Camping is no doubt one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. It’s a great way to get out in nature and there are few places as beautiful as the Great Smoky Mountains to do that. While there are dozens of places to camp in the area, returning guests and even locals have found that there are a few that top the rest. Check out a few of Gatlinburg’s favorite campsites.
Adventure Bound Camping Resorts – This family owned campground puts a twist on the traditional mountain hideaway experience. Offering seclusion, proximity to town, and a resort atmosphere, Adventure Bound is a great choice for everyone. Not only will guests find hiking, biking and fishing, but they can also enjoy a large pool, a 500 foot water slide, and the new Fun Zone, complete with obstacle course and bouncy castle. There are both tent and RV sites, as well as water and power hookups available. This is truly a new way to camp.
Camping in the Smokies – Located next to a soothing mountain stream and across from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this quiet RV park provides full hook ups, a bath house, cable TV, a pool, and a trolley service.
Cades Cove – This is my favorite place to camp in Gatlinburg. Cades Cove is really beautiful and offers a lot of tent, RV and back country camping. There are more than 150 campsites, all (excluding back country) equipped with fire rings, picnic tables and lantern hangers. They are also located near the Cades Cove Campground store. Running water and flush toilets are also available. While in Cades Cove, visitors can fish, hike, bird watch, ride horses, and do some wildlife and wildflower sightseeing.
Elkmont – Only 9 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, Elkmont is the largest campground in the Smokies. The popular Laurel Falls Trail (leading to an incredible 80 foot waterfall) is easily accessible from the campground and there are also many historic buildings, horseback riding trails and other waterfalls. Guests can either tent or RV camp, and amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, fire rings, a general store, tent pads, vending machines, an amphitheater and more.