Best Campgrounds near Townsend, TN

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Townsend. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Townsend campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Townsend camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Townsend, Tennessee (526)

    1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    "We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins."

    2. Cades Cove Campground

    97 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "Plenty of trails and wildlife to see. 15 minute drive Townsend. Very quiet at night so you can hear the night owls and coyotes at night."

    "We were in site C-16 which was towards the back of the campground and only 2 sites away from the bathrooms and a bear proof dumpster."

    3. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "Right next to the entrance to the Great Smokey mountains. Townsend is a lovely town for eating and lots of walking trails. It is a short drive into pigeon forge if you want more activities to do."

    "The Townsend KOA is located close to the entrance of Cades Cove. It has many rv, tent, and cabin sites. The sites on the river seem to be the best."

    4. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    54 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7903

    "Had we been in a site away from the river, we’d have been packed in like sardines."

    "Close to everything, right in the heart of pigeon forge. Best bath houses we’ve ever been too, all other reviews were spot on!"

    5. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    26 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $50 - $94 / night

    "There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."

    "I wanted to see if there was a difference in the camping experience at the two locations."

    6. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

    22 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-6363

    $60 - $185 / night

    "It’s right outside one of the entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains and about 20 minutes from Cades Cove."

    "It is right before the entrance to the Smoky Mountain National Park. Townsend is called the peaceful side of the Smoky Mountains."

    7. Greenbrier Campground

    70 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    20 miles
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    "Had a blast at The Greenbrier Campground in Gatlinburg Tennessee. We had a view of the river which was right next to.our campsite."

    "The campground is surrounded by a little river so many sites have river views. Most are relatively spacious. There are also a few spots on the road side of the island.

    The amenities were spotless."

    8. Abrams Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    24 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "We were in site 11, nice but next to a group site so a little louder than I like. There are trails near by but I was unable to experience. Bear boxes and trash bins. Centrally located water."

    "Way if they beaten path and reservations can ONLY be made online. No cell service no internet for at least ten miles away from camp.. absolutely gorgeous location and rangers keep it clean every day."

    9. Up the Creek RV Camp

    19 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-8474

    "This is our "go-to" campground now in Eastern Tennessee."

    "This campground is a short drive off the main strip in Pigeon Forge which makes for some peacefulness while camping."

    10. Camp Riverslanding

    21 Reviews
    Pigeon Forge, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-8181

    $76 - $92 / night

    "I had a spot right on the river and it was always quiet - even being right next to the hotel."

    "Located right by Parkway, it has easy access to plenty of things to do."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 526 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Townsend, TN

2306 Reviews of 526 Townsend Campgrounds



Guide to Townsend

Camping near Townsend, Tennessee, offers a fantastic mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. With stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, like the Spruce Falls trail, which is just a short distance from the campgrounds. One camper mentioned, "We were able to go tubing and kayaking right by our camper and go hiking in the park not far from the campground."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Tubing and Swimming: Enjoy the river activities available at many campgrounds. One reviewer at Townsend-Great Smokies KOA said, "The river passes by that is great for swimming, fishing, and tubing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were amazing."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families with activities for kids. One happy camper at Anchor Down RV Resort shared, "There is so much to do with the water activities and on-site that you could get away without a car."
  • Quiet and Peaceful: Campers enjoy the tranquility of the area. A reviewer at Cosby Campground said, "Cosby Campground offers a serene and less crowded camping experience."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Smokemont Campground mentioned, "No cell or TV service here."
  • Bear Awareness: Be cautious about food storage due to local wildlife. A camper at Cades Cove Campground advised, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears."
  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A family camping at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Greenbrier Campground said, "Lots for the kids to do."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food that’s easy to prepare and store safely. A camper at Deep Creek Campground mentioned, "They do ask that you store coolers and cooling equipment sealed in your car overnight."
  • Choose the Right Site: Opt for sites that offer some space for kids to play. A reviewer at Cataloochee Campground said, "Very deep site that allowed for plenty of room for kids to play."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Anchor Down RV Resort noted, "Super clean, bathrooms/showers, and plenty of room for your dog to have an equally good time."
  • Amenities Matter: Look for campgrounds with full hookups and amenities. A camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA said, "The campground is very close to everything, and it has all the amenities you'd need."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in peak season. A reviewer at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA mentioned, "It was completely sold out."

Camping near Townsend, Tennessee, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while having access to various activities and amenities. Whether you're with family or friends, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Townsend, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Townsend, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 526 campgrounds and RV parks near Townsend, TN and 28 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Townsend, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Townsend, TN is Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 123 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Townsend, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Townsend, TN.

What parks are near Townsend, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Townsend, TN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.