The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, and it’s no wonder why. With stunning scenery, rich history, and endless outdoor activities, it’s a top destination for families. And if you’re looking for a unique camping experience, you’ll want to consider staying at one of the many privately-owned campgrounds in the area. Before making your selection, you will need to consider several questions.
What area of the park do you want to stay the closest to?
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is by far the busiest gateway town. It is full of entertainment and dining options. From nightly shows to wax museums to Dollywood, you can always meet your diversion quota in this busy area.
Townsend, Tennessee is the gateway town on the west side of the park. It is quiet and quaint. It rests up against the river and offers just a handful of restaurants and modern amenities. Townsend has the quickest access to Cade’s Cove.
Cherokee, North Carolina boasts the third major park entrance on the south-eastern border of the park. It is home to several museums, shops, and eateries. This is a great area of the park to learn more about the farming history of the Smoky Mountains!
After you have done your research and decided on the general region for accommodations, you will likely still have many camping options to consider…
What sort of camping experience are you looking for?
Will you be driving your RV to the campground? Do you need full or partial or no hook-ups at all? How level does your site need to be? Does it need to have shade?
Will you be tent camping? Do you need water and electricity? Are spotless bath houses a priority to your family? How about fire rings?
Do you prefer a cabin? If so, should it be primitive or modern?
Will you and your family be spending a lot of time at your resort, or will it merely be a landing spot after a busy day of hiking? Do you need a full kitchen? Will you be doing any cooking at all? Do you plan to enjoy campfires?
Do you need a campground that offers children’s entertainment? Do you need a pool? If so, consider the time of year that you will be travelling as many pools are only seasonal. Thus, will the amenities you want be available at your resort during your visit?
If your resort choice rests heavily on certain amenities, we strongly suggest that you directly call the campground and ensure those features will be open during your stay.
We have booked many campgrounds over the years based on entertainment draws that were not operational during our visits. Campgrounds are heavily trafficked forcing them to periodically close areas for maintenance and improvement.
Identifying all of your needs and expectations can be long, family conversation. Once you are clear on your non-negotiables, consider some of these exciting campgrounds and resorts!
Smoky Mountain Campgrounds & Resorts for Families
Located near the park, these campgrounds offer a family-friendly environment with a variety of amenities, activities, and attractions that are perfect for families. Here are some of the closest and most highly-rated private campgrounds near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you and your family won’t want to miss:
Camp LeConte Located just 8 miles from the park, Camp LeConte is a family-friendly campground that offers a peaceful and serene environment for families. The campground features clean, well-maintained bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, making it easy for families to relax and enjoy their camping experience.
It also offers a pool, playground, games, and a trolley service into town! Whether you are travelling in a tent, RV, or car, Camp LeConte has numerous ways for your to stay. Check out their treehouses and their rental campers, too!
Adventure Bound Camping Resorts – This campground is just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Gatlinburg entrace. It is an absolute wonderland for families!
Adventure Bound offers a water slide, a resort-style pool, and a gaga ball pit! You can even rent a golf cart to get around this resort (or to further entertain your motor-loving children!) The Adventure Bound Camping Resort also offers a variety of cabin rentals for families who prefer a more comfortable camping experience.
Hidden Mountain Resort – Hidden Mountain Resort is a family-friendly, CABIN camping resort that is located just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This campground offers a variety of family-friendly amenities including a pool, playground, pond, and a recreation hall.
If you prefer a cabin stay or the feel of a resort neighborhood in the woods, this may be your family’s best bet!
Smokey Bear Campground – This RV campground is right in the heart of Gatlinburg! Stay at the cabins, in a tent, or haul your own rig. The shaded sites offer a thoughtfully designed, resort feel.
Amenities include a playground, a pool, a camper kitchen, and laundry facilities. The landscaping is lovely and reminds THIS camper of another favorite campground: the West Glacier KOA!
Smoky Mountain Sky Camp – This Cosby-area campground is about an hour from the Gatlinburg entrance to the park; however, it is, literally, across the street from the park border! It is two miles to the nearest park entrance, The Big Creek Recreation Area.
This is NOT a traditional campground. It is an EXPERIENCE! There are no tents and no RVs allowed. Guests stay in primitive, *almost* off-grid cabins suspended 50 feet in the air.
There are ground level bathrooms with compost toilets and showers from rain collection. The cabins are not climate controlled.
If you and your family are looking for unique and fun experience in the Smoky Mountains, Smoky Mountain Sky Camp may be an excellent fit for YOU!
Townsend KOA – This is a fantistic campground for families, and it is located just outside of the park’s western, Townsend entrance, so it is relatively close to the Cade’s Cove. It is quieter than other gateway towns, but it is on the river which is a natural kid-magnet!
There is a sweets shop and a playground, too. They offer river tubing during the summer months.
This is a campground that feels like home, and our family thoroughly enjoyed our spring break adventure there!
Pro tip: If you want to up the fun-o-meter, go ahead and stay at several locations during the same trip! How does a cabin to treehouse to tent combination sound to you? Remember, the accommodations are ALWAYS part of the adventure!
When planning your family’s camping trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, consider staying at one of these privately-owned campgrounds. With family-friendly amenities and activities, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique and memorable camping experience that’s perfect for families.
Remember your family’s needs and preferences. Some families may prefer a more rustic camping experience while others may prefer a more comfortable and convenient experience.
Regardless of your preferences, these campgrounds offer a variety of options that are sure to meet your family’s needs.
So pack your camping gear, grab your family, and head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for an unforgettable camping experience that you’ll never forget.
Find more Great Smoky Mountains National Park fun for kids HERE!
