Favorite Campground near Smokey Mountains

We like Twin Creeks near Gatliburg. Its on the trolley line that goes into town and to the crafts loop. Also close to stores and resturants. has a swiming pool and dog run. Very well maintained, with trees and sites near the creeks. Also near the Park entrance.

Check out the Townsend, TN area - there are several campgrounds on the river with float services nearby. It is out of the crazyness in Gatlinburg and close to the wye in the park that offer great creek swimming. It is also close to Cades Cove area.

X2 on Townsend if looking for tubing. Big Meadow, Treemont, KOA and a couple of others over there.

We just stayed at Jellystone in Cosby. The place was fantastic, FHU and creekside sites, but it was 30 minutes from the entrance to the Smokies, which grew tiresome.
I wasn't impressed with the Cades Cove area at all, so probably wouldn't choose to stay there.
Not sure about tubing in the area, it was too cold for us in April to consider it, but it seemed like all the creeks were riddled with rocks.

What do folks think of the Cherokee CG's?

We stayed at the Mountaineer Campground in Townesend a few weeks ago. Very peaceful. Would definitely recommend.

Another vote for Townsend.

If you want to be in the "action", take a look at Pine Mtn RV Park in Pigeon Forge. Right off the bypass, but behind a knoll to keep the sound at bay. If you like to be out of the action, try either Smoky Bear in Cosby or Misty Mountain in Wallen. If you REALLy want to be out of the action, Elkmont campground in the GSMNP is great, but dry camping.

You really won't find a river you can raft down in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Townsend area. I don't think. You might want to call Misty Mountain and see if you can raft or tube down below their campground.

They do have FHU.

Tubing at Elkmont was fabulous.
Just my $.02

Townsend is great.

My favorite is Elkmont, with Cades Cove a very close second. But from reading your post I'm guessing my priorities are different then yours.