The 10 Best Campgrounds Near Gatlinburg, TN
Campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN, draw outdoor enthusiasts year-round, thanks to the endless opportunities to hike, fish, tube, and even ski. The neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park overflows with natural splendor, and the campgrounds near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are among the best-equipped in the region for a comfortable stay. Amenities from arcades and pools to swim beaches and volleyball courts draw hardcore sportspeople and relaxed families alike.
1. Greenbrier Campground
Nearby Attractions: Flint Rock, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest
Nearby Airports: Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport
Unique Amenities: Arcade, beach, GaGa Ball
If the aim of your camping trip is to spend time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Greenbrier Campground tops the list for best campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN. Located less than half a mile from the national park’s Greenbrier entrance, this campground offers 120 campsites and incredible amenities. Kids love the arcade and the playground, and visitors of all ages enjoy the golf cart rentals and GaGa Ball. Since Greenbrier Campground is nestled along the Little Pigeon River, campers can bask in waterfront bliss by lounging at the beach, casting a line, or floating in the calm waters.
2. Cove Creek RV Resorts
Nearby Attractions: Walker Sisters Palace, Wear Valley Zipline Adventures, Ober Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nearby Airports: McGhee Tyson Airport, Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport
Unique Amenities: Pool, fishing
One of the most stunning and adventure-packed Gatlinburg campgrounds no matter the season, Cove Creek RV Resort is located in the heart of it all. Whether you visit in the winter to ski at the nearby resort, or stay in the fall to watch the leaves flaunt an array of gorgeous colors, the amenities and the convenient location of Cove Creek RV Resort are bound to impress.
3. Sun Outdoors Pigeon Forge
Nearby Attractions: Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nearby Airports: Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport
Unique Amenities: Lazy river, basketball court, sauna
For campers who are all about the amenities, it’ll be tough to find better campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN, than Sun Outdoors Pigeon Forge. Complete with a lazy river, splash pad, and sauna, Sun Outdoors Pigeon Forge is a great spot for soaking up the sun and getting great rest between days exploring. With roomy campsites and fun activities for dogs, kids, and every camper in between, this Gatlinburg campground is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
4. Arrow Creek Campground
Nearby Attractions: Foxfire Adventure Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bent Creek Golf Course
Nearby Airports: Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport
Unique Amenities: Horseshoes, pool
Stay right on the border of the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park and access the nearest park entrance with just a 10-minute drive. As one of the best campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN, Arrow Creek Campground offers an unparalleled location as well as cozy cabins and fun amenities for the whole family. Head into the national park to hike at Gabes Mountain Trailhead, or spend a relaxing day at the pool. The options are endless!
5. Mountaineer Campground
Nearby Attractions: Cane Creek Twin Falls, Meigs Falls, Davy Crockett Riding Stables, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nearby Airports: Seymour Air Park, McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, TN Airport
Unique Amenities: Pool, waterfront
Let the sound of the rushing river lull you into true relaxation at one of the most peaceful campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN. With plentiful shade, a swimming pool, and unparalleled proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (just a one-minute drive!), Mountaineer Campground makes it easy to explore the park’s trails and waterfalls by day, then kick back to full relaxation mode each night.
6. Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort
Nearby Attractions: RainForest Adventures Zoo, Outdoor Gravity Park, Wahoo Ziplines, Forbidden Caverns
Nearby Airports: Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport
Unique Amenities: Arcade, general store, clubhouse
When it comes to finding the best campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN, for glamping, Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort is tough to beat. Whether you’re looking to experience a blast from the past by sleeping in a covered wagon, or you prefer a cabin, tipi, or treehouse, you’ll find your brand of glam at this one-of-a-kind resort.
7. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Cherokee
Nearby Attractions: Mountain Farm Museum, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Thomas Divide Overlook, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nearby Airports: Jackson County Airport
Unique Amenities: Craft center, arcade, outdoor theater
Nestled along the Raven Fork River on the southern side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Cherokee is packed with fun amenities and activities for the whole family. Fish the river for trout, take a dip in the pool, or head into the national park for endless hiking and nature viewing spots.
8. Smoky Mountain Campground
Nearby Attractions: Juney Whank Falls, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians
Nearby Airports: Jackson County Airport
Unique Amenities: Tube rentals, ice cream shop
This Gatlinburg campground has it all. Whether you’re looking to tube down the river, cast a line, chase waterfalls, or relax around the campfire, Smoky Mountain Campground is one of the best campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN, for families and groups of friends alike. With a well-stocked general store and tube rentals right on site, you’ll have everything you need for an ideal outdoor adventure in the Smokies.
9. Grumpy Bear RV Park and Campground
Nearby Attractions: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Cherokee Harrah’s Casino, Bryson City Island Park
Nearby Airports: Jackson County Airport
Unique Amenities: Gem mining, waterfront
Stay in a tipi, a cabin, your RV, or a tent with a reservation at one of the top campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN. Grumpy Bear Campground offers easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its breathtaking natural wonders, like Indian Creek Falls. At the campground, keep an eye out for wildlife ranging from bears to elk, and try your luck at the newly-open gem mine.
10. Mountain Ranch RV Park
Nearby Attractions: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Panther Creek State Park, Cherokee National Forest
Nearby Airports: Morristown Regional Airport, Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport
Unique Amenities: Full RV Hookups
Looking for Gatlinburg campgrounds that offer true peace and quiet? Mountain Ranch RV Park is the perfect place to get away from it all without sacrificing comfort. Hikers, golfers, and families looking for quality outdoor time enjoy a stay at Mountain Ranch RV Park.
From decked-out glamping sites to primitive spots offering peace and quiet, campgrounds near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, can accommodate adventurers of every pace and preference. With views and activities centered around the fog-shrouded Smoky Mountains, beauty and wonder abound.
Libby Thompson is a freelance writer living in Denver, Colorado. Having grown up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, hiking and camping have been cornerstones of her life since childhood. Rain, snow, or shine, you can usually find her outdoors on a paddle board, a hiking trail, or a pair of skis. Libby can be reached via email at libby@libbywrites.com.
Image credits in order of appearance: Adobe Stock – dross75, Greenbrier Campground, Cove Creek RV Resorts, Sun Outdoors Pigeon Forge, Arrow Creek Campground, Mountaineer Campground, Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Cherokee, Smoky Mountain Campground, Grumpy Bear RV Park and Campground, Mountain Ranch RV Park