81 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping near Sevierville, Tennessee spans primitive backcountry sites and developed campgrounds, with several tent campsites available within 30 miles of town. Cosby Campground provides spacious tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables in a forested setting, while Big Creek Campground offers a more secluded tent-only camping experience near mountain streams. Both locations serve as gateways to extensive trail networks throughout the national park.
Most tent campsites in the Sevierville area feature dirt or gravel tent pads situated on gently sloping terrain. Drive-in access is available at Cosby Campground, though many sites require a short walk from parking areas to reach tent pads, which are often positioned on terraced slopes. A recent review noted, "Most of the sites are tent-only, with a few, like ours, for trailers and no tent pad. The campground is laid out on a mountain slope, so the loops switchback up the hill." Basic amenities include flush toilets and drinking water, but showers are notably absent at national park campgrounds. Bear-proof food storage is essential, with many sites requiring visitors to store food in vehicles or use provided bear cables.
Areas farther from Gatlinburg provide deeper seclusion for tent camping enthusiasts. Cosby Campground offers a quieter alternative to more popular park campgrounds, with tent sites spaced among wooded areas providing moderate privacy. "If you want secluded this is your campground! Nice and quiet, in the northern end of the park," commented one visitor. Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for day hikes to waterfalls and mountain vistas, with trailheads often accessible directly from campgrounds. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through October at most established sites, with limited winter options. For more adventurous tent campers, backcountry shelters and designated backcountry campsites require permits and offer primitive tent camping experiences along the Appalachian Trail and other backcountry routes within the park.
"Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping."
"Most of the sites are better suited to tent campers, though a few of them are designated RV sites offering a back-in parking pad."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Easy to get from Knoxville without going into the craziest part of traffic in Sevierville. There are many RV sites and cabins along the bend of the Little Pidgeon River. "
"Convenient to highway 66 that runs from Interstate 40 to Sevierville. Not particularly charming, but seems to be clean and well run. Worked well for a one night stay."
"Panther Creek SP Panther Creek State Park was an unexpected find outside of Knoxville, TN , in Morristown. I’ve driven by the sign but no need to camp so close to home."
"The park is quiet and well patrolled by rangers and sheriff, so very safe. Store closest to campground is open 2-7:30 PM. Visitor Center at the entrance opens at 7 AM."
"This spot is new, and the set up is awesome. Perched on top of a hill, the site has great sunrise views."
"This spot is new, and the set up is awesome. Perched on top of a hill, the site has great sunrise views."
from $75 - $175 / night
Check Availability"Primitive campsite on trail near highest mountain peak. There were several primitive campsites in close proximity. Our campsite had a large metal bear box in which you could store food and packs."
"The only way to get to the site is to hike in for several hours on one of the many trails that get you up the mountain."
"I picked this site because it met my criteria for quick tent camping and has the awesomely easy instant book feature. More of that please!"
"Currently there are no hookups, conveniently located off I40 and a perfect place to overnight for us. An additional 40 sites are currently being built."
from $35 - $100 / night
"This trip can be done with tents just as easy if not easier than hammocks if you prefer to pack in your tent camping gear. We chose hammocks for space saving reasons only."
"This place has been around for years...I have fond memories at Fanchers, growing up. Renovations & improvements over the past 10 years offer the best of both worlds."
"Its TVA protected and next to a water treatment plant. Mossy creek flows into Cherokee Lake which greatly improves the fishing year round."
"Each one has a firepit, picnic table, lantern pole, and a very large tent pad. There are no RV's allowed. Nearby is group camping and horse camping. You cannot park your car right on the campsite."
"Located at the base of the Baxter Creek Trail, which leads to Mount Sterling, this drive-in campground provides a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts."
from $30 / night
Check Availability
TravelerFantastic National Park! Elkmont is really nice but lacking in hookups and there are no showers. Hard to stay too long without power, water, sewer and showers. Still, an amazing site along the river!
TravelerThis campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.
TravelerThis worked well for us while we were visiting Dollywood in our trailer, but we wouldn't stay here if we had been in a different type of site. Cons: Unless you have a site up against the river or on patriot park, you are packed in VERY TIGHT with other people, sometimes with your sliders only a foot or two away from your neighbor's sliders. We were in a site that was "on patriot park", but the few first sites of that type are really just behind the trolley parking lot and pick up with a path behind you (including ours). People are on the other side of the fence walking about two feet behind you all day and pretty late in to the night. Pros: There are lot of trees and campground is very pretty. Super close to Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge points of interest.
ScoutBeautiful Campground, but Absolutely NOT Family-Friendly! I rarely leave negative reviews this strongly, but our experience at Turkey Creek Campground was so disappointing that I feel compelled to warn other families. First, I’ll give credit where it’s due. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the creekside sites are incredibly peaceful and serene. It’s a lovely setting, and during the day, the owner is friendly enough and seemingly hospitable. Unfortunately, the hospitality comes to a screeching halt the moment the clock strikes 10 PM.
