The best safari tent rentals 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% (132)

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% (132)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camp LeConte

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17mi from Townsend · 36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gatlinburg, TN

Welcome to Camp LeConte Adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains and only 4 miles to downtown Gatlinburg you can't get a better location than Camp LeConte. Camp LeConte is a family owned and operated campground since 2013. Ian and Linzy Nicely, and their three children, are happy to have a family business where they can share the love of nature, mountains and Gatlinburg with all their guests. Ian is a lover of all things outdoors. Mix that with Linzy's style and love of decorating and that's Camp LeConte. A glamorous camping destination where you can stay in a luxury tree house, European safari tent or a 1960's retro camper. Bring your own RV or camper and stay in one of our full -hook up sites with 20, 30 and 50 amp service, water, sewer, cable and free wifi. Maybe you are wanting your kids to pitch a real tent (just like you did when you were their age!). We offer primitive tent sites for those of you who really want to rough it!

2. LAKESIDE GETAWAY ON DOUGLAS

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34mi from Townsend · 56 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dandridge, TN

Lakeside Getaway is a seasonal peninsula on Douglas Lake of primitive camping sites in historic Dandridge, Tn just 30 min from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. Come enjoy your boat, jet ski, or kayaks from our 75 foot boat dock and new concrete boat ramp for launching. Our pavilion is a nice commons area with a charcoal stove and can be reserved for private parties. We rent out Kayaks to parties or individuals. Our quite cove is about 2 miles long and very secluded... Great for Kayaking! Call for more details and questions: 423-231-9399 or 423-231-4094

3. Canopy Cove Camping Retreat

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22mi from Townsend · 9 sites · RVs, Lodging · Bryson City, NC

Brand new, family owned campground situated less than 6 miles from Bryson City. We currently have 3 RV sites for rigs under 27’ and 2 safari tents. On site, we have built a 1/2 mile trail to the top of the property to unveil an unobstructed view of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park including Clingman's Dome and The Road To Nowhere. There is a boat launch 4 miles down the road where you can then paddle across Lake Fontana and access miles of designated hiking trails and even the Appalachian Trail. We are a beautiful 16 mile drive from both the Tsali mountain bike trail system and The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) with some of the best whitewater in the Eastern US.

4. Comfy Yurts And Safari Tent

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45mi from Townsend · 3 sites · Lodging · Brasstown, NC

Craving something different and unique? Experience the great outdoors with all the comforts of a cozy bed, hot water bathroom, and temperature-controlled air. With no WiFi (but excellent cell service), it's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Each of our rentals—2 Yurts and a Safari Tent—features its own private deck and glamped-out bathroom. Guests can also take advantage of our shared outdoor eating area, grill, and fire pit. Relax under the stars, and depending on the time of year, you might even catch a glimpse of the firefly extravaganza. We’re excited to share that our neighbors at Tri-County Racetrack—just 0.6 miles down the road—have officially reopened! On race nights, you might hear the distant rumble and roar of the action from your cozy yurt or tent. Some folks love the energy and excitement... others might prefer a quieter evening under the stars. Either way, we want you to know ahead of time so you can plan the stay that’s right for you. If you’re up for a night of dirt track fun, check out their schedule online. Let us know if you have any questions—we're here to help you create the experience you want.

5. Luxe Tent/Private Bathhouse/Wifi/AC

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35mi from Townsend · 3 sites · Lodging · Topton, NC

Simply Glampin’ has all you need to retreat into the woods and enjoy a getaway to reconnect with nature. We are located less than a mile from the gorgeous Nantahala lake, where you can swim or rent kayaks, pontoons, ATV's and more. This area of Western North Carolina has so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts such as mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and the famous white water rafting.

6. Firefly season glamping

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(4)

23mi from Townsend · 1 site · Lodging · Sevierville, TN

This ain’t the Ritz, but as far as glamping goes, this is as fancy as it gets. You will have a full bathroom with hot water, a rainfall shower head, and a normal toilet. Our plumbing is just like that of a regular house. The tent has split unit air conditioning /heat. Relax by the fire table, take in the stars, take a ride down to the lake access, enjoy boat ramp access, and the romance of a night under canvas in a comfy bed. It doesn’t get more Insta-gram than this! Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with our glamping tent.Nestled in a serene natural setting, our tent offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Come Enjoy firefly season!! BEFORE YOU BOOK: 1. Guest Must be 21+ Years to Rent 2. During winter, the tent can be cold as it is not insulated. However, we provide portable heaters and heated blankets to keep you warm. 3. When you go glamping, it's important to remember to bring bug spray. Glamping is a luxurious form of camping, but that doesn't mean you won't encounter bugs. So, it's always better to be prepared and have bug spray on hand to make your experience more enjoyable. 4. The glamping site is located alongside the road. 5. There are some twigs falling on the roof of the glamping from a tree above, which can be a startling noise.

