Best Cabin Camping near Townsend, TN
Looking for a place to cabin camp near Townsend? Finding a place to cabin camp in Tennessee is easier than ever. Search nearby cabins or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Cabin Sites Near Townsend, TN (159)
1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg, Tennessee122 Reviews•479 Photos•1046 SavesOverview
Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Recreation
The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
Natural Features
Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago.
Nearby Attractions
Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$30 / night
2. Cades Cove Campground
Townsend, Tennessee95 Reviews•543 Photos•611 SavesOverview
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.
Recreation
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Natural Features
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
Nearby Attractions
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.
Charges & Cancellations
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$30 / night
3. Greenbrier Campground
Gatlinburg, Tennessee70 Reviews•225 Photos•698 SavesGreenbrier Campground TN is surrounded by the Little Pigeon River and offer RV sites, tent camping, RV rentals, cabins, and bell tents. Located only 6 miles from downtown Gatlinburg and 8 miles from the entrance to the GSMNP, we are convenient to all area attractions.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$35 - $258 / night
4. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee54 Reviews•90 Photos•287 SavesThis KOA campground in Pigeon Forge is perfectly located to take everything the Great Smokies has to offer. Spend the day taking in the local area attractions such as Dollywood theme park, Dolly Parton's Stampede, Wonderworks, or the Old Mill just to name a few. Pigeon forge is bursting with over 70 attractions the whole family will love. Gear up for an adventure of hiking, fishing, biking or driving in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The options here are endless! For a home away from home, try our fully furnished Deluxe Cabins or Camping Cabins. Park your RV at our Pull-Thru RV Site with KOA Patio®, all with free cable and Wi-Fi. Pitching a Tent? We have beautiful waterfront sites conveniently situated with picnic tables and fire rings. Whatever accommodation you choose, you can rest assured you will enjoy your stay in this beautiful location. Explore our abundant entertainment options such as the NEW Gravity Rail, pan for fossils and gems at our Gem Mine, play at the NEW Playground, rent bikes or play in the zero-entry pool complete with a Rain Tree. There's even a safe place for Fido to play within the Kamp K9® Dog Park. As your day winds down, settle in to watch a movie at the Outdoor Cinema, sit around the Community Fire Pit or relax in the Hot Tub.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA
Townsend, Tennessee28 Reviews•66 Photos•267 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
6. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort
Townsend, Tennessee22 Reviews•158 Photos•226 SavesRich history with fresh adventure! Just steps away from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Little Arrow invites you to take aim at adventure. Our cozy accommodations have been thoughtfully designed with perks like wood-burning fireplaces, plush bedding, and more to meet your unique needs! With RV Sites, Cabins, Glamping Tents, Tiny Homes, an Airstream, and a Vacation Home, escaping to your own wilderness retreat has never been easier! We're passionate about the mountains that surround us and strive to make the most of our stunning environment. From a swimming pool, easy river access, 24/7 coffee lounge, a club house, hiking trail, and exciting activities onsite, your visit will be full of adventure!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$60 - $185 / night
7. Camp Riverslanding
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee21 Reviews•16 Photos•227 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$37 - $63 / night
8. Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground
Sevierville, Tennessee18 Reviews•56 Photos•148 SavesOpen year round, spacious RV sites, full hook-ups, WiFi, laundry, fishing & kayaking. Watch the bald eagles. Conveniently located at 1518 Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville. Not only does our enclosed resort-style campground include everything your family could want to enjoy your Smoky Mountains vacation, but we’re located just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$40 - $50 / night
9. Clabough's Campground
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee16 Reviews•41 Photos•100 SavesClabough's campground features over 300 shaded, full-hookup sites with support for back-ins, pull-throughs and tents. Picnic tables on every site. They also offer offer a variety of vacation rentals including cabins, cottages, homes, and a suite.
Amenities include a lazy river, swimming pools, bath houses, laundry rooms and more.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$34 - $109 / night
10. Riveredge RV Park
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee17 Reviews•34 Photos•129 SavesStay your way in our conveniently located campground - only a few minutes from Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Recent Cabin Reviews in Townsend
1096 Reviews of 159 Townsend Campgrounds
Kim L.