We were two families camping together with six well-behaved kids who absolutely love the outdoors. We understand and respect campground quiet hours. We weren’t looking to throw parties, blast music, or disturb anyone. But apparently, at Turkey Creek,“quiet hours” doesn’t mean keeping noise to a respectful minimum. It means absolute silence, complete darkness, and seemingly no normal human activity whatsoever.
I’m not exaggerating.
* We were told to turn off ALL our lights at 10 PM.
* We were confronted for opening our vehicle’s trunk because it made a brief beeping sound.
* Our children were startled by a large spider near the bathhouse, and the owner actually yelled at them to be quiet.
* One evening around 11 PM, we were talking quietly INSIDE OUR OWN TENT, barely above a whisper, when the owner approached our tent door to reprimand us for talking.
* On another occasion, he approached us to complain that our children had left TWO STICKS on the ground near the bathrooms. Two sticks! At a campground surrounded by woods, where the kids had just walked down a wooded trail to reach the bathhouse!
And don’t even think about enjoying a little background music while sitting around your campsite. Music of any kind played through a speaker is prohibited, regardless of volume. Apparently, even a little John Denver played quietly while enjoying the mountains is too much to ask. I fully appreciate that some people camp specifically for peace and quiet. We respect that, too. But there is a massive difference between enforcing reasonable quiet hours and making paying guests feel like they’re constantly being watched, monitored, and reprimanded for simply existing. The owner’s enforcement of these rules felt excessive, confrontational, and completely out of proportion to what was actually happening.
Instead of relaxing and enjoying our family vacation, we found ourselves walking on eggshells, worried that the smallest sound, light, or ordinary childhood behavior would result in another confrontation. What makes this particularly frustrating is that our kids were doing exactly what we’d hope children would do on a camping trip: spending time outside, exploring nature, enjoying each other’s company, and making memories away from screens. Yet somehow, even that seemed unwelcome. If we hadn’t already paid for five nights, we would have packed up and left after the very first night. That’s how uncomfortable the experience became.
If you are someone who wants a meticulously maintained campground where everyone retires to complete silence and darkness by 10 PM, Turkey Creek might be perfect for you. But if you’re a family hoping to enjoy a campfire, share some laughs, quietly socialize in the evening, and let your children experience the simple joys of camping, I cannot recommend this place strongly enough AGAINST it.
There are so many beautiful campgrounds in this area, and I cannot imagine choosing to return somewhere that made our families feel so unwelcome. Beautiful property. Extremely disappointing hospitality. Absolutely terrible experience for families. We will never return.
ScoutThis was a very nice campground! The tent areas are partially gravel so it helped the area be less muddy after rain. Beautiful view of the river and would be a great place to fish! Bathrooms are very nice! Comes with a nice fire pit and didn’t have to use own grate! Pet friendly! Staff was very nice and helpful!
Only complaint was some of their quiet hours were confusing. The quiet hours on the email said 10pm to 7am but then sign posted at bathroom was 11pm-7am for quiet hours.
GuideThis is a beautiful campground but is unfortunately permanently closed. It's sad.
GuideWe really enjoyed our stay at Gateway RV Campground! After spending plenty of time on the road, it’s always nice to find somewhere you can park up, relax, and feel at home.
The campground has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere and was a great place to unwind.
One of the real bonuses is the trolley that stops right outside the campground office. What a fantastic convenience! It makes getting out and exploring the local area so much easier without having to pack everything up and take the RV. Such a simple touch, but one that makes a big difference when you’re traveling.
We’ve stayed at plenty of RV parks during our travels, and it’s often the little things that make a place stand out.
All in all, a very enjoyable stay, and we’d happily return if we’re passing through the area again. Definitely worth a stop!
TravelerI had a brain fart and screwed up our dates and needed just one night last minute. Their online booking won’t take reservations less than 24 hours in advance. Quick call and they had us a spot and even offered early check in if we wanted it.
I appreciated a table and chairs instead of a picnic table. We had a little shade. Hookups were middle of the pad… super easy.
Lots to do right in the park. Well maintained and good location. We will try to stay longer next time.
GuideWilderness rosd campground is awesome!! Beautiful area, with electric hookups and nice restroom and shower facilities. Smooth paved level sites and easy to find the site. We loved our stay here. They also have beautiful trails that are pet friendly. Will come back here again.
Tent camping opportunities near Sevierville, Tennessee extend beyond Great Smoky Mountains National Park to include several lakeside options along Douglas Lake at elevations ranging from 900-1,000 feet. The region typically experiences mild spring and fall temperatures between 60-75°F, with summer highs often exceeding 85°F and high humidity. Camping season runs primarily from April through October, with many campgrounds closing during winter months due to freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall.
