easy sports access. "It is very convenient to Pigeon Forge entertainment and the mountains. The pool is nice and bathhouses are great... It is also the shortest walk to the ballfields," explains a regular visitor.
**Trolley transportation: The Pigeon Forge trolley provides convenient access to downtown attractions from several RV parks. "Trolley stop directly by office so no need to drive down into Pigeon Forge. And above all the most outstanding customer service!!" mentions a guest at Riveredge RV Park.
What campers like
**Private waterfront sites: Premium riverfront spots offer tranquility away from main roads. At Two Rivers Landing RV Resort, "Half of the spots face the river (pull in). All concrete and level, large sites. Great water pressure," shares one camper.
**Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses receive frequent cleaning throughout the day. "Bathrooms are clean. Showers had plenty of hot water and appeared to be cleaned multiple times daily," reports a visitor at Creekside RV Park.
**Strategic placement: Location matters when choosing where to stay. "This campground is located on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, so it is a short drive or trolley ride to the heart of town. There's a road that goes through the campground that passes through to the back side of Gatlinburg... This is a great spot if you want to be close to attractions, but not deal with the traffic on the strip," explains a camper at Twin Creek RV Resort.
What you should know
**Waitlist strategies: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. For Anchor Down RV Resort, "A tip to get reservations! Call and put your name on a waiting list for the dates you need. If they have cancellations, they call the people on the list instead of releasing the dates on the website!"
**Site privacy variations: Some parks feature vegetation between sites while others have tight spacing. "The sites are not just a parking lot with slides touching awnings. Sites 14-18 seem to be a little more spaced out, with much better views of the creeks," advises a visitor about Up the Creek.
**Street noise considerations: Road proximity impacts some waterfront sites. "Sites along the fence line are HORRIBLE! The road noise is awful and there's construction on the other side of the road that begins in the early morning and lasts till late afternoon. Leaving your windows open to enjoy the fresh air is NOT an option!" warns a Creekside RV Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
**Pool features: Many campgrounds include water features specifically designed for children. "We had a ball playing in the pool and splash pad. After hours we went to the arcade and played. The bath house was super nice," shares a Riveredge RV Park visitor.
**Activity schedules: Seasonal events enhance camping experiences. At Pigeon Forge RV Resort, one summer visitor noted they appreciated "the constant surveillance of the grounds" when camping with their "party of 6 and dog."
**Playground proximity: Not all campgrounds provide equal child-friendly amenities. "We were the only family there with kids, and there is no playground. If you are looking for a super quiet place for a couple to go camping... this is the place," advises a parent about Up the Creek RV Camp.
Tips from RVers
**Site reservations: Many campgrounds charge additional fees for specific site selection. "I'm giving 4 stars. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the booking has to be done via phone and both times we stayed they've had a minimum night stay requirement," explains a Twin Creek visitor.
**Wi-Fi restrictions: Internet quality varies significantly between parks. "Only draw back is their no streaming WiFi policy. I'm fine with giving up technology for a week but camping with a 5 and 6yo is challenging without streaming capabilities," notes an Up the Creek camper.
**Site dimensions: Always verify actual measurements when booking for larger RVs. "Spots are tight and there are some obvious permanent residents in the park," reports a Kings Holly Haven guest, while another adds, "Gravel spot needed 2 blocks to level. Nice view out our back window."