Ranger
Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Busy but well kept campground
Large campground but had level, shaded, and private camp sites. Flush toilets clean but no showers. Traffic was a beast but there were good hiking trails from campground. I was on a loop that allowed generators but very few were in use. Nice creek runs through campground. Campground fairly close to visitor center and nearby hiking trails but wickedly crowded. Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons. Dump station on site.
- Kim L.Ranger
Cades Cove Campground
Near popular Cades Cove scenic drive
Approx 20 miles from main visitor center. The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic. Camp store is near campsites. Also a ranger station. Several hiking trails are accessible from campground. All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place. Only negative is the requirement to check in between 9-10:00 am the following day if one arrived later than check in time, which caused me to change hiking plans.
Randall C.
Scout
Magical Mountain Resorts, The Enchanted Forest
Lives up to its name!
This place is truly magical. So much effort has been put into themed cabins, unique art work, and detail. Kids and adults can spend time in a fantasy world of their choice. Kids can explore the magical grounds, play in the large creek, and get to know the resident goats, pigs, miniature horse, etc..
- JJames E.
Guide
Stonebridge RV Resort
A Very Weird Vibe
First, I give grace that this place is still suffering a bit of disarray being 2-3 weeks after Hurricane Helene. It just felt a bit weird compared to every other park we've stayed at. There were a lot of places that looked like long-term stays that were not particularly well-cared for and currently un-occupied. We stayed in section A, which seemed rather desolate, even though it was the weekend. I did not find campers to be particularly friendly, and this felt simply like a place to park the RV for a few nights.
Summer H.
Traveler
Tennessee Country Campground & RV Park
Fall stay
Great place great people and great management. Clean environment. And clean club house and showers and bathrooms. Has laundry room and fire rings at camp sites
Cindy S.RangerStonebridge RV Resort
Great place to stop
This place is ok if you have to stop. Bathrooms are clean. Sites are small. People are living here full time.
- Cindy S.Ranger
Craig's Cherokee Campground
This place is closed down
We drove here and the it was gated up with overgrown vines. Looks like it’s been closed for awhile
- wwilliam B.Scout
Toqua Beach Campground
Tennessee trip
Visiting in 2 weeks
Christina R.Scout
Greenbrier Campground
WONDERFUL
Spent Labor Day weekend there. Awesome trip! Super clean campground and showers. Lots for the kids to do. Trolley that goes into Gatlinburg. Friendly, Christian atmosphere. Great Sunday service. .
- JJulie M.Traveler
Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground
Management made stay terrible
We should have heeded warnings in other reviews and avoided this place. Managers are lazy and rude, do not respond to messages calls or texts. Moved our booked spot without speaking to us and told us it was an upgrade, it was not in a spot we desired due to having a toddler near the busiest part of the park. They had someone else parked in our spot so we had no choice. We had to figure this all out ourselves because when we got there no one was around and they simply left a map at the door with a different site number on it. The WiFi password was never sent and management did not email it until the next morning. The bathrooms were newly renovated but no shower curtains and were dirty. The pool was closed both days and locked, no notice given to campers. Email said pool was to be open. There are nice common areas that look very inviting, but whenever you go near them, a camera loudly broadcast that you were being recorded, and this continues all around the building with multiple cameras it just makes you feel very strange and unwelcome … When we finally reached a manager she was rude and told us that it seems we simply aren’t happy and that we could vacate immediately with a refund. We declined, as it was 8pm and we had a toddler asleep and a fully set up camp. This was truly the worst experience and expensive for the type of park that it is. Anywhere else this would maybe be a $40 at night stay however it was $90 a night here. From the photos, we thought this park was out in a quiet part of the country, but it is not and is on the edge of a city with a lot of traffic and an intersection with a Walgreens for a view..
kenneth D.ScoutStonebridge RV Resort
Absolutely Wonderful
Top of our list for all around excellent amenities.
Tara C.TravelerElkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Beautiful
We had an amazing time, the campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome. Hoping to come back soon.
- GGregory G.Traveler
Cades Cove Campground
Awesome time
If you're looking for peace and quiet, then this is the place to be. Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground. Note... Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just erritates the bears.
rhett T.Guide
Wilmington KOA
Nice but crowded
It was a nice campground. But it is set up to be too crowded. Not my kind of camping. But they stated was friendly. The restrooms weren’t so bad considering how many kids was there. Couldn’t let the dogs walk free so that sucked.
