The best dog-friendly glamping sites near Townsend, Tennessee

Nicknamed “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” Townsend, Tennessee is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The area provides access to a wealth of camping accommodations, including primitive backcountry camping, glamping in canvas yurts equipped with wood-burning fireplaces, and tiny home rentals featuring full kitchens, soaker tubs, and cable TV. After setting up in any type of camp, venture into the Great Smoky Mountains to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, view a snapshot of history in Cades Cove, or experience a bird’s-eye view from the observation tower on Clingmans Dome. For fun that’s a little closer to town, the underground natural world of Tuckaleechee Caverns awaits.

98% (4.4K) • 385 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Townsend

Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

1. Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

98%

(90)

43mi from Townsend · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

If you love the outdoors, our authentic yurts and improved campsites have it all. This peaceful mountain is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, on a 108-acre eco-forestry private reserve. Nestled up to 2 national forests, in The Land of 150 Waterfalls, local activities are abundant. Our outdoor experience offers complete, private access to guests only, with fishing, tubing, kayaking, and hiking activities on the property. A rugged 9-hole disc golf trail encourages exploration of your private mountain. Our yurts provide large fire pits, exquisite views from their ample porches, hugging you with a warm, peaceful welcome home from a day full of activities. Our yurts are nicely appointed with a queen-size bed, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee pot. The detached 144 sq ft shared bath house provides all the facilities, as well as towels and basic bathing necessities for yurt stays only. Lie on the heated mattress pad with soft linens and watch the stars sail across the clear dome as you drift off to sleep to dream of the day's adventures. Nestled up to the Great Smoky Mountains National park, this property is unique in everything it offers. Riverside on the renowned fly fishing river, the Tuckasegee River, or ridge top on Cullowhee Mountain, elevation 3850'. There are improved camp sites, yurts, or free range camping and hiking. The views are spectacular, wherever you decide to locate on the property. We implement " Leave no trace" rules and welcome respectful 4wd access to the mountain. All walks of life love the outdoors... The outdoors is here, Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

$60

/ night

Appalachian Pond Campground

2. Appalachian Pond Campground

97%

(170)

43mi from Townsend · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Get back to nature at this incredible private campground nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina! This tranquil campground offers a peaceful place to unwind while listening to the wonderful sights and sounds of nature at its best! There are 11 unique and cozy campsites to choose from as well as a shower and portable potties. This campground has a pond for fishing and swimming, a creek running along the campsites and is surrounded by the most magnificent and beautiful foliage and wildlife! Prepare to have the most peaceful sleep under the glorious celestial stars of Western North Carolina! *We also have a sink for dishes alongside the shower house as well as a drinkable well water spicket in the back of the campground! *We are also located close to stores for your convenience as well as many nearby attractions! * Please contact us regarding pets before booking… *We recommend checking in before 10 pm…. The property gets really dark and hard to navigate at night without being shown where to go! If for any reason you will be getting here later please inform us upon booking so we can plan for your arrival! *During the months from November to April we cannot guarantee our shower will be operational due to freezing temperatures. However, during warm periods during those months we do have our shower available. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of life and return to the simplicity of nature this is your spot! We hope to see you soon!!

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

from

$27

/ night

Long Creek Haven

3. Long Creek Haven

100%

(12)

