The best hot spring campgrounds 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.

99% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

99% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

99%

(1509)

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

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. 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.

2. Sunset Ridge in the Smoky Mountains

98%

(79)

39mi from Townsend · 1 site · Tent, RV · Del Rio, TN

Welcome to our picturesque RV site, where you can experience stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, Cherokee National Forest, and Pisgah National Forest. The natural beauty of this area is truly breathtaking, with layers upon layers of mountain vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. Our site is conveniently located just 5 miles from the Martha Sundquist State Forest, offering easy access to hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there's also white water rafting just 4.5 miles away! If you're looking to explore the surrounding towns and cities, you're in luck. Our site is located just an hour from Gatlinburg, TN, and Pigeon Forge, TN - two popular tourist destinations known for their theme parks, attractions, and shopping. You're also just an hour away from Asheville, NC, a vibrant city known for its arts, music, and culinary scene. And if you're looking for a more low-key experience, Hot Springs, NC is just 45 minutes away, offering natural hot springs, charming shops, and restaurants. Our RV site is the perfect basecamp for your next adventure in the mountains. You'll have access to all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including electric and water hookups, and ample space for parking. And when you're ready to relax after a long day of exploring, you can kick back and enjoy the stunning views from your RV or around the campfire. We can't wait to welcome you to our little slice of paradise in the mountains!

3. Good Egg Tiny Home & Remodeled Barn

100%

(10)

47mi from Townsend · 4 sites · Lodging · Hot Springs, NC

When you go to sleep, there's no light except the moon and stars, no refrigerator or central heating or air conditioning noise -- only the sounds of nature -- the stream, crickets or frogs in the nearby pond, dogs or coyotes in the distance. Without the glow of a nearby city, the hot tub on a clear night, the skies are dazzling. Speaking of which, the wood-fired hot tub is made by a company called Snorkel. It's perfect for 2 and can fit 3, although tight. It's Japanese style hot tub bathing, meaning no chemicals. Also, since we're not grid tied, it relies on a firebox heating fresh spring water, which you fill it with. It takes approx. 35 minutes to fill the tub and between 3 and 3.5 hours to heat (longer when it's really cold!). There's a thermometer in it, so as it gets closer to your liking (don't let it get over 102 degrees), let the existing logs burn down, choke off the air vent sleeve and hop in. With no pump sounds and the stars above, it's incomparable. The $50 fee (per 2 night rentals) covers thorough cleaning between guests and split firewood. You will be very comfortable in Little Good Egg, even in extreme weather, simply by paying attention and taking more time for simple tasks. It sounds corny, but there is a meditative quality to thinking and doing things like heating water, keeping warm, staying hydrated, eating well and choosing to do what you really want. I'm always amazed how busy I am -- and how different this kind of busy feels -- without electronics and my technological "time savers." Odd as it sounds to say this, it's stunning and wonderful to go "offline," even for just a day, and not get hit by little chirps and incoming messages that seem to arrive now 24/7. Note: Since we opened in October, 2014, guest reviews consistently tell us us best thing about staying at Good Egg is being off the grid and the treadmill of modern life, unplugging from the dominant culture and experiencing oneself as humans did 100 years ago and more. Whether it’s the absence of electricity (in the cabin), the quiet of the country, no city glow in the night sky, or the once common experience of the natural world dominating over human-made or human-crafted things, it’s astonishing for many of us to see and feel and experience without constant communications via text and email and the distractions of modern life. Many people write that they’ve learned an enormous amount about themselves, about homesteading or permaculture, and about alternate ways of being. WARNING: Under North Carolina law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity.” N.C.G.S. § 99E-32(b).

4. Nantahala National Forest

95%

(73)

438 sites · Franklin, North Carolina

Discover what the Cherokee call the Land of the Noonday Sun.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Cherokee National Forest

96%

(48)

625 sites · Mountain City, Tennessee

Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!

6. Buffalo Creek Vacations

100%

(12)

45mi from Townsend · 8 sites · RVs, Lodging · Clyde, NC

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!

7. Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

98%

(90)

43mi from Townsend · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cullowhee, NC

8 years ago I purchased my dream retirement.... 108 acres in the beautiful college town of Cullowhee, NC. 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, a yurt, or free range camping and hiking. The fall views are spectacular, wherever you decide to locate. We implement " Leave no trace" rules and welcome respectful 4wd access to our ridge top. We are currently endeavoring agroforestry techniques to respectfully harvest the bounties of the woodlands in our Living Mountain Farms online store. Our hope is to one day make this magical mountain sustain those who reside upon the reserve, and provide a most memorable stay for our guests! Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

8. Bear Trail Ridge In Del Rio

100%

(10)

39mi from Townsend · 1 site · Tent · Del Rio, TN

Our 300 acres has seen cattle and tobacco over the last century, and featured in the Christy book series in the early 1900's, before falling into neglect. Stories abound of moonshiners and cock fighters reveling in it's isolation. Purchased with a dream in 2004 we have slowly recovered the original fields, and developed our own trails, linking in and out of the Cherokee National Forest. From grassy lowland skirted by creeks to ridges of hardwood timber, our farm, now home to our artisanal herd of beef cattle, is an idyll away from the bustle. Visit the old graveyard, or try to find the old schoolhouse location. Bring your dogs and enjoy getting away from it all. Learn more about this land: Private campsite in secluded hardwood forest glade. Clear acre deep in the woods; room for many tents. Custom-built picnic table, fantastic fire circle. Potable water and firewood will be provided. Privy. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Camp is a short (1/8th mile) from parking. Hike in, or we are happy to ferry gear/people up. Surrounded by miles of hiking trails, both on the property and into the surrounding National Forest. Rolling to mountainous terrain, creeks, set within artisanal cattle farm. Trout fishing less than two miles away. Ten minute drive to hot pizza, and 35 minute drive to town of Hot Springs - rent a hot tub, good local restaurants. Twenty minutes to nearest boat put-in on French Broad River. One hour from Dollywood, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. We are excited to share our slice of paradise, and can help orientate any visitors with suggestions of trails to hike/bike/ride, and places to visit.

9. Pisgah National Forest

97%

(156)

251 sites · Burnsville, North Carolina

One of Pisgah's gems is Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 feet.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Townsend

83%

(3)

Cable Cove Recreation Area

17mi from Townsend · 26 sites · in Nantahala National Forest

Tsali trailhead about 1/10th mile from campground.

100%

(8)

Tsali Recreation Area

21mi from Townsend · 42 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nantahala National Forest

Bear Creek Hunters Camp FDR#62

21mi from Townsend · 1 site · in Nantahala National Forest

88%

(4)

Pine Ridge Road NCSR #1147

22mi from Townsend · 1 site · in Nantahala National Forest

Panther Creek FDR #2604B

22mi from Townsend · 1 site · in Nantahala National Forest

100%

(2)

Horse Cove Campground

23mi from Townsend · 18 sites · in Nantahala National Forest

100%

(4)

Rattler Ford Campground

24mi from Townsend · 4 sites · in Nantahala National Forest

100%

(5)

Joyce Kilmer Road NCSR #1134

24mi from Townsend · 1 site · in Nantahala National Forest

Snowbird Backcountry Area

24mi from Townsend · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Nantahala National Forest

100%

(1)

Young Branch Horse Campground

25mi from Townsend · 7 sites · in Cherokee National Forest

Wolf Laurel Hunters Camp

25mi from Townsend · 1 site · in Nantahala National Forest

100%

(1)

Long Hungry FDR #2586

25mi from Townsend · 1 site · in Nantahala National Forest

Stories from the community

L

Liz

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Camping with Catherine was a pleasure from start to finish! I love the story of the land. I appreciated her tour and I am so grateful for her hospitality. It was a wonderful experience!

W

William

2 weeks ago

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Sunset Ridge in the Smoky Mountains

Our stay at John's place at Sunset ridge was wonderful. Very private and quiet with a beautiful view of the mountains and, yes, sunsets. Easy in and out with room for two campers if you want to have a friend join. We highly recommend this site. When I asked for local suggestions they shared a great list. Our only regret is that we could not stay longer.

Jeremy

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

We loved this place. It is absolutely beautiful. Sites are spaced out. We camped by the river which made going to sleep easy. We will definitely be back.

