Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Explore the best campgrounds, RV parks, and outdoor attractions in and around Gatlinburg — a mountain town at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park known for scenic overlooks, hiking trails, downtown shops and attractions, and easy access to Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
Campgrounds Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Showing 7 of 7 campgrounds
Why Camp Near Gatlinburg?
Things to Do Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg places campers directly beside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it one of the region's easiest destinations for combining campground time with hiking, scenic drives, and downtown attractions. Sugarlands Visitor Center is just south of town and provides a practical starting point for park maps, exhibits, and trip planning. Travelers can explore the Roaring Fork area, choose from waterfall and mountain trails, or drive toward Newfound Gap for higher-elevation scenery when roads and weather permit.
Downtown adds a completely different side to the trip. Campers can visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, ride to mountain attractions such as Anakeesta, shop and dine along the Parkway, or use the free Gatlinburg Trolley to reduce local driving. Because the national park begins immediately beside the city, it is easy to spend the morning in the forest and the evening downtown.
View More Things to Do →Ways to Camp Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee
RV Camping
Twin Creek RV Resort sits within Gatlinburg city limits, borders the national park, and is served by the Gatlinburg Trolley. Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort offers full-hookup RV sites with 20-, 30-, and 50-amp service, water, sewer, cable, and Wi-Fi.
Cabin Camping
Camp LeConte is a strong option for travelers who want an outdoor-resort setting without an RV, with lodging that includes luxury treehouses, safari tents, and retro campers alongside its campground amenities.
Tent Camping
Elkmont Campground in the national park is a classic tent-camping choice with flush toilets and drinking water but no hookups or showers, and it operates seasonally. Camp LeConte also offers primitive tent sites.
Luxury RV Resorts
Camp LeConte blends RV camping with distinctive glamping accommodations. Travelers willing to drive into Pigeon Forge can also choose Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge or Pigeon Forge RV Resort for larger pools and waterslides.
Plan a Trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
A good Gatlinburg camping itinerary alternates park days with downtown time. Start one morning at Sugarlands Visitor Center, then choose a trail, waterfall, or scenic drive rather than attempting several major park areas in a single day. Use another day for downtown attractions, dining, and shopping.
Campground choice can significantly change the feel of the trip. Twin Creek is useful for travelers who value city access and trolley service, Camp LeConte works well for mixed groups, and Elkmont is better for campers who want to wake up inside the national park.
Reserve campsites well ahead for summer and fall weekends, review NPS road and trail alerts before entering the park, and purchase the appropriate parking tag if a vehicle will be parked for more than 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular choices include Twin Creek RV Resort, Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort, and Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Other private campgrounds sit along the East Parkway and in nearby Pigeon Forge and Cosby.
Yes. Elkmont is the closest large frontcountry campground to the Sugarlands side of the park. It accepts tents and RVs but does not provide hookups or showers. Advance reservations are required, and most park campgrounds other than Cades Cove and Smokemont are seasonal.
Yes. Twin Creek RV Resort is specifically noted for trolley service. Campers should check the current trolley map and operating schedule when planning a stay because routes and service frequency can change.
Visitors can explore Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Anakeesta, shops, restaurants, and other Parkway attractions, then reach hiking and scenic areas in the national park just south of downtown.
Many private campgrounds accept pets under property-specific rules, and pets are permitted in national park campgrounds when leashed. Trail access is much more limited: the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the only two park trails where pets are allowed.
Spring offers wildflowers and comfortable hiking weather, summer is busiest for family vacations, and fall brings heavy demand for mountain foliage. Winter can be quieter, but many campgrounds are seasonal and mountain weather can affect roads and trails.
Nearby Locations
Discover More with our Area Guide Blogs
RV Camping Near Gatlinburg: Finding the Best Stay for Your Next Getaway
Where to base your rig for easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and downtown Gatlinburg.
Best Campgrounds in Tennessee for a Smoky Mountains Getaway
Top picks for RV resorts and park-adjacent stays within reach of Gatlinburg and the Smokies.
What to Know Before Planning a Camping Trip in Tennessee
Essential tips on best times to visit, what to pack, and campground options around Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.