Camping Near Pigeon Forge: 9 Spots Worth Trading WiFi for Stargazing
Picture this: You’re roasting marshmallows under a blanket of stars, the scent of pine in the air, and the distant hum of a Dollywood roller coaster whispering, “You really did this right.”
Camping near Pigeon Forge TN isn’t just a getaway, it’s a full-blown escape hatch from your group chats, work stress, and that overflowing laundry basket you keep pretending doesn’t exist.
Tucked between the heart of Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains national treasure that is the nearby National Park, this dreamy corner of East Tennessee delivers major main-character energy.
Whether you’re glamping in a decked-out RV site or throwing it back with old-school tent sites (we see you, wilderness warrior), there’s something magnetic about waking up to mountain views and falling asleep to a soundtrack of crickets and creek water.
And let’s not ignore the location flex: You’re a short drive from top attractions like theme parks, quaint breakfast spots, and those bizarre-yet-irresistible moonshine tastings.
Add in pet-friendly Smoky Mountain campgrounds, hiking trails galore, and trolley stops to whisk you downtown?
Yeah, it’s giving outdoorsy-core in the best way possible.
So go ahead, book the site, pack the snacks, and prepare to be the friend everyone’s texting for tips. Because camping near Pigeon Forge Tennessee is that girl.
Campgrounds With Resort-Style Amenities That Put Hotels to Shame
Think camping near Pigeon Forge TN means roughing it with lukewarm beans and a flashlight that barely works? Think again.
These campground gems offer the kind of cushy amenities that make you forget you’re technically “roughing it.”
We’re talking heated pools, mini golf, and camp stores that rival your favorite hometown boutique.
Whether you’re chasing luxe glamping vibes or rolling in with your own RV palace, these spots prove you can have nature and Netflix.
Camp Riverslanding: Riverside Chill Meets Kid-Approved Chaos
Tucked along the Little Pigeon River and just a flip-flop’s walk from the heart of Pigeon Forge, Camp Riverslanding is basically the Swiss Army knife of campgrounds.
Full hookup RV sites? Check. Heated pool, game room, and basketball court? Also check. There’s even a playground that’ll tire out the kids before sundown—a rare and precious gift.
Bonus: It has direct trolley stops, so you can channel your inner Lorelai Gilmore while being shuttled to top attractions like Dollywood or The Island.
The on-site trading post is also stocked like it’s prepping for a Pinterest-worthy s’mores night.
Camping near Pigeon Forge Tennessee doesn’t get more family-ready than this. You’re still in nature, but with Wi-Fi and a backboard.
It’s like sleepaway camp, if your cabin had electricity, snacks, and a decent shot at avoiding bug bites.
The Ridge Outdoor Resort: Glam Meets Camp Without the Compromise
If your idea of camping near Pigeon Forge involves fewer sleeping bags and more spa energy, The Ridge Outdoor Resort is calling your name.
Located in Sevierville (a very short drive from the heart of Pigeon Forge), this outdoor resort brings the heat (figuratively and literally) with luxury glamping tents, tiny home cabins, and paved RV sites that practically roll out a red carpet for your rig.
The amenities are chef’s kiss: a gorgeous pool, a virtual golf suite that will keep the dads busy for hours, modern bathhouses so pristine they deserve their own TikTok reel, and a dog park so fancy your pup might start requesting pupuccinos.
It’s the kind of place where you sleep under the stars, but still charge your phone, straighten your hair, and never once question where the nearest restroom is.
Clabough’s Campground: Classic Camp Comforts With Family Vibes
Clabough’s Campground is that no-fuss, all-fun spot where families return year after year—and for good reason.
Nestled along Wears Valley Road, it’s a Smoky Mountain campground that keeps things cozy but convenient.
Campers can snag full RV hookup sites or cabins with actual beds (because your spine deserves love, too), then spend the day bouncing between the two pools, hanging by the creek, or grabbing dinner at the on-site restaurant.
This is camping near Pigeon Forge TN for people who want just enough modern comfort to keep the complaints to a minimum, but still want to feel like they’re in the great outdoors.
The grocery store and free Wi-Fi mean you can still stream your favorite show after a long day on the hiking trails—no judgment here.
It’s easygoing, friendly, and everything a Smoky Mountains getaway should be.