44mi from Townsend · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Gorgeous private 4 acre retreat with creek and road frontage surrounded by the great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest! French Broad River is a stone's throw away for kayaking! In the heart of the beautiful Smoky Mountains, so outdoor recreation abounds! Paint Creek Recreational Area, Wolf Creek Falls Trailhead, and the Meadow Creek Fire Tower are nearby! Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, located in Cosby, TN., is 25 min away. Town of Newport is 15 min away for all of your necessities. 20 min from Hot Springs, NC and Hartford, TN. Hartford is world-renowned for whitewater rafting! Hot Springs, NC is located on the Appalachian Trail. 1 hr from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Knoxville, and Asheville! Located 2 hrs from Cade's Cove. Many UTV trails all around, so bring your UTV's! Motorcycle friendly! All sites back up to the creek! Pet friendly! Pets must be well-behaved on a leash at all times! 2 small dogs, 4 cats, and 1 chicken are on the property. Circular gravel drive with easy access off of Hwy 340, so we can accommodate big rigs as well as vans and buses! All types of rv's, skoolies, vans, converted rigs, tents, etc. are welcome! ! Stay for a night, days, weeks, or months! Boondocking is $35 per night. Electric, sewage, and water are available. Electric is 15, 30, or 50 amp. Full hookup sites (electric, sewage, and water) are $60 per night. Discounts given for weekly/monthly stays. More boondocking sites available than are listed , so, if the site you want is booked, or if you need another site due to traveling with friends or family, please call us and ask! Dump station cost is $10 for boondocking guests. Bathroom and laundry facilities located in the cabin. Laundry is $3-5 (depending on machines) per load to wash and dry. Enclosed outdoor shower located next to the barn. Property is peaceful and serene, so we appreciate the non-use of generators. Very spiritual and relaxing to listen to the sounds of the babbling creek! Message us on the day of your arrival with your ETA. We welcome families, couples, and solo travelers, so come on everyone and enjoy a stay at Long Creek Haven! Like and follow us! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558435533219

Toilets

Campfires

Full hookups

from

$35

/ night

Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

4. Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

99%

(1517)

45mi from Townsend · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Voted #1 in NC and Top 50 in the USA!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout. Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking. Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too! All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites. Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. No porta potties are provided b/tw Dec 15 and March 15 Please contact us in advance regarding paying for firewood ($7/5 pieces), dogs ($15 each), day vehicle visitors ($30), private farm tour ($15/person) and/or a private porta potty ($120). thank you! Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am. Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. LIMITED CHECK-INS AFTER DARK. We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

$51

/ night

Buffalo Creek Vacations

5. Buffalo Creek Vacations

100%

(15)

45mi from Townsend · 8 sites · RVs, Lodging

Buffalo Creek Vacations was started after our father, Harold, retired from NY as a UPS driver.  He wanted to go somewhere & experience all 4 season!  Him & our mom settled in Haywood County, NC & built their own log cabin & started raising bison.  Then, myself, 3 siblings & our spouses purchases the 40 acres behind my folks 18 acres when it came up for sale.  We decided to build a cabin & then we started rented it out in 2007.  Now, we currently have 6 cabins & 2 train cabooses for rent.  We love living in God's country & raising the bison along w/ a bunch other farm animals.  We love hosting guest on our property & decided after many calls asking if we allow camping, to include a few lucky folks to camp at Buffalo Creek.  If you are looking for something other then "car camping" & being "on top of each other" at traditional camp grounds, then give us a call & come check us out.  You will be glad you did!

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

$43

/ night

Nicknamed “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” Townsend, Tennessee is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The area provides access to a wealth of camping accommodations, including primitive backcountry camping, glamping in canvas yurts equipped with wood-burning fireplaces, and tiny home rentals featuring full kitchens, soaker tubs, and cable TV. After setting up in any type of camp, venture into the Great Smoky Mountains to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, view a snapshot of history in Cades Cove, or experience a bird’s-eye view from the observation tower on Clingmans Dome. For fun that’s a little closer to town, the underground natural world of Tuckaleechee Caverns awaits.

98% (4.4K) • 385 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Townsend

Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

1. Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

98%

(90)

43mi from Townsend · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

If you love the outdoors, our authentic yurts and improved campsites have it all. This peaceful mountain is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, on a 108-acre eco-forestry private reserve. Nestled up to 2 national forests, in The Land of 150 Waterfalls, local activities are abundant. Our outdoor experience offers complete, private access to guests only, with fishing, tubing, kayaking, and hiking activities on the property. A rugged 9-hole disc golf trail encourages exploration of your private mountain. Our yurts provide large fire pits, exquisite views from their ample porches, hugging you with a warm, peaceful welcome home from a day full of activities. Our yurts are nicely appointed with a queen-size bed, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee pot. The detached 144 sq ft shared bath house provides all the facilities, as well as towels and basic bathing necessities for yurt stays only. Lie on the heated mattress pad with soft linens and watch the stars sail across the clear dome as you drift off to sleep to dream of the day's adventures. Nestled up to the Great Smoky Mountains National park, this property is unique in everything it offers. Riverside on the renowned fly fishing river, the Tuckasegee River, or ridge top on Cullowhee Mountain, elevation 3850'. There are improved camp sites, yurts, or free range camping and hiking. The views are spectacular, wherever you decide to locate on the property. We implement " Leave no trace" rules and welcome respectful 4wd access to the mountain. All walks of life love the outdoors... The outdoors is here, Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

