Where is a good place to camp in Tn.?

[Police355]

I am looking for some ideas on a good place to camp in Tn. with a 4 year old and a 1yo. I am thinking about a 4 or 5 day trip and would like to find a place that has plenty of things to do with the little ones.
We are new to camping as a "family". We went on our first trip and the kids cried when we had to leave, now we try to go somewhere every other weekend!
So far Alabama Desoto State park has been our favorite.

[bob7794]

I can strongly recommend Townsend / Great Smokies KOA | Camping in Tennessee | KOA Campgrounds. It is in Townsend TN in East TN 1/2 mile from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is about 30 minute drive to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. The campground is a little pricy but worth it. Very Kid friendly with daily programs for them during the summer months. Check out their facebook page for more info at https://www.facebook.com/TownsendGreatSmokiesKOA. I use to work there...tell them Bob sent you.

[Police355]

Thanks. I checked out the website and it looks really nice. Your right about the cost....$63-$78 a night. I am adding it on my prospect list.

[pbrackney]

If you want to be on the "touristy" side of the mountains, Clabough Campground is a family friendly campground and close to all that Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smokey Mountain National Park has to offer. There are many campgrounds in the area to choose from. We have stayed here and also River Plantation. Claboughs was a bit cheaper though and had the lazy river which was nice. I'm sure you'll get other suggestions as well. Enjoy camping as a family you will never regret it.

[tentcamper1]

check out fall creek falls state park-http://tn.gov/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/
its has great hiking, swimming, boating, nature center and some full hook up sites. also some awesome waterfalls- we went there last fall and had a great time- lots to see and do.

[pbrackney]

FALL CREEK FALLS also has nice paved bike trails that is perfect for families and bike trailers for the little ones.

[Lifetimer]

A great place is Adventures Bound Campground its 13 miles outside of Gatlinburg. The prices are good and they have a lot of activities for the kids. You go also go another 5 miles down the road and hit the Great Smoky Mountain Jellystone™ Camp-Resort they are smaller and a little more expensive but its a great campground. Both are in the woods and not so close to the tourist thing that you get disturbed, but close enought to have fun if you want.

[jd-ford-hd]

Originally Posted by Police355

I am looking for some ideas on a good place to camp in Tn................................................ ...........

What type unit do you have? TT, FW, MH etc. I have found that we have a lot of beautiful state park campgrounds here in TN but the sites are relatively small in most of the ones I have scouted. Class A's were not given proper consideration when laying out the facilities. The Smokies are hands down the #1 destination in TN. If the commercial/carnival stuff is your desire, choose Pigeon Forge. If you want a laid back atmosphere in the Smokies, choose Townsend. My family stayed there when I was age 8 (53 yrs ago!) and it has changed very little since then..! Townsend offers one of about everything that PF has 20 of..!! Tubing the Little River is our favorite. Check out Misty River campground in Walland, a short distance from Townsend. Cades Cove is a must see while you are in the Smokies, a very short drive from Townsend.

[greenliner]

We love Natchez Trace SP in the west. Full hook-ups around a lovely lake, lots of trails, use of lodge, ranger led boat trips on lake etc., etc., Sites around lake are tiered so everyone sees the water. Mind you, we are from AZ, so any water is good!!!

[melbornj]

Cades Cove and the Townswend area is our favorite camping by far.

[carsonizik3]

I'll second Claboughs campground on Wears Valley in Pigeon Forge. We have camped there for four years now. They have two pools,arcade, a lazy river and a nice new playground. Recently remodeled some of the shower houses. We went back in April and they just put in new water lines in the back of the campground. They also have wi-fi.

[Mark and Linda]

If you camp at Desoto, come on up the interstate to the Chattanooga area. Lots to do in Chattanooga for the younger ones. They have the Aquarium...and many other things the children will enjoy plus the amusement park across the stateline just south of town.

[Police355]

Thanks you all for the info. A lot of research to do now. Maybe I can visit them all over the next year or so. Thanks again!

[Police355]

The Adventure Bound resort is looking like a great place for the kids!

[bush]

Claboughs campground. great place