7. Star Gazer Stays Glamping Village

6.2mi from Townsend · 3 sites · Sevierville, TN

The Stargazer Stays Glamping Village is located along a nature reserve, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Village is the perfect setting for those looking to escape the chaos of city living and reconnect with the great outdoors. Our Copernicus Luxury tent brings you closer to nature with all the comforts of home! Our village is the epitome of 'done for you' glamping. All you need to bring are your clothes, light toiletries and food. This spacious glamping tent can accommodate up to 5 guests with 2 separate sleeping spaces. Guests can choose between a sleeping area outfitted with a queen sized bed, or a second sleeping area equipped with a single bed and one bunk bed. The Copernicus Glamping Tent features an extra level of privacy with wooden walls separating the living spaces. All of our tents are equipped with a mini split HVAC system to ensure your temperature controlled comfort. An open living, dining and kitchen area provides you and your guests with the perfect space for meals and entertainment. The Kitchen is minimally stocked with dishes, silverware, glasses and mugs and feature a microwave and a Keurig (coffee pods included). Prefer to have someone else brew your coffee? Join us at The Heavenly Roast coffee shop with the included $10 gift card and let us pour you a cup of freshly brewed cup of Joe! The attached veranda creates a comfortable space to socialize in nature, with ample outdoor seating. Each tent also features a deluxe park grill. You and your guests can also enjoy the community fire pit, hot tub and lawn games! We've even included popcorn and a s'mores kit. We feature an online store stocked with camping essentials and souvenirs that are delivered to your tent. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a girl's weekend, or even a family vacation in the Smokies the Luxury Copernicus tent will meet your needs.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Camper favorites near Townsend

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Comfy Yurts And Safari Tent

100%

(9)

45mi from Townsend · 3 sites · Lodging · Brasstown, NC

Craving something different and unique? Experience the great outdoors with all the comforts of a cozy bed, hot water bathroom, and temperature-controlled air. With no WiFi (but excellent cell service), it's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Each of our rentals—2 Yurts and a Safari Tent—features its own private deck and glamped-out bathroom. Guests can also take advantage of our shared outdoor eating area, grill, and fire pit. Relax under the stars, and depending on the time of year, you might even catch a glimpse of the firefly extravaganza. We’re excited to share that our neighbors at Tri-County Racetrack—just 0.6 miles down the road—have officially reopened! On race nights, you might hear the distant rumble and roar of the action from your cozy yurt or tent. Some folks love the energy and excitement... others might prefer a quieter evening under the stars. Either way, we want you to know ahead of time so you can plan the stay that’s right for you. If you’re up for a night of dirt track fun, check out their schedule online. Let us know if you have any questions—we're here to help you create the experience you want.

Luxe Tent/Private Bathhouse/Wifi/AC

100%

(3)

35mi from Townsend · 3 sites · Lodging · Topton, NC

Simply Glampin’ has all you need to retreat into the woods and enjoy a getaway to reconnect with nature. We are located less than a mile from the gorgeous Nantahala lake, where you can swim or rent kayaks, pontoons, ATV's and more. This area of Western North Carolina has so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts such as mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and the famous white water rafting.

Firefly season glamping

88%

(4)

23mi from Townsend · 1 site · Lodging · Sevierville, TN

This ain’t the Ritz, but as far as glamping goes, this is as fancy as it gets. You will have a full bathroom with hot water, a rainfall shower head, and a normal toilet. Our plumbing is just like that of a regular house. The tent has split unit air conditioning /heat. Relax by the fire table, take in the stars, take a ride down to the lake access, enjoy boat ramp access, and the romance of a night under canvas in a comfy bed. It doesn’t get more Insta-gram than this! Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with our glamping tent.Nestled in a serene natural setting, our tent offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Come Enjoy firefly season!! BEFORE YOU BOOK: 1. Guest Must be 21+ Years to Rent 2. During winter, the tent can be cold as it is not insulated. However, we provide portable heaters and heated blankets to keep you warm. 3. When you go glamping, it's important to remember to bring bug spray. Glamping is a luxurious form of camping, but that doesn't mean you won't encounter bugs. So, it's always better to be prepared and have bug spray on hand to make your experience more enjoyable. 4. The glamping site is located alongside the road. 5. There are some twigs falling on the roof of the glamping from a tree above, which can be a startling noise.

