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Home » Blog » Gatlinburg Lodging » Camping in the Smokies: The Best Vacation Sites for Nature Lovers

Camping in the Smokies: The Best Vacation Sites for Nature Lovers

family camping and eating togetherImagine a vacation filled with natural beauty, family bonding and unforgettable adventures. If your vacation dreams include relaxing in the shade while listening to the sounds of nature, each of our Smoky Mountain campgrounds have something special for a memorable and stress-free stay in the hills of Tennessee.

Whether you love roughing it in a tent or living in luxury in the middle of nowhere, take heart because there’s the perfect campground for everyone right here in the Smokies.

(Must Read Article: Campground Regulations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

camping at sunsetSmoky Mountain Campgrounds in Gatlinburg

As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a nature lover’s paradise. With the soft, peaceful sounds of crickets and cicadas, sleeping under the stars will allow for the most restful vacation of your life.

To fully appreciate the beauty of the mountains, park guests can keep the comforts of home or travel in rustic style at any of our camping locations. Families can create a home away from home at camping sites, or backpackers can rest from a long day at secluded backcountry locations.

Since the campgrounds near the National Park are so popular, many locations require spot reservations in advance. We recommend reserving early at all sites, whether required or not, because these first come, first serve locations have a limited number of openings.

The campgrounds inside the park include site for tents or RVs with picnic tables, restrooms and fire grates. If you’d like to have a variety of activity options,there are even resorts that feature basketball courts, fishing lakes, kiddie pools and water slides.

Sevierville Camping Areas

Dolly Parton’s hometown is centrally located to all the best activities in the Smoky Mountains. Just minutes from the National Park and Pigeon Forge’s Parkway attractions, Sevierville is a magical place where families can enjoy views of the mountains and the sounds of rushing streams.

Surrounded by mountain streams and stunning views, campsites in Sevierville can both accommodate any size RV for families who want privacy on a larger site. For private, wooded areas, most camping sites tend to be large with wooded views.

camping in a tent at sunsetPigeon Forge Campgrounds

This vacation paradise is a shining example of how city meets nature. From the attractions along the parkway to the peaceful walking trails, Pigeon Forge boasts a variety of activities that can be enjoyed year round.

Camping in Pigeon Forge allows for peace and relaxation with the shortest drive to the most popular attractions in the Smokies. Just minutes from Gatlinburg and the National Park, there’s nothing you can’t do while staying in Pigeon Forge.

If you’re not sure about where you’d like to stay during your visit to the area, take our Smoky Mountain Lodging Personality Quiz. You’ll be able to find the perfect option for your family’s needs, whether the open skies of a camp site, the privacy of a cabin or the charm of a bed and breakfast.