$60

/ night

Appalachian Pond Campground

2. Appalachian Pond Campground

97%

(170)

43mi from Townsend · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Get back to nature at this incredible private campground nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina! This tranquil campground offers a peaceful place to unwind while listening to the wonderful sights and sounds of nature at its best! There are 11 unique and cozy campsites to choose from as well as a shower and portable potties. This campground has a pond for fishing and swimming, a creek running along the campsites and is surrounded by the most magnificent and beautiful foliage and wildlife! Prepare to have the most peaceful sleep under the glorious celestial stars of Western North Carolina! *We also have a sink for dishes alongside the shower house as well as a drinkable well water spicket in the back of the campground! *We are also located close to stores for your convenience as well as many nearby attractions! * Please contact us regarding pets before booking… *We recommend checking in before 10 pm…. The property gets really dark and hard to navigate at night without being shown where to go! If for any reason you will be getting here later please inform us upon booking so we can plan for your arrival! *During the months from November to April we cannot guarantee our shower will be operational due to freezing temperatures. However, during warm periods during those months we do have our shower available. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of life and return to the simplicity of nature this is your spot! We hope to see you soon!!

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

from

$27

/ night

Long Creek Haven

3. Long Creek Haven

100%

(12)

44mi from Townsend · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Gorgeous private 4 acre retreat with creek and road frontage surrounded by the great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest! French Broad River is a stone's throw away for kayaking! In the heart of the beautiful Smoky Mountains, so outdoor recreation abounds! Paint Creek Recreational Area, Wolf Creek Falls Trailhead, and the Meadow Creek Fire Tower are nearby! Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, located in Cosby, TN., is 25 min away. Town of Newport is 15 min away for all of your necessities. 20 min from Hot Springs, NC and Hartford, TN. Hartford is world-renowned for whitewater rafting! Hot Springs, NC is located on the Appalachian Trail. 1 hr from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Knoxville, and Asheville! Located 2 hrs from Cade's Cove. Many UTV trails all around, so bring your UTV's! Motorcycle friendly! All sites back up to the creek! Pet friendly! Pets must be well-behaved on a leash at all times! 2 small dogs, 4 cats, and 1 chicken are on the property. Circular gravel drive with easy access off of Hwy 340, so we can accommodate big rigs as well as vans and buses! All types of rv's, skoolies, vans, converted rigs, tents, etc. are welcome! ! Stay for a night, days, weeks, or months! Boondocking is $35 per night. Electric, sewage, and water are available. Electric is 15, 30, or 50 amp. Full hookup sites (electric, sewage, and water) are $60 per night. Discounts given for weekly/monthly stays. More boondocking sites available than are listed , so, if the site you want is booked, or if you need another site due to traveling with friends or family, please call us and ask! Dump station cost is $10 for boondocking guests. Bathroom and laundry facilities located in the cabin. Laundry is $3-5 (depending on machines) per load to wash and dry. Enclosed outdoor shower located next to the barn. Property is peaceful and serene, so we appreciate the non-use of generators. Very spiritual and relaxing to listen to the sounds of the babbling creek! Message us on the day of your arrival with your ETA. We welcome families, couples, and solo travelers, so come on everyone and enjoy a stay at Long Creek Haven! Like and follow us! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558435533219

Toilets

Campfires

Full hookups

from

$35

/ night

Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

4. Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

99%

(1517)

45mi from Townsend · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Voted #1 in NC and Top 50 in the USA!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout. Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking. Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too! All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites. Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. No porta potties are provided b/tw Dec 15 and March 15 Please contact us in advance regarding paying for firewood ($7/5 pieces), dogs ($15 each), day vehicle visitors ($30), private farm tour ($15/person) and/or a private porta potty ($120). thank you! Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am. Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. LIMITED CHECK-INS AFTER DARK. We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

