In this Smoky Mountains Vacation guide, I’ve put together some of my favorite Smoky Mountains Campgrounds that are perfect for family getaways.
When it comes to outdoor getaways, the Smoky Mountains provide some of the most idyllic campgrounds in the US. Whether you are a seasoned camper or just starting out, there is something for everyone here – from rustic sites to modern RV campgrounds!


In this post, we’ve gathered a few of the best kid-friendly Smoky Mountains Campgrounds as well as some of our other top favorite Tennessee campgrounds in the Smokies for you to check out.

Why Should You Go RV Camping in the Smoky Mountains?
There’s no question that the Smoky Mountains is the premier family RV camping destination in the USA.
There is a reason why The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the United States. Actually, there are several reasons. Here are just a few of them:
- Over 1000 miles of hiking trails for year-round seasonal hiking in the Smokies
- Tons of family attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
- Fun outdoor adventures like ATV riding, whitewater rafting, ziplining and, snow tubing
- The very popular Dollywood amusement park
- and so much more.
Whether you’re looking for campgrounds with cabins or one that has lazy rivers for the kids to enjoy, this list has got that covered.

How much does it cost to camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The cost of camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park depends on your ideal camping spot and type of camping you prefer.
- Backcountry reservation fees are $4.00 per person/night, with a maximum fee of $20/person
- Frontcountry camping starts at $30
- Group camping costs range from $30 -$94
Best Smoky Mountains Campgrounds
Here are the best of the best campgrounds around The Great Smoky Mountains National Park that can cater to your every need.
Campgrounds in Gatlinburg are the best of both worlds– while the scenery is serene, they're still close enough to the heart of Gatlinburg to make access to the downtown area a breeze.
These Pigeon Forge Campgrounds have all the best family-friendly amenities the kids will surely have a blast!
If peace and serenity are what you're looking for in a vacation, then you should definitely check out these campgrounds in Townsend, TN.
These campgrounds with cabins are perfect, especially if you want to have a great Smoky Mountain camping experience without having your own RV or bringing a tent.
You must check out these 5 campgrounds in Pigeon Forge with a Lazy River that the kids will enjoy and where you can relax while working on your tan.
With so many fun activities for kids, choosing a campground in Sevierville TN will be fun for the whole family.
These campgrounds allow you to go Elk-watching in Cataloochee Valley while enjoying the perfect scenery of The Great Smokies.
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Download This Smoky Mountain Checklist!
Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
If you’re already planning for your camping getaway, you might want to check out this article on how to plan a camping menu and start preparing for the best part of every vacation– good food!
And while you’re at it, why don’t you try this vegetarian campfire nachos recipe that’s perfect after a swim in the lazy river.