Roger G.Traveler
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Awesome location, very busy
We were there on a Saturday night in August and it was completely sold out. It's a very busy campground with close together spaces but that's to be expected at that time and place. The staff was awesome and it's a great facility, shockingly with that many people it was absolutely silent at night. If you want to be in that area at that time it's pricey but hard to beat; however, I have no desire to be in that busy of a campground. There is a good chance we would like to see it in the off season.
J S.Scout
Timberlake Campground
Great secluded spot!
Joe was amazing. Great guy. The free ice and firewood made the nightly stay virtually half price! Great if you are looking for calm, quiet and laid back.
- Nadiia R.Scout
Mountaineer Campground
Awful place
I highly DO NOT RECOMMEND this place. They completely do not respect their guests. I booked a half a year in advance and asked the question if they have a separate bed for each and they assured me they do. Unfortunately, my child ended up sleeping on the table. I tried to ask for an additional mattress or a partial/full refund but they didn’t want to hear me. They offered me to go to the store and buy one for myself. A complete disrespect I drove for six hours to be as disappointed as I had never been in life. Please, beware that coming here you’re going to sleep either on the floor or on the table and the staff doesn’t care about you or do not respect you. People, please do not come here.
Tony S.Scout
Pine Mountain RV Park
Clean facilities and great personal
They always went above and beyond to make sure that they elderly couple that I take care of accommodations were met.. and always done it with a true southerns hospitality
Kevin A.
Legend
Rose Creek Campground and Cabins Franklin, NC
Great Location / Nice Campground
We camped here this past weekend. Checkin online was great. Site #7 was a pull through full hook up site. Sites were quite close, but quite big as well. Public bathhouse was only a few yards away if needed. Very nice pool, dog park and gem mine on site. Peaceful quiet. Lots of trees. Campground was clean. Road coming is dirt and could use some grading. No on-site office, but Jerry, the campground host, was great and stopped by regularly to make we had everything we needed.
Laura S.Scout
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Pigeon Forge
Huge disappointment
Very tiny cabin, grass overgrown, far distance from pool. We paid in advance for 2 nights but checked out after 2 hours. Very gross, unkept. Because it’s pigeon forge I expected it to be good but it’s disgusting. The videos of JellystonePark show trampolines and water park like activities but this park had one small pool with no parking. Even my kids wanted to leave. Do not go here it is a Huge disappointment!
Jim B.ScoutTimberlake Campground
Great family campground
Very welcoming, friendly place with nice toilet and shower facilities. We camped in tents and found the site we had to be large and quiet.
Ember M.Guide
The Ridge Outdoor Resort
Beautiful campground in the Smoky Mountains
Clean, well maintained campground close to everything Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge has to offer.
Also super close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park which we enjoyed during our visit.
Ali P.GuideMagical Mountain Resorts, The Enchanted Forest
Amazing place!
I absolutely love this place!
- Jaimie R.Guide
Cartoogechaye Creek Campground
Amazing !!!!
We booked for a week here simply because we couldn’t find anywhere for a weekend at the beginning of May of 2024. Then we extended 3 days, then 3 more, then 5 more…you get the idea. Upon arrival I was disappointed. Simply because I booked a spot I thought would A. Not be directly across from the dumpster and be able to see the horses from our campsite. We are directly behind the dumpster and there’s no enclosure. Then the horses were in a different pasture the first 2 weeks we were here. The spots are close together but most people aren’t even here. If it were full, and you don’t like your neighbors, you’re screwed. BUT, that’s not the case here. Many things that are available aren’t listed on the website. Here’s all the positives: The horses are friendly, walk over, I’ve pet them all and even fed fresh fruit, (not too much!) it’s the best part of my day! Verizon, when connected to campsite wifi is full bars and at times 5g. Take advantage of mapping out your mountain drives because you will not have reception “up there!” No complaints! The owners are absolutely hospitable. If you need anything, they live onsite and will accommodate. We were able to order from Amazon and simply go pick up in open office when no one is there. They are able to see who goes in and out, so no worries about the security of your stuff. The walk around the road is cool. If you don’t walk, you’ll miss the creek that travels the backside of the property. It’s cold and rocky, but I just put on water shoes (big lots in town $9.99). It’s gorgeous!!! The evening lightning bug show has been unreal. They light up the back side (by dumpster) for hours! BIRDS GALORE!!! Song sparrows, chipping sparrows, chickadees, northern parulas, ravens, house finches