$51

/ night

Buffalo Creek Vacations

5. Buffalo Creek Vacations

100%

(15)

45mi from Townsend · 8 sites · RVs, Lodging

Buffalo Creek Vacations was started after our father, Harold, retired from NY as a UPS driver.  He wanted to go somewhere & experience all 4 season!  Him & our mom settled in Haywood County, NC & built their own log cabin & started raising bison.  Then, myself, 3 siblings & our spouses purchases the 40 acres behind my folks 18 acres when it came up for sale.  We decided to build a cabin & then we started rented it out in 2007.  Now, we currently have 6 cabins & 2 train cabooses for rent.  We love living in God's country & raising the bison along w/ a bunch other farm animals.  We love hosting guest on our property & decided after many calls asking if we allow camping, to include a few lucky folks to camp at Buffalo Creek.  If you are looking for something other then "car camping" & being "on top of each other" at traditional camp grounds, then give us a call & come check us out.  You will be glad you did!

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

$43

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Julia

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

I would definitely recommend Destination Outdoors! Matt is an awesome host, and he has created an amazing spot. The yurts are super comfy and the bathroom is great!

S

Stephanie

October 2025

Group trip

3 nights at Appalachian Pond Campground

The property was quiet and well maintained. If you want to unplug for a few days then this is definitely the place. Convenient to Maggie Valley, Waynesville and the Blue Rodge Parkway. I really enjoyed our stay! The only improvements I would suggest would be adding Plexiglass to close the glamping trailer in for the colder months so it could potentially be heated by a small electric heater or screening to keep the mosquitoes out during the summer. Our trip was the first freeze of the fall and the trailer got very cold! Luckily we had great sub zero sleeping bags and even a small electric blanket which helped tremendously. The moisture blowing in off the pond is really what made it a little uncomfortable. I have camped with my horses in very similar set ups for years and found these things to be super helpful. This glamping set up has electricity which could make it a little more comfortable for folks who aren't used to the elements. Great place and great hosts! Will definitely stay again.

M

Marion

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Appalachian Pond Campground

What a unique stay!! John has created an awesome place to stay. The touches he has furnished a horse trailer with made me smile! If you needed it, it was there! He was responsive to all my messages and we'd stay again if we're in the area. Be advised you may need an extra blanket on cold nights! (Altho if I had looked it was probably there!)

Sheila E

October 2025

2 nights at Appalachian Pond Campground

This glamping spot is awesome!!! John & Brandi are incredible hosts. I really needed a couple of nights in cool, fresh mountain air. The beds are super comfortable and the port- a-potty was spotless ( and odor free) !Excellent location. Jump at the chance to book.

A

Amy

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

We enjoyed our stay in the yurt on Matt’s land. We walked down to the river and up to a view at 3000+ ft-all on the property. Beautiful! ! The bathroom is clean. The yurt was comfortable. There was plenty of room for tents on the site. Matt was responsive, kind and helpful. Will definitely be back!

R

Ray

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Appalachian Pond Campground

Roomy, comfortable and wonderful views and privacy. Access to bath house was close by. Almost everything you could want or need.

D

David

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Appalachian Pond Campground

Beautiful and serene spot. Exactly what we were looking for. Our 3 kids had a great night of sleep on high bed (ages 8,6,4). My wife and I loved the space and hope to return soon.

V

Victoria

August 2025

With pets

4 nights at Long Creek Haven

I would highly recommend staying at Kim & Rob’s, it was such a peaceful place with the sound of the brook while you slept. It was conveniently located not far from all the main attractions plus some unknown areas that Kim & Rob suggested that overlooked amazing scenery. The bus was comfortable and came equipped with everything I needed and Kim and Rob were excellent host, they made sure that I had everything I needed and were very accommodating. I would definitely stay on their property again.

