Quiet time is strictly enforced at Smoky Bear Campground, a detail that shows up repeatedly in reviews and sets the tone for what kind of place this is. Situated close to the center of Gatlinburg, the campground runs from mid-March through mid-November, giving it a slightly longer window than many nearby options. It draws a mix of tent campers and RV rigs, though the tent section is small, with only four or five dedicated spots positioned toward the edge of the property, away from hookup sites.
Full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections accommodate RVs up to 80 feet, though at least one reviewer with a 42-foot rig noted it felt like a tight fit. The bathhouse consistently draws positive comments for cleanliness, and the pool, hot tub, and club room add practical value when weather turns. Staff responsiveness comes up across multiple reviews, from late arrivals getting clear guidance to guests being pointed toward nearby wildlife sightings. Arrow Creek Campground and Adventure Bound Campground Gatlinburg sit within a mile to the west for campers comparing options in the corridor.
The campground fills on opening weekends, so reservations matter, especially in fall. As Krissy M. puts it, the location is "close to the heart of Gatlinburg and near loads of hiking trails with river access," which makes it a workable base for day trips into Great Smoky Mountains National Park or toward Dollywood. Pets are welcome. If the Smokies are on the itinerary and a full-hookup site with enforced quiet hours fits the plan, this campground is worth booking early.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSmoky Bear Campground is located in Tennessee near Cosby
Directions
Coming from points North, West or South, through Knoxville, traveling on I-40 East: Take Exit 435 Follow Hwy 321 South for 17 miles. Smoky Bear Campground is on the right. Coming from points North East traveling on I-81 South: Take I-81 exit 1A ( I-40 East – Asheville ) Take I-40 Exit 435 Follow Hwy 321 South for 17 miles. Smoky Bear Campground is on the right. Coming from points East, South East or South, through Asheville, traveling on I-40 West: Take Exit 440 Follow Hwy 321 South for 14 miles Smoky Bear Campground is on the right.
Address
4857 E Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Coordinates
35.76285124 N
83.30269975 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/2/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 users
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/2/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