and swallows with babies in bird houses-awesome nature! Shaded spots but still sun! Also only one amber light by shower house. If you want to stargaze, book away from it. Showers and bathrooms are good. 3/3 excellent water pressure. I played my music and enjoyed a roomy shower! Bugs are around but nothing too crazy. Weather dependent for sure. I simply use eucalyptus oil mixed with lotion and the biters don’t come near me. Otherwise just gnats. Mosquitoes love my husband and the 3 weeks we have been here, no bites. And he doesn’t use anything. Firewood available if you get it yourself, charge for bringing it to you. We were missing a fire ring and I had messaged the owner and by the time we got back, a brand new one was all put together at our site for us! Laundry is super convenient because they aren’t monetarily operated. It’s an honor system. 2 washers 2 dryers. One is an HE washer, so if you have that detergent, you’ll be happy! Now, the rest. You’re in Franklin. About 7 miles from downtown, easy to get to Walmart, restaurants, gas, ice, groceries (INGLES) including liquor. Not open on Sundays. You are centrally located to Asheville, Knoxville and Atlanta. The trails, rafting, gem mining, rock hounding, hiking, the drives to the balds and gaps are absolutely stunning, if you aren’t athletic. The waterfall loop from Franklin is Google searchable and highly recommended. Just drive around and get lost. It’s beautiful. Drove to a town west, (Murphy) and it was also incredible! Just come, relax, go have appetizers at Gracious Plates on Main Street, walk the area, the garden club of Franklin has done some beautiful gardens and the history is cool. Graff’s has great food (burgers, fried shrimp)as well, so while you feel far from things, you really aren’t. There is some road noise but you can’t really see the vehicles much since you’re low and covered by trees. Perhaps because our site is closer to the bend in the road above and no one is here. With everything else, not a complaint. I would stay here again without a doubt. The locals are awesome, the fellow residents that own property that I originally thought was part of the campground but is not, are as nice as could be. We even hung out and bought the dogs treats for their daily walks! Good community. Lovely area!
- HHolly S.Guide
Grumpy Bear Campground
Nice weekend getaway
Very nice place to camp. The bath houses are kept very clean. The owner is very friendly. The fishing is great and so is the environment. Already looking to book again.
Pam R.Guide
Creekwood Farm RV Park
Very pretty, quiet campground
This campground had it all: pretty landscaping, Large trees and open sites, lovely creek, level sites, very nice bathrooms/showers, attentive staff. Staying at Creekwood was a great start to our cross country trip. The entire property was very well maintained. I wished we could have stayed longer.
- Wil V.Scout
Little River Campground & RV Resort
Very shady
Not in a bad way there were plenty of trees providing shade. We were there for the Bigfoot festival it's close enough to Gatlinburg and pigeon forge to go do things there far enough away you don't have to deal with the commercialism if you don't want to Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/HKIFIes9rE4
Guide to Townsend
Experience the charm of cabin camping near Townsend, Tennessee, where the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains meets cozy accommodations.
Cabin campers appreciate these amenities
- Enjoy the well-maintained facilities at Greenbrier Campground, which features clean bathrooms, showers, and a market for convenience.
- Little Arrow Outdoor Resort offers a stunning pool area, hot tub, and immaculate restrooms, making it a perfect retreat for families.
- At Camp Riverslanding, guests can take advantage of riverfront sites and a nice pool, ensuring a refreshing stay.
Cabin campers like these nearby activities
- Explore the scenic trails and breathtaking views just a short drive from Cades Cove Campground, where wildlife sightings are common.
- Elkmont Campground provides access to beautiful hiking trails, including the Little River Trail, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Enjoy tubing and kayaking opportunities right by the river at Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, making it an ideal spot for water activities.
Cabins are available at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort
- Little Arrow Outdoor Resort features a variety of cabin options, including glamping and traditional cabins, catering to different camping styles.
- Experience the unique charm of cabin camping at Greenbrier Campground, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and modern amenities.
- For a family-friendly atmosphere, consider Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground, which offers cabins along with numerous activities for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Townsend, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Townsend, TN is Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 122 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Townsend, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 159 cabin camping locations near Townsend, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.