Forum Discussion

flyfishing48's avatar
flyfishing48
Explorer
Mar 12, 2015

Campground Near Smoky Mtn NP

Looking for a campground just outside Smokey Mountain National Park. Would like to be near the park, full hook ups. We bike, hike, fish and I take a lot of pictures (nature photography). So time in the park is more important than being near the amusement activities. Though our 11 yr old does like to swim?
This is for over the coming Easter weekend. So I am expecting the weather to be a little cool.
I looked on line and see that there are dozens of campgrounds in the area. A search on this forum, showed a few that are popular choices, but not a lot of recent activity, so I am posting this request.
Thanks in advance for any help.
  • sdianel_-acct_c's avatar
    sdianel_-acct_c
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2015
    you might check out Mountaineer Campground in Townsend TN. It's away from the touristy areas and quieter.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2015
    Pine mtn in pigon forge has an indoor pool. Very nice newer campground in quite area.
  • djsamuel's avatar
    djsamuel
    Nomad
    Mar 12, 2015
    Mountaineer and Big Meadow Family Campground get good reviews, as do some others in Townsend. Townsend is a nice place to stay and very convenient to Cades Cove.
  • linnemj's avatar
    linnemj
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2015
    Towsend would seem to be the best area for you to stay. There is a great swimming hole in the Little River at the Townsend Wye just inside SMNP. You will also have close access to some great hiking trails in the park.

    Enjoy your visit!
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Mar 12, 2015
    Smokemont CG in the park up the valley from Cherokee. Very scenic. Creek runs through it. Sites back right onto creek. The big negative for some, it is dry camping. Even biggier negative for most, no cell service.
  • tragusa3's avatar
    tragusa3
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2015
    Smoke not is our favorite! It is the 'quiet' side of the park.
  • rbtglove's avatar
    rbtglove
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2015
    Twin Creeks in Gatlinburg is near the Park entrance and on the free Trolley route. Has FHUs and amenities. Near stores and resturants.
  • FLGup's avatar
    FLGup
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2015
    If you want easy park access, quiet, pool for kids, full hookups, etc. you can split the distance between Townsend and Pidgeon Forge in Wears Valley. We stayed at Cove Creek and it was very nice and clean. There is a back road into the park from Wears Valley that helps avoid the crowds.
  • flyfishing48's avatar
    flyfishing48
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2015
    Thanks for all of the suggestions. We will be checking out all of them.
    I see mention of a free Trolley service. What is that about. And where does it go?

    On edit.
    I found the Trolley info. So I am good to go with that.
  • terrytrailertra's avatar
    terrytrailertra
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2015
    Ok...yes it is dry camping. BUT if being in the park is important try Elkmont. We reluctantly went there for several days a few summers ago, and it was by far one of the best trips as of yet. With a little pre planning and careful water usage, you will be fine. It is beautiful and so isolated. The river runs through it so you can tube in the campground. The elevations are high enough that it is rarely hot. There are several posts on here about the best sites at Elkmont and tips and tricks.

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