Campgrounds Closer to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If your dream camping trip involves less time in traffic and more time chasing waterfalls (or at least creek stomping with the kids), you’ll want to pitch your tent or park your RV close to the action.
These campgrounds are prime real estate for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park—aka the crown jewel of East Tennessee and the kind of place where cell service politely bows out so you can actually relax.
Think early morning hikes, riverside coffee, and the kind of woodsy peace that makes you forget you even own a Netflix login.
Up the Creek RV Camp: Quiet, Clean, and Close to Nature’s Best
This peaceful, adults-in-camp-chairs kind of campground is nestled along Little Valley Road, just a short drive from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Up the Creek RV Camp is known for its meticulously maintained grounds, spacious full-hookup RV sites, and actual concrete pads that make parking a breeze (no 12-point turns here).
You’ll also find cable, fire pits, and a dog park, because even your four-legged adventure buddy deserves some off-leash joy.
Camping near Pigeon Forge Tennessee doesn’t always mean being in the thick of the action. Sometimes it’s about hearing birdsong instead of bumper-to-bumper.
This spot is perfect if you’re looking to be near the park without sacrificing comfort or clean facilities.
And yes, you’re still a short drive from theme parks and top attractions—should the siren song of Dollywood call your name.
Greenbrier Campground: Riverfront Vibes With Family Energy
Tucked into the curve of the Little Pigeon River in Gatlinburg, Greenbrier Campground hits the sweet spot between outdoorsy and OMG-this-is-so-convenient.
It offers tent sites, RV sites, and cabins (truly something for every level of “camper”), plus a general store, basketball court, and a playground that tends to become the de facto daycare while parents chill riverside.
This is camping near Pigeon Forge with a side of serenity and easy access to hiking trails. It’s a hop, skip, and marshmallow-roasting stick from some of the best Great Smoky Mountains National Park entry points.
Bonus: The river’s shallow edges make it ideal for a lazy float or kid-friendly splash session.
Elkmont Campground: For the Full Forest-Ferngully Fantasy
Elkmont Campground is where you go when you’re craving the kind of unplugged experience that makes your Apple Watch concerned.
Located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and operated by the National Park Service, this spot leans rustic in all the best ways.
There are no hookups, no showers, and no frills—just wooded tent and RV sites with picnic tables, fire pits, and those golden morning rays filtering through the trees.
If you’ve ever wanted to wake up in the middle of a national park with nothing but your coffee, a fleece pullover, and zero unread emails, this is it.
It’s camping near Pigeon Forge TN at its most immersive, and one of the best ways to get front-row access to the park’s hiking trails and old-growth magic.
Just be sure to bring your own snacks, flashlight, and main-character energy.
Backcountry Tent Camping for the Trail-Obsessed and Crowd-Averse
If your idea of “camping near Pigeon Forge TN” involves ditching the camp store, skipping the RV hookups, and hiking deep into mossy silence with everything on your back—including your dignity—this one’s for you.
Backcountry camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is as real as it gets: no pools, no power, just you, your gear, and maybe a very judgy squirrel.
It’s a choose-your-own-adventure for the seasoned backpacker who thinks s’mores taste better when you’ve earned them after a vertical climb.
To stay at any of the designated backcountry sites, you’ll need a permit. These are easy to snag online or at local ranger stations up to two weeks before your trip.
And trust us: planning ahead is worth it when you’re about to hike into the kind of serenity that can’t be screen-shotted.
Mount LeConte Shelter: For Major Bragging Rights (and Sunsets)
At 6,593 feet, Mount LeConte is the third-highest peak in the Smokies—and staying overnight here is like scoring the penthouse suite of the backcountry.
The trail to get there is steep (shoutout to those glutes), but the views? Unreal. The Mount LeConte Shelter is a trailside favorite for good reason.
It’s rugged, yes, but the sunsets from this altitude are next-level, and mornings greet you with clouds below your boots.
Camping near Pigeon Forge Tennessee doesn’t get more remote or more Instagram-worthy. Just remember: No campfires allowed, so bring your Jetboil and your best layered looks.
Bote Mountain Campsite 18: Quiet, Secluded, and Tree-Hugger Approved
Bote Mountain Trail winds you through hardwood forest and ridgelines before dropping you at Campsite 18, a backcountry spot that’s as lowkey as it is lovely.
