Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From Maryville, US 321 N toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 1 mile straight through stoplight on Hwy 73.
Get Google DirectionsTownsend, also known as "The Peaceful Side" makes for a great base camp to visit lots of attractions in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. Get a taste of the hustle and bustle and then return to the peace and tranquility of Townsend.
This world-renowned park has something for everyone! Hike and horseback ride over hundreds of miles of maintained trails. Take an auto tour of the area and enjoy spectacular views at the many overlooks. Fish for trout on over 700 miles of fishable streams! Tour 78 historic buildings to get a taste of American history. Enjoy waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife viewing - don't forget your camera! Open year-round. No entrance fee.
Explore and celebrate the cultural heritage of East Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains Region with a tour of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Featuring gallery exhibits, educational programs, demonstrations and festivals that guide you on an historic journey through time.
Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
P.O. Box 268
Townsend, TN 37882-0268
Known as one of the most popular focal points in Smoky Mountain National Park, Cades Cove is a scenic 11 mile loop. The loop is a biker's paradise; not only is it scenic, it is closed to everyone except bikers and runners until 10am on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Cades Cove Loop Road
Townsend, TN 37882
The Smoky Mountain region is famous for the alcoholic spirits that have been distilled in the mountains for hundreds of years. Today, modern distilleries are producing moonshine in an endless array of flavors including apple pie, sweet tea, pina colada, blackberry, and many more. There are numerous distilleries in the area that offer a chance to sample moonshine.
Just down the road from the campground, you'll find distilleries that serve bourbon, gin, and flavored spirits. You can taste their spirits with a brand ambassador, fill your own bottle with a master distiller, order a signature cocktail, take a bottle home from their bottle shop, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy special events.
The lore of Bigfoot certainly runs deep in the Smoky Mountain region - and it's been rumored that he prefers the quieter side of the Smokies, which happens to be exactly where our campground is! Whether you're a true believer or not, there's no denying the presence of Bigfoot in Townsend - you can find his mugshot printed on t-shirts at gift shops, munch on treats from Bigfoot Popcorn, stay at one of a dozen nearby lodges named in his honor, grab lunch at Bigfoot Philly Cheese Steak, and so much more. If you're visiting in the month of May, you may even get to attend the annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival which includes live music by Bigfoot cover bands, presentations by famous Bigfoot researchers, a 5K race and much more.
So, as you head out into the mountains, make sure to bring some binoculars and charge your camera batteries. There's no knowing who you may run into - you may capture a selfie with the Smoky Mountains' most famous resident.
Tube rental is available from local vendors. With the shortest float on the Little River lasting about three hours, you can get picked up and dropped off to do it again. Life jackets are included with rentals. Memorial Day to Labor Day ($ Fee)
Let KOA be your guide along Hwy 441 and Fighting Creek Gap Road. Hear the stories of the Great Smokies along the way. Personal histories, local tips, and professional narratives combine to uncover the real story of the Great Smoky Mountains. Connect with locations and communities in real time as you travel from KOA to KOA using our unique GPS-triggered audio guide. Download the Great Smokies KOA TravelStory here.
Located in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Cades Cove is the most popular destination for park visitors attracting more than 2 million visitors a year. It was a home to numerous settlers before the formation of the park. Enjoy preserved homesteads, scenic mountain views and abundant wildlife.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
10042 Campground Drive
Townsend, TN 37882
"The greatest sight under the Smokies." Discovered in the 19th century, the Tuckaleechee Caverns are estimated to be between 20 to 30 million years old. Discover the largest cavern room open to the public in the eastern United States, stalagmites that reach over 24 feet tall, Silver falls; a 210 foot, underground waterfall, and much more.
*Closed November 15 through March 15*
825 Cavern Road
Townsend, TN 37882
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
