Smoky Mountains Campgrounds?

[wowens79]

We are wanting to head up to the Smokys, but would like at least to have power. We have a residential fridge in out TT, and no generator so he need power for the fridge.

Any suggestions for a campground? We typically like state parks, and COE campgrounds. We would rather be close to hiking/biking trails than to touristy things.

Any suggestions??

[Hiking_Hunter]

There really aren't any State Parks or COE parks close around the "main" entrance to the Smokies which is the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. However these are also the very "touristy" areas. To avoid the traffic and craziness, go to Townsend which is about 20 miles away. There is also an entrance to the Smokies there and there are some nice private campgrounds. Here are a few. Townsend is still close to all the trailheads that are near Gatlinburg.
I do not recommend Cades Cove campground. It's fairly crowded, and many of their sites are short or hard to get into.

[Alabama_Jim]

The National Park is not the answer. We enjoy Creekside in Pigeon Forge. It is convenient to everything and has stop light to get you in the busy traffic area.