This isn’t one of the flashy, panoramic-view campsites. Instead, it’s pure woodland energy—quiet, cool, and usually uncrowded.
It’s ideal if you’re looking for a true Smoky Mountain campground experience without the buzz of RV generators or the chorus of campground karaoke nights (no shade, Clabough’s).
With easy access to connecting trails and a forest canopy that feels like a weighted blanket for your soul, this is introvert-camping bliss just a short drive and a scenic hike from Pigeon Forge.
Tricorner Knob Shelter: The Smokies’ Secret Society Sleepover
If you want to feel like you’ve entered a secret Smoky Mountain society, welcome to Tricorner Knob.
Perched deep in the mountains at the crossroads of the Appalachian Trail and the Balsam Mountain Trail, this shelter is only reachable via multi-day treks, which means you’ll have bragging rights and sore calves.
The Tricorner Knob Shelter quite simple (read: Zero amenities, all vibes), but it’s a favorite for thru-hikers and seasoned backpackers.
Camping near Pigeon Forge TN may start in the bustling heart of town, but Tricorner ends in a kind of remote, unbothered peace that most people never get to experience.
If you’ve ever wanted to whisper “I could totally live in the woods” with a straight face, this is the place to test that theory.
Plan the Ultimate Trip with Tripster (and Brag About It Later)
Camping near Pigeon Forge TN is just the beginning. With Tripster, planning your Smoky Mountains escape becomes as smooth as that second cup of campfire coffee.
Whether you’re booking cozy hotels near the action, locking in must-see shows, or bundling top-rated attractions into one of those chef’s kiss vacation packages, Tripster makes it easy to score the kind of travel deals that deserve a humblebrag.
Want to sprinkle in a few theme park thrills between your scenic hikes? Or maybe round out your trip with dinner theater and a dip in the hotel’s outdoor pool? Done and done.
From campsite to curtain call, we’re your one-stop shortcut to planning a trip that’s equal parts chill, thrill, and FOMO-inducing magic!
Camping Near Pigeon Forge TN FAQs
Are there campgrounds with resort-style amenities in the Pigeon Forge area?
Yes. Places like Camp Riverslanding, The Ridge Outdoor Resort, and Clabough’s Campground offer heated pools, game rooms, luxury glamping tents, and even dog parks. They’re perfect if you want a balance of nature and comfort.
Which campgrounds are closest to Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Up the Creek RV Camp, Greenbrier Campground, and Elkmont Campground are all within a short drive of the park. They offer great access to hiking trails and let you soak in the natural beauty without a long commute.
What’s the vibe at Camp Riverslanding?
It’s a family-friendly, activity-packed RV park located in the heart of Pigeon Forge. With a heated pool, playground, trolley stops, and a stocked trading post, it’s ideal for families who want fun and convenience in one spot.
Can I camp riverside or in a more scenic, quiet setting?
Yes. Greenbrier Campground offers peaceful riverside camping in Gatlinburg, while Up the Creek RV Camp gives you scenic seclusion without sacrificing quality amenities. Both are perfect for slowing down and enjoying the view.
What’s the best option for backcountry camping near Pigeon Forge?
For experienced backpackers, backcountry tent camping inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is unbeatable. Sites like Mount LeConte Shelter, Bote Mountain Campsite 18, and Tricorner Knob Shelter offer remote, wooded getaways.
Do I need a permit for backcountry camping?
Yes. You’ll need to reserve a permit through the National Park Service. They’re available online or at ranger stations and must be secured before you hit the trail.
Are there pet-friendly campgrounds near Pigeon Forge?
Definitely. Many smoky mountain campgrounds, like The Ridge Outdoor Resort and Up the Creek RV Camp, are pet-friendly and even have dog parks so your pup can vacation too.
How do I find the best deals on attractions, hotels, and camping packages?
Tripster offers curated vacation packages that combine hotels, attractions, shows, and more at discounted prices. It’s a great way to simplify your planning and score serious travel deals.
Can I plan my entire Pigeon Forge trip with Tripster?
Yes. With Tripster, you can book your campground, reserve hotels, add show tickets, and bundle everything into a customized package. It’s the ultimate way to plan a stress-free, fun-packed trip to the Smokies.
