Apr 17, 2026
Camping with a Dog in the Great Smoky Mountains
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
The best memories are made outdoors—and even better with your dog by your side. From morning walks along the river to evenings around the campfire, the Peaceful Side offers plenty of ways to plan a pet-friendly trip. Here’s where to camp, where to eat and what to know before you go.
Where to Camp with Your Dog Townsend
Camping in Townsend puts you near the Smokies with more flexibility than the national park alone. You can still access the park, without limiting the whole trip to the areas where dogs are allowed.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort offers RV sites, cabins, tiny homes and glamping tents, with select pet-friendly units. Not all accommodations allow pets, so confirmation is required at booking.
Up to two dogs are allowed in pet-friendly units. Fees vary by accommodation type, starting at $20 per night per pet for cabins and glamping tents and increasing for larger rentals. Dogs must be leashed on property. Unattended pets must be crated. Additional cleaning or damage fees may apply.
Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday
Pets are allowed at campsites and in designated pet-friendly cabins at Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday. Fees apply per stay depending on the cabin type.
Leashes are required at all times. Pets are not allowed in buildings or pool areas.
Pets are permitted throughout Big Meadow Family Campground. A fenced dog park is available on site.
Dogs must remain on a leash and can’t be left unattended. Owners are responsible for waste cleanup.
Little River Campground & RV Resort
Little River Campground includes RV sites, cabins and glamping accommodations, with select pet-friendly units.
Up to two pets are allowed in eligible rentals, with nightly fees starting at $20 per pet. Leashes are limited to six feet long. Pets aren’t allowed in bathhouses or pool areas. Unattended dogs cannot be disruptive.
Whispering River Resort is pet-friendly and includes a dog park. Cabin-specific policies vary and should be confirmed by phone when booking.
Pro tip: Camping with a dog usually goes more smoothly with a little practice first. A trial run in the backyard can help you figure out how your dog does with a tent, crate or nighttime noises.
Dog-Friendly Places to Eat in Townsend
Several Townsend spots offer dog-friendly outdoor seating if you want to grab a meal outside the campground.
Peaceful Side Social welcomes dogs in its beer garden. The Abbey has a patio by the river, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro offers covered patio dining and Apple Valley Cafe has beer garden seating. Policies can vary by day, so it’s wise to call ahead to confirm.
Bringing Your Dog into the Park
Dogs are allowed in developed campgrounds, picnic areas, along roadways and on two trails: Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail. Leashes are required and must not exceed six feet.
These restrictions are in place to protect both wildlife and visitors. Great Smoky Mountains National Park says dogs can stress wildlife, disrupt nesting and feeding behavior, and carry diseases that can spread between pets and native animals.
The park also warns that dogs can attract or provoke predators such as bears, and if a dog runs after a bear, it may lead the bear back to you.
Service animals are allowed anywhere visitors can go. Emotional support and therapy animals must follow standard pet regulations.
Finding a Vet in Townsend
If you need veterinary care during your trip, Townsend Animal Clinic is located on East Lamar Alexander Parkway. It’s a full-service small-animal clinic with boarding.
For after-hours emergencies, the clinic refers pet owners to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville or Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Knoxville.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.