Ask anyone who grew up in East Tennessee where to camp in the Smoky Mountains, and you’ll rarely get the same answer twice. Some love the quiet riverside campsites in Townsend. Others prefer being close to Gatlinburg, where restaurants and attractions are just a short drive away.
After years of camping in these mountains, I’ve learned that where you set up camp can shape your entire trip. It might mean waking up beside a mountain stream, spending your days exploring Cades Cove, or enjoying an evening around the campfire after a day in town.
In this guide, we’ll cover the different camping areas throughout the Smokies, from Townsend and Cades Cove to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cosby, and the North Carolina side. Along the way, you’ll find the area that fits the kind of camping trip you’re planning.
Disclosure: This site contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Tennessee Trekkn!
Types of Camping Around the Smoky Mountains
One of the things I love about camping in the Smokies is that every trip can be different. Some mornings begin with coffee beside a mountain stream. Others start with hiking boots on and a trail waiting. And sometimes, a few extra comforts make the trip even better.
Here’s a look at the different ways to camp in and around the Smokies.
- Backcountry camping: Hike to designated campsites and shelters inside the national park with a permit.
- Tent camping: Choose from national park campgrounds or private campsites, including riverside locations.
- RV camping: Find everything from basic sites to full-hookup campgrounds and RV resorts.
- Glamping and camping resorts: Enjoy luxury tents, cabins, and upscale camping accommodations.
Each offers a different experience. So, consider how you want to spend your days before choosing where to camp.
Camping Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Camping inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park means waking up close to mountain trails, streams, and wildlife. It’s a more traditional camping experience, with wooded campsites and evenings around the campfire.
On the Tennessee side, Cades Cove is a favorite for wildlife watching and scenic drives. Elkmont offers wooded campsites near the Little River, while Cosby provides a quieter setting on the eastern side of the park.
Across the mountains in North Carolina, Smokemont offers camping near Cherokee, while Deep Creek is convenient to waterfalls and hiking trails.
Most park campsites have no hookups, although developed campgrounds generally provide restrooms and drinking water. Amenities and operating seasons vary, so check before planning your stay.
Ready to camp inside the park? Explore the campgrounds and find available dates.
Check Campground Availability Inside the Park →
Camping in Townsend
Slow mornings beside the Little River are one of my favorite things about camping in Townsend. Spend the afternoon tubing the river or exploring the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
Choose from riverside tent sites, full-hookup RV camping, and glamping.
Featured campground: Little Arrow Outdoor Resort offers RV sites, tent camping, and upscale accommodations.
Explore Little Arrow Outdoor Resort →
Camping in Gatlinburg
Spend the morning hiking in the Smokies, then head into Gatlinburg for a moonshine tasting or a walk across the SkyBridge at Gatlinburg SkyPark.
Most private campgrounds sit outside downtown, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and resort-style amenities.
Featured campground: Greenbrier Campground offers riverside camping and convenient access to the national park.
Explore Greenbrier Campground →
Camping in Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a fun camping base for families who enjoy a little entertainment with their outdoor adventures. Spend the day at Dollywood or catch one of the town’s popular dinner shows.
You’ll find RV resorts, tent sites, cabins, and family-friendly amenities.
Featured campground: Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Holiday offers RV and tent camping, a pool, and a lazy river.
Explore Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Holiday →
Camping Near Cosby
Looking for a quieter side of the Smokies? Cosby offers wooded mountain surroundings and easy access to hiking trails. Spend an afternoon exploring the Cosby Nature Trail or nearby mountain communities.
Choose traditional camping inside the national park or private campgrounds with extra comforts.
Featured campground: Roamstead Smoky Mountains offers tent and RV sites, cabins, and shared gathering spaces.
Explore Roamstead Smoky Mountains →
Camping in Sevierville
Sevierville offers a mix of mountain camping and family attractions without staying directly along the busy Pigeon Forge Parkway. Explore the shops and restaurants of downtown Sevierville before returning to camp.
You’ll find RV resorts, traditional campsites, and upscale glamping accommodations.
Featured stay: Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains offers furnished canvas tents in a wooded setting outside Pigeon Forge.
Explore Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains →
Camping on the North Carolina Side of the Smokies
Cross over the mountains into North Carolina, where Cherokee and Bryson City offer a different side of Smoky Mountain camping. Spend the afternoon exploring Cherokee or tubing along Deep Creek near Bryson City.
You’ll find riverside tent sites, RV campgrounds, and mountain cabins. Smokemont and Deep Creek also offer camping inside the national park.
Featured campground: Cherokee/Great Smokies KOA Holiday offers RV and tent camping, cabins, and family-friendly amenities near Cherokee.
Explore Cherokee/Great Smokies KOA Holiday →
Glamping Around the Smoky Mountains
Love the outdoors but prefer a comfortable bed? Glamping offers another way to enjoy the Smokies without giving up the comforts of home.
From furnished canvas tents and treehouses to upscale camping resorts, you’ll find unique stays throughout the mountains. Some even offer private bathrooms, fire pits, and mountain views.
Smoky Mountain Glamping Guide →
How to Choose Where to Camp in the Smokies
Not sure which area is right for you? Think about how you want to spend your days, then choose the spot that fits.
- Inside the national park: Traditional camping close to trails and wildlife.
- Townsend: Riverside camping, tubing, and a slower pace.
- Gatlinburg: Hiking, mountain attractions, and downtown entertainment.
- Pigeon Forge and Sevierville: Family attractions, Dollywood, camping resorts, and glamping.
- Cosby: Quieter surroundings and mountain trails.
- North Carolina: Cherokee, Bryson City, waterfalls, and river adventures.
Whether you’re planning a quiet weekend beside the river or a family camping trip packed with activities, there’s a corner of the Smokies that fits.
A Few Extras for Your Smoky Mountain Camping Trip
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a camping trip even better. A good trail map, a guide to identifying wildlife, or something fun to enjoy around the campfire.
Here are three handy finds to tuck into your camping gear.
→ National Geographic Smoky Mountains Map Pack — Explore trails and navigate when cell service is limited.
→ Great Smoky Mountains Nature Set — Identify birds, trees, wildflowers, and wildlife along the way.
→ Great Smoky Mountains Word Search Book — Something fun for rainy afternoons or quiet evenings at camp.
A Few Tips Before You Book
Before choosing your campsite, keep a few things in mind.
- Reserve early: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer, holidays, and fall color.
- Check amenities: Not every campground offers hookups, showers, or cell service.
- Watch seasonal dates: Some campgrounds close during winter or offer limited services.
- Know the park rules: A Smoky Mountains parking tag is required when parking longer than 15 minutes inside the national park.
Smoky Mountain Camping FAQs
Still deciding where to camp? Here are a few quick answers to help you plan your Smoky Mountain camping trip.
Cades Cove is great for wildlife, Townsend for quieter camping, and Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge for easy access to attractions.
Yes! The park offers developed campgrounds and backcountry camping. Reservations and permits are required.
Townsend, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Cherokee offer RV campgrounds, including options with full hookups.
Yes, for national park campgrounds. Private campground policies vary. Book early for summer and fall.
Find Your Campsite in the Smokies
Some of my favorite camping memories are the simple ones. Morning coffee outside the camper, evenings around the fire, and those unplanned stops along the way.
Wherever you decide to camp, leave a little room in your plans to slow down and enjoy the mountains.
Happy Trekkn, Friends!
Disclosure: This site contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Tennessee Trekkn!