B

Bekka

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sunset Ridge in the Smoky Mountains

Absolutely gorgeous spot with amazing views and great hosts! Perfect mix of relaxation and adventure nearby.

Dawn

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

AMAZING and SPECIAL! The farm is on beautiful land and Catherine and Rick are very dedicated to keeping it authentic and gorgeous. Catherine was very welcoming upon arrival and gave us a great overview of the farm. And the animals were a wonderful bonus!

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!

D

Danielle

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

We really enjoyed our stay at the ranch! We had originally picked a different site, but Catherine let us know we’d be at the Rocks campsite instead—and we’re so glad we were. We would definitely choose the Rocks site again on our next visit. Our whole family loved being tucked away from the busier, tourist areas closer to the Blue Ridge Mountains. My husband is hard to impress after growing up in Montana… but even he was impressed and was the first to say we need to come back! The only thing we would change is wishing we had stayed longer.

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Sunset Ridge in the Smoky Mountains

Easy to find, easy to park, everything you need with stunning views!!! We will be back!

T

Tammy

October 2025

45 ft Class A

With pets

8 nights at Sunset Ridge in the Smoky Mountains

We had a wonderful time staying at John's campsite and thoroughly enjoyed the absolutely incredible views!! We have a 45ft Class A Motorhome pulling a 25ft flatbed trailer carrying our full-size Titan truck and had plenty of room. We were a little concerned upon reading some people's reviews about the drive to the campsite so we unhooked the trailer from the rv prior to driving up the mountain and pulled the trailer with the truck to which we had no problems at all getting to the campsite. The campsite has 50 amp hookup, water, sewer and excellent wifi. Did I mention the impeccable views 😀 We surely hope to stay here again the next time we travel to this area. Thank- you for sharing your beautiful piece of paradise John. PS: I miss that Rocky of yours, he is such well behaved, sweet handsome boy!

m

melissa

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

We loved our experience at Catherine and Rick’s land! Great communicators and we felt rught at home on their land. Our kids loved watching the farm animals and visits from Stetson. It was our golden retriever’s first experience camping, he even went for a swim in the river. We will absolutely be back. Happy to support such a great host/farm!

M

Melanie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Always love our stay at the Mangalitsa Farm! Beautiful views, great sites, and wonderful memories. Looking forward to our next return!

J

Jane

October 2025

25 ft campervan

2 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Site 3, The Rapids, was everything we could have asked for. The site was very large, and was right on the Pidgeon River. The property was hilly with gorgeous views, and the pastures and animal enclosures were very well manicured! We felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. There are roads and trails throughout the 95 acres for walking. The hosts were very hospitable! They showed us to our site, and were available if we needed anything. We definitely would recommend this Hip Camp!

A

Amanda

October 2025

2 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

genuinely the most beautiful spots i've been to. well maintained and really conveniently located with stores and a gas station close by! we camped on Site 7 (big group) & appreciated the seclusion. also, porta potty's on land! you can explore the grounds with beautiful views all around. we will be back!!

The Knoll offers loads of space and views of the river and pastures. Easy in and out too!

B

Britt

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

It was all great! Already recommended to a friend!

E

Eddie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Beautiful site. The Fall leaves were peak color. The property is serene, and the proximity to the river provided for a beautiful “ white noise” to add to the relaxing atmosphere. The animals and walking trails also added to the experience.

D

Dolores

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Beautiful site for tent camping in the fall! Gorgeous colors, quiet and serene, extremely peaceful! We lacked nothing during our stay and we will be back for more camping!

B

Bradley

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

This would be my second time camping the Hilltop. Always an amazing experience

C

Christina

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Beautiful property, welcoming hosts, cool pigs. What's not to love?

S

Steve

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Stayed at creekside side site. Beautiful & perfect weekend trip away. Catherine was excellent host and great with communication. Will return!

S

Steven

October 2025

24 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sunset Ridge in the Smoky Mountains

This site was quiet, dark, peaceful, and had an incredible view.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

95%

(73)

Nantahala National Forest

Franklin, North Carolina

96%

(48)

Cherokee National Forest

Mountain City, Tennessee

97%

(156)

Pisgah National Forest

Burnsville, North Carolina

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best hot spring camping 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.