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.
$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."
$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."
"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."
"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!"
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"Sites are close to one another, but arranged great. My family of 5 had plenty of room for two tents, chairs, picnic tables, etc."
"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."
$37 - $63 / 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."
TravelerThe Staff was very friendly and helpful. The facilities were nice and clean. Our neighbors were respectful of quiet hours, but not so much of other camping etiquette. The sites are very narrow and on the weekend we were there it was very busy. There appears to be quite a lot of permanent residents. We did have an attractive, clean creekside view. Overall we enjoyed our stay, just would have preferred a little more space and privacy.
ScoutFirst time camping KOA. We are very pleased with this campground. The staff is friendly. The grounds are beautifully maintained with lots to do for the kids.
Our pull thru site 60 was directly across from the pool and playground. We stayed for the night in 28ft travel trailer without unhooking on a wonderfully level site.
GuideWe traveled in a Class C, so I chose this CG because the bus stop is just outside the CG. Unfortunately, the bus route was suspended due to a lack of drivers just 2 weeks before we arrived. (Not the CG's fault, but it did complicate our trip a bit.) The CG is nice, sites are regularly spaced somewhat close to each other but level. There are many seasonal campers here. Restrooms are clean, laundry is convenient. There are many things to do in the CG, pools, arcade and lots of kids. There is a gas station/convenience store on the property. Staff in the office can answer questions about the area.
We would stay here again if the bus is running.
ScoutNice clean and very quiet.
TravelerHorse cove was a gorgeous campsite. There are two “areas”, the campground near the check in station and dispersed camping along the road. We stayed in May 2025.
We chose to camp in the campground. It had a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern poles. It was a rainy weekend so we didn’t have many neighbors which made it perfect. The campground use to have two sections to camp but one has been closed down for quite a bit of time (there have fallen trees). There were only about 6-8 campsites all close to each other on the campground along the river.
The other option is to find campsites along the river. There were maybe 3-4 rv friendly sites from the campground to the boat dock (mostly tent options). There’s probably more past the boat dock but we didn’t check.
There’s probably river was loud but beautiful. No electric. There was a water pump but I didn’t see if it worked. There was an abundance of firewood in the campground and along the road. We decided to go hike Joyce Kilmore Forest which was a small trek from the campground. Felt like we were camping in a rainforest!
Toilet: enclosed toilet with thin toilet paper just like a porta potty. Smelled bad.
GuideThis is our second time here. I really like this campground. It is right next to the Museum of Appalachia. It's full of peacocks and mini horses and fat little pigs. I really enjoyed hearing the peacocks and donkeys in the morning. There is so much to do around in the area, too. My family lives here so it is very convenient to visit them.
GuideIf you need a decent place to tent camp in the city for brief period, this is a quaint tucked away place. The host managers are extremely nice. The tent campground itself is quite small and sites are very close to each other. Fire pits, tent pads, shady, WiFi, water, power, hot showers, firewood available, relatively quiet from road noise, secure. Buffering the campground from the main busy road is an RV section. $30 night for tent camping.
TravelerThis is the "meet up" point for us and many of our camping friends. The sites are fairly level and they have added more gravel to the roads. The bathrooms are kept clean and most necessities can be found in the camp store. We usually pull our camper, but we have stayed in cabin 116.
Cabins 116 and 117 have dishes, cookware, etc. furnished.
135 and 135A are Jack and Jill sites, which we have used often with close friends. Sites along the river go fast, so make your reservations early.
If you can get by with 30 amp service, site 25 allows you to face your camper towards the swimming hole.
GuideNot only is it crowded, but very noisy. It is on the main road/highway. Regardless of what the info says, the wifi sucks. They give you the password, but it refuses to let you sign in... Due to thunderstorms, we weren't able to enjoy the pool area.
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.
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
According to TheDyrt.com, Townsend, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 524 campgrounds and RV parks near Townsend, TN and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
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.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots 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.
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