B

Ben

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Appalachian Pond Campground

Coming from our home and the home of Studio Blynne ceramic studio in Woodfin, we had an amazing day at the Ten Acre Garden in Canton, teaching a workshop, and got to just keep driving! Landing at the Red Roof on Appalachian Pond Campground was everything we needed!!! We got to just flop in and have a place set up and ready that still kind of felt like camping for the kiddos, one of which was celebrating his second birthday!!! It rained hard. Due to the great setup and attention to tarping etc, we had light and dry area and got to make s’mores on the provided camping burners. Our 4yo LOVED the loft bed and us parents very much appreciated the coffee maker and everything we needed to make that first thing in the morning! We got to see bullfrogs, explore the creek and campsites, have a few great meals among a fantastic selection considering proximity to both Maggie Valley AND Waynesville, and we can’t wait to come back soon!!!!

a

anna

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Appalachian Pond Campground

The trailer was so nice and a lot more spacious than I thought it would be. We swam in the pond, and it was so fun! The views were beautiful and Brandi was so helpful with everything!!! Would definitely recommend and definitely would come back.

E

Emily

July 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Appalachian Pond Campground

The trailer was very clean and cute! the fridge was cold and the linens were clean and comfortable, atmosphere was super cute, they stock lots of supplies for you for cooking, overall great stay.

C

Cassandra

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Appalachian Pond Campground

The accommodation was great! I loved the multiple options of cooking tools and cleanliness of the trailer. You are pretty close to other campsites, one across the street and the porta potty for both sites are directly next to the trailer. It was super pretty on the pond and there was some traffic of people fishing in the pond and it was sweet. Not all of the windows are closed off in the trailer but this helps with airflow and we didn’t not encounter many bugs or mosquitos. The space itself was very well thought out and very organized. The hosts were extremely responsive and were there if we needed anything. The shower was INCREDIBLE! The water pressure and privacy was greatly appreciated. I would absolutely recommend anyone to stay here.

D

David

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Appalachian Pond Campground

Awesome place to camp, real quite and clean the pond is absolutely beautiful

D

David

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Appalachian Pond Campground

This place is amazing I definitely will be going back well worth money plus some

Evan

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Buffalo Creek Vacations

This place was amazing for our son, so much to see and do. He loved all the animals, playground, game room, and of course sleeping in the top of the caboose.

J

James

November 2024

2 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

The cabin was immaculately maintained and the all encompassing view was gorgeous. Catherine and Rick were great hosts and super accommodating. We had a small elopement ceremony by the fire pit and took photos around the property -it was all so perfect!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best dog-friendly glamping sites near Townsend guide

Where to go

Cades Cove

A lush valley flanked by mountains, Cades Cove is a great place to spend the day when camping near Townsend. The 45-minute drive from town brings campers to this iconic paradise, where hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and sightseeing amid historic buildings abound. Cruise down the 11-mile road that loops through the area, or wander on foot via the 5-mile trail to Abrams Falls. On-site campsites come with a range of amenities like picnic tables, fire rings for grilling, and access to restrooms with flush toilets.

Clingmans Dome

The highest point within the Great Smoky Mountains, Clingmans Dome has a steep, half-mile pathway that leads to an observation deck with 360° views of surrounding mountain peaks. Campers will be set with plenty of places to call home, including equestrian campsites, RV campsites with dump stations, and backcountry tent campsites. The access road is often closed due to weather conditions in winter, so double-check availability before booking.

Tuckaleechee Caverns

A 5-minute drive from the center of Townsend, Tuckaleechee Caverns is a must-see attraction. Boasting 24-foot-high stalagmites and the 210-foot Silver Falls—the world’s tallest underground waterfall—Tuckaleechee is a once in a lifetime experience. There are a variety of nearby campsites to choose from nestled into the shores of Little River. Campers can find perks like free wifi, fire rings, and picnic tables, as well as a mix of back-in and pull-through RV campsites featuring full hookups.

When to go

Townsend has relatively temperate year-round weather, but it gets chilly enough in winter for snow. Look into road or campsite closures prior to booking in the colder months. April, May, September, and October are prime picks for quieter campgrounds and warm weather for outdoor activities. Spring brings wildflower-filled valleys in Cades Cove, while fall revamps the forests with color as deciduous trees drop their leaves.