Tallassee sits near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains with elevations ranging from 850 to 1,200 feet. Many RV parks in the region operate year-round, though facilities in higher elevations may close during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Seasonal water shutoffs affect non-winterized sites from December through February.
What to do
Fishing access points: Little River Campground & RV Resort in Townsend provides direct river access for anglers. "The campground was clean, there was plenty of room, the sites were level, the hookups worked like they were supposed to, and we had zero problems. We went there to escape the crowds and enjoy the Smokies," notes Wesley C.
Water activities: Southlake RV Park offers tent spots directly on Fort Loudon Lake with excellent fishing and kayak launch points. "If you are wanting to fish the bank or even put in kayaks this spot is money. The tent sights are located right on a great fishing cove on Fort Loudon reserve," shares Nate H.
Mountain biking trails: Parksville Lake RV Campground provides central access to extensive trail systems. "Convenient to the Ocoee River, the Ocoee Whitewater Center, Parksville Lake beaches and boat ramps, many miles of mountain bike/hiking trails and whitewater rafting, it's a great central location for day trips," notes one reviewer.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Top of the World RV features spacious sites with mountain views. "HUGE spots, and that's even the 'small' ones. Great views. Great spot to wander a little with a pet & great WiFi," writes Mary D., highlighting the separation between camping areas.
Clean bathroom facilities: Up the Creek RV Camp maintains exceptionally clean facilities. "This campground is a short drive off the main strip in Pigeon Forge which makes for some peacefulness while camping. We love the fact that there is trees between campers so it doesn't feel like your camping on top one another," notes Amanda F.
Creek access for cooling off: Many campgrounds feature streamside sites perfect for summer heat relief. "We had a great pull thru spot for our one night stay. We stayed one night as a halfway point on the way up and then again on the way back. It seems they have a lot to offer," shares Sarah B. about her experience at one local campground.
What you should know
Uneven terrain at some sites: RVers should prepare for significant leveling at several area campgrounds. "The sites on the hill are not level at all. I had to move my camper 3 times before I could get it into a position where all the stabilizers were on the ground and the camper was level," warns Kevin M. about Honeysuckle Meadows RV resort.
Varying internet quality: Cell service reliability changes dramatically based on elevation and terrain. T-Mobile service is nearly non-existent at mountainside campgrounds, while Verizon typically offers better coverage. Some campgrounds offer WiFi, but speeds vary from 1-30 Mbps.
Road noise considerations: Sites along main roads experience traffic noise. "If you are wanting to fish the bank or even put in kayaks this spot is money. The tent sights are located right on a great fishing cove on Fort Loudon reserve... The tent spots towards the point are apparently very close to the hwy and morning commute traffic was pretty loud."
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Creekside RV Park provides family-friendly swimming options. "We are a family of 4 with an 8 and 10 year old. We spent 5 nights here in June 2022. We really enjoyed the clean and well maintained characteristic of this place. Everything works and the bathhouse is nice," shares J. Blake S.
Limited playground options: Many RV parks near Tallassee lack dedicated children's play areas. "This is one of the nicest RV Parks in the Dollywood area IF you don't need a bathhouse, toilet, swimming pool, etc. The sites are some of the largest in the area, the grounds are meticulous, cable TV and Wifi is good and the park is easy to access," explains Richard S. about Up the Creek RV Camp.
Creek exploration: Little River provides safe wading areas for children. "Overall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there," reports Robert G.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Avoid perimeter sites at busier campgrounds to minimize traffic noise. "The spots 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," warns Lorena B. about Creekside RV Park.
Mountain road navigation: Some campgrounds require careful driving on steep grades. "Getting to it can be tricky as TN-68 has steep grades and decent curves but is doable for all but the absolute longest if rigs," notes Jeremy B. regarding his experience at Top of the World RV.
Seasonal considerations: Fall leaf season brings significantly higher occupancy rates. "We arrived late because of a blowout, so they left us a map and instructions at the front door of the office. The campground was clean, there was plenty of room, the sites were level," reports Wesley C. about his stay at Little River Campground & RV Resort.
