We love the smokies. On the Cherokee side, we like Yogi. We have also stayed in Pigeon Forge for a couple of days...but it is busier than we like. We did bite the bullet and dry camp at Elkmont CG on the Gburg side of the park...so glad we did! It was beautiful and comfortable. You can also tube in the river right in the cg. You are in the park which is loaded with stuff to do and very close to the touristy stuff in PF and Gburg. It is sooooo worth the roughing it for a couple of days.
James Island was mentioned, and it is a great park. However, don't know that I would do more than a couple of days in the summer. It is HOT, and there is not a free pool to cool off in. There is a water park, but it costs around $10pp per day which can get pricey added on to camp site fees. There is a free spray and play (glorified sprinklers). The beach is about at 15 minute drive.
I would also vote for Bull Run.