Hiking to waterfalls: Several trails accessible from Cosby Campground lead to scenic water features. "There is a Mount Cammerer Trailhead right there, which is a fabulous hike. There is a stream nearby also!" notes Jessica L. The trails range from moderate 2-3 mile loops to challenging 8+ mile routes with significant elevation gain.
Swimming in natural pools: During summer months, Big Creek Campground offers access to popular swimming holes. "Even though it rained we had a great hike. The falls were beautiful, and jumping into Midnight Hole was fun," shares Chris M. The swimming areas feature clear mountain water with temperatures ranging from 55-65°F depending on season.
Fishing for trout: The French Broad River and adjacent streams offer excellent fishing opportunities within 30 minutes of Sevierville. "Easy to get from Knoxville without going into the craziest part of traffic in Sevierville. There are many RV sites and cabins along the bend of the Little Pidgeon River," reports Jeff T. from Riverside RV Park. Fishing licenses cost $7-$14 for short-term visitors and can be purchased online or at local tackle shops.
Quieter alternatives to popular spots: Many campers appreciate the less crowded options. "Cosby Campground tends to be a little quieter than Cades Cove or Elkmont, but I like it that way! There is ample parking nearby and trailheads," writes Jessica L. Visitor counts at Cosby can be 50-70% lower than at the park's most popular campgrounds during peak season.
On-site trailhead access: Tricorner Knob Shelter offers direct trail connections. "The area around the shelter is high, rocky, and remote. Expect 10-15 degrees less than the Park headquarters. There are no less than seven peaks over 6k feet an easy hike from the shelter," explains Bill S. Most sites require permits costing $4 per person per night obtained through the park's reservation system.
Waterfront camping options: Sites along Douglas Lake provide alternatives to mountain camping. "Convenient to highway 66 that runs from Interstate 40 to Sevierville. Not particularly charming, but seems to be clean and well run," notes Seth P. about Riverside RV Park. Lakeside sites typically cost $25-45 per night depending on season and amenities.
Limited availability at peak times: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends and fall color season. "Was directed to Cosby by a NPS Ranger as an overlooked, beautiful campground. Arrived close to dark and had our pick of gorgeous, wooded sites - even on a weekend in July," shares Tricia L. Reservations open 6 months in advance for national park campgrounds.
Varying shower facilities: Mount LeConte Shelter and most backcountry sites lack showers entirely. "I'm a reluctant camper and hiker doing this to spend time with my family. My pack weighed at least 30lbs and I'm new to this, so it took me forever to get up here," notes Michelle F. Plan for 3-5 day intervals between shower access when backcountry camping.
Bear safety requirements: All camping areas enforce strict food storage policies. "To safeguard against bear encounters, bear cables were available and necessary to hang all food overnight," reports Asher K. Bear canisters or hanging food 10+ feet off the ground and away from tent areas is mandatory throughout the region.
Choose sites with swimming access: Kids particularly enjoy campgrounds with water features. "We spent one day simply enjoying the campground. There are some trails nearby but most of the popular hikes you'll need to drive to," recommends Alison W. about Big Creek Campground. Water depth at swimming holes varies seasonally from 2-5 feet in most areas.
Look for ranger programs: Educational opportunities enhance family camping experiences. "Within the campgrounds are several hiking trails for a variety of hiking abilities. On Fridays they have special Ranger programs. We were lucky enough to learn about moon-shining from guys on the moonshiner TV show," shares Janine B. Programs typically last 30-60 minutes and are free with campground stay.
Consider glamping options: For families new to camping, GlampKnox offers a comfortable introduction. "The glamping tent is very high quality, with a covered porch, two comfy beds, and a wood-burning stove, so camping is possible year-round," explains Nate H. Glamping accommodations typically cost $75-150 per night compared to $20-30 for standard tent sites.
Plan for limited hookups: Many scenic campgrounds lack full RV facilities. "Easy to get from Knoxville without going into the craziest part of traffic in Sevierville. There are many RV sites and cabins along the bend of the Little Pidgeon River," notes Jeff T. Most RV sites outside private campgrounds offer water only or no hookups.
Consider seasonal access: Lakeside Getaway on Douglas provides easier access for larger vehicles. "Super easy booking, great host communication. This is brand new lakefront campground with tent and RV sites. Currently there are no hookups, conveniently located off I40 and a perfect place to overnight for us," shares Carolin C. The lakeside campgrounds typically maintain level access roads that accommodate rigs up to 35 feet.
Research dump station locations: Many campgrounds lack on-site dump facilities. "Sites are limited and must be reserved through the phone or website," explains Todd R. about Big Creek Campground. The nearest dump stations to most primitive camping areas are often 10-15 miles away at private campgrounds or visitor centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sevierville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sevierville, TN is Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 71 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Sevierville, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 81 tent camping locations near Sevierville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
