In this Gatlinburg Vacation Guide, I share the best Gatlinburg campgrounds which offer the most stunning views as well as great amenities.
While the scenery in these campgrounds is serene, they are still close enough to the heart of Gatlinburg to make access to the downtown area a breeze.


Gatlinburg RV Campgrounds are where you can find families to spend their time or simply just get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you enjoy this as much, keep scrolling to explore a list of amazing campgrounds and let your adventure begin! Don’t miss our other RV camping resources while you are here.

Is Camping Free in the Smoky Mountains?
No, camping in the Great Smoky Mountains is not free. Campsites are available for a fee at campgrounds managed by the National Park Service, and backcountry camping requires a permit which can be purchased for $8.00 per person per night in the park. The fees collected go toward maintaining and improving facilities for visitors to enjoy.
If you’re going to look at nearby areas outside the park boundaries, you will find some primitive camping sites free of charge. These are often located in national forests like the Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and Pisgah National Forest.
Gatlinburg Campgrounds Close To The Action
While there are numerous Tennessee RV campgrounds and parks near Gatlinburg in the surrounding towns of Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Townsend, there are actually only a select few Gatlinburg campgrounds that offer a quiet mountain retreat and is located close to all the local attractions for you to enjoy.
These Gatlinburg campgrounds offer a variety of amenities, from cabins and glamping tents to RV sites with an amazing river view.

Some of these campsites have access to fun attractions and activities like white water rafting, ziplining, and so much more, making your weekend getaway even more interesting.
If you love the serenity that comes with the sound of running water then you’ll be thrilled that there are campgrounds in Gatlinburg that are actually located on a body of water.
Best Gatlinburg Campgrounds
Here are a few of our favorite RV campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN.
Greenbrier is truly your serenity in the Smokies. Surrounded by the beautiful Little Pigeon River, enjoy an entire day of relaxation while the children swim in the Flint Rock swimming hole or take a rafting trip down the Little Pigeon River for a real adventure.
Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor retreat combines the beauty of the natural Smoky Mountain surroundings with the charm of European vintage "glamping" flare! Only 4 miles from downtown.
If you want to camp, but don't have an RV and hate tents, then you will love staying at one of the RV campgrounds with cabins in Gatlinburg.
If an RV resort in Gatlinburg is what you are looking for, then check out these nearby RV resorts.
If you love RV camping, join our RV Campgrounds Near Me Group on Facebook to meet more RV camping enthusiasts such as yourself. We share all things RV camping including camping hacks, RV Campground reviews, and fun RV camping stories.
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Recommended Gatlinburg Vacation Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg in March
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Planning to explore more of the Smoky Mountain? Check out this article with more than 125+ Things to do in the Smoky Mountians. You may also enjoy renting an ATV in Gatlinburg for a unique way to explore the Smokies.
This Great Smoky Mountains National Park coloring page printable is a great way to get your kids excited in your upcoming trip to the Smokies.