Star Gazer Stays Glamping Village

6.2mi from Townsend · 3 sites · Sevierville, TN

The Stargazer Stays Glamping Village is located along a nature reserve, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Village is the perfect setting for those looking to escape the chaos of city living and reconnect with the great outdoors. Our Copernicus Luxury tent brings you closer to nature with all the comforts of home! Our village is the epitome of 'done for you' glamping. All you need to bring are your clothes, light toiletries and food. This spacious glamping tent can accommodate up to 5 guests with 2 separate sleeping spaces. Guests can choose between a sleeping area outfitted with a queen sized bed, or a second sleeping area equipped with a single bed and one bunk bed. The Copernicus Glamping Tent features an extra level of privacy with wooden walls separating the living spaces. All of our tents are equipped with a mini split HVAC system to ensure your temperature controlled comfort. An open living, dining and kitchen area provides you and your guests with the perfect space for meals and entertainment. The Kitchen is minimally stocked with dishes, silverware, glasses and mugs and feature a microwave and a Keurig (coffee pods included). Prefer to have someone else brew your coffee? Join us at The Heavenly Roast coffee shop with the included $10 gift card and let us pour you a cup of freshly brewed cup of Joe! The attached veranda creates a comfortable space to socialize in nature, with ample outdoor seating. Each tent also features a deluxe park grill. You and your guests can also enjoy the community fire pit, hot tub and lawn games! We've even included popcorn and a s'mores kit. We feature an online store stocked with camping essentials and souvenirs that are delivered to your tent. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a girl's weekend, or even a family vacation in the Smokies the Luxury Copernicus tent will meet your needs.

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Potable water

Toilets

Stories from the community

A

Aly

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Luxe Tent/Private Bathhouse/Wifi/AC

This was definitely one of the best clamping experiences we have had! Alisha has thought of every detail! We loved the sink for washing dishes, the close and clean bathroom with a hot, relaxing shower, and the coffee and coffee maker for the morning. The heated blankets were a must with the weather, and helped keep us so cozy! I loved how we did not have to bring pots, pans, soap, etc making our trip so much easier to pack for. We went to the Lake Ends Restaurant which was so fun (BYOB!), hiked nearby, sat by the lake and read our books, and went on the Andrew's Valley Railroad experience. These were all so fun and relaxing! The only thing was we were very close to our neighboring glamping tent with little privacy. It would be nice to glamp with a friend in the neighboring site. Otherwise, it was such as pleasant stay, and we will definitely return!

A

Alexi

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp LeConte

Soooo cute! :] definitely hope to be back next time we visit the area. Everything was absolutely clean. great indoor showers, bathroom, and even laundry right by the campsite. Electric fireplace to keep warm. We even received our key to lock the door to our glamp tent. Play area for kids, pool, and a little shop. So many of those things and more that we did not expect. It was much better than advertised. Thank you for all the attention to detail! We had a great comfy trip!

Gary

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Luxe Tent/Private Bathhouse/Wifi/AC

We had such an amazing time at Simply Glampin! 🌲✨ The glamping tents are beautiful — thoughtfully decorated, super comfortable beds, and all the little touches that make it feel like luxury in the middle of nature. We loved the outdoor space: a cozy firepit, decks for relaxing, and clean bathrooms with amazing showers. It was the perfect spot for us to escape the noise of everyday life while still enjoying comfort, coffee, electricity, wifi, and even coolers if needed. The property is nice and secluded, so you really feel tucked away, but it’s also just a quick drive into Franklin, NC where we enjoyed a great dinner out. The best of both worlds! We came here to relax, recharge, and enjoy the outdoors in style — and Simply Glampin delivered. We’ll definitely be back!

J

Jessica

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Luxe Tent/Private Bathhouse/Wifi/AC

Wonderful place to stay for a weekend in the woods! They had everything you could possibly need available for our stay, and the tent was very clean and comfortable. Would definitely recommend!

A

Anel

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Firefly season glamping

We had a fantastic stay here. The amenities were perfect, especially the shower. The area was also very quiet. Would definitely come back!

M

Maxx

March 2025

1 night at Firefly season glamping

This little set up was great! Surrounding area was quiet and the amenities were awesome!

Other options near Townsend

Star Gazer Stays Glamping Village

6.2mi from Townsend · 3 sites · Sevierville, TN

The Stargazer Stays Glamping Village is located along a nature reserve, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Village is the perfect setting for those looking to escape the chaos of city living and reconnect with the great outdoors. Our Copernicus Luxury tent brings you closer to nature with all the comforts of home! Our village is the epitome of 'done for you' glamping. All you need to bring are your clothes, light toiletries and food. This spacious glamping tent can accommodate up to 5 guests with 2 separate sleeping spaces. Guests can choose between a sleeping area outfitted with a queen sized bed, or a second sleeping area equipped with a single bed and one bunk bed. The Copernicus Glamping Tent features an extra level of privacy with wooden walls separating the living spaces. All of our tents are equipped with a mini split HVAC system to ensure your temperature controlled comfort. An open living, dining and kitchen area provides you and your guests with the perfect space for meals and entertainment. The Kitchen is minimally stocked with dishes, silverware, glasses and mugs and feature a microwave and a Keurig (coffee pods included). Prefer to have someone else brew your coffee? Join us at The Heavenly Roast coffee shop with the included $10 gift card and let us pour you a cup of freshly brewed cup of Joe! The attached veranda creates a comfortable space to socialize in nature, with ample outdoor seating. Each tent also features a deluxe park grill. You and your guests can also enjoy the community fire pit, hot tub and lawn games! We've even included popcorn and a s'mores kit. We feature an online store stocked with camping essentials and souvenirs that are delivered to your tent. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a girl's weekend, or even a family vacation in the Smokies the Luxury Copernicus tent will meet your needs.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents 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.