Tag: camping

Camp at Great Smokies KOA Campground in Townsend

Posted on June 6, 2018 by - Blog, Lodging

Summer comes every year, and with it, the call of the wild! Longer days and warmer weather mean plenty of opportunities to spend time outside, surrounded by rugged natural beauty. Roughing it, though, just isn’t for everyone, especially families with children.
Thankfully, Great Smokies KOA has family camping in its DNA, and is ready to accommodate families of all ages, sizes, and preferences with its RV sites, tent camping sites, and even rental cabins. Read on to find out why they’re a family favorite in the Smokies region!

Bringing Your Vacation Home with You? KOA Has RV Sites and Tent Sites!

If you’re someone who puts the R in RV, Great Smokies KOA is ready for you. Back-in and pull-thru sites are available with 50/30 amps, and cable TV, fire pits, and patios are all available options. Going camping the old-fashioned way? No problem! Individual tent sites accommodate up to 6 people, include onsite parking, picnic tables, and fire rings, and fill up fast, especially those facing the Little River. Oh yeah, and pets are allowed at both RV and tent sites, so no need to leave Fido at home!

Is Your Family the Cabin Type? Great!

It might surprise some people, but besides tent and RV sites, this KOA campground includes both deluxe and camping cabins. Deluxe cabins sleep up to 4 or 6, and generally include a partial kitchen with a microwave, mini-fridge, and Keurig, as well as a private bathroom including a shower (and in some, even a bathtub!). Many also include outdoor living space, kid-friendly sleeping lofts, linens, fire pits, gas grills, patio furniture, and even air conditioning! Just check when you book to make sure it has the amenities you’re looking for.
Camping cabins are also available, for those who want that unvarnished back-to-nature experience without the hassle of setting up tents or worries about what to do when it rains. These basic units have all the charm of a classic log cabin, and amenities vary, from just an old-fashioned porch swing, to mini-fridges and air conditioning.

Amenities for Everyone

Regardless of whether you decide on a tent, RV site or cabin, Great Smokies KOA offers facilities and services the whole family can appreciate. These include easy access to an ice cream and fudge shop, a swimming pool, one-of-a-kind log-cabin-themed children’s playground, propane and firewood for purchase, as well as a large covered pavilion with a barbecue pit, horseshoe pits and a basketball court.
That’s not all – this KOA also has WiFi access, an outdoor movie area, tube rentals for tubing on the Little River, an enclosed dog park where your dog can run off-leash, bike rentals, and great fishing. Laundry and two very clean bathhouses are available when you need to take care of the details, and Great Smokies KOA also offers special discounts and deals throughout the season, so just give them a call or take a look online to see what is available when you’d like to book. Check out their website and plan your vacation today!

It’s Camping Season: Places to Stay in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on October 10, 2022 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

With cooler temperatures and the emergence of vibrant red and orange hues, fall is upon us, which means camping season is here. Bundle up! These are the top places to camp in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Make it a family vacation.

Big Meadow Family Campground (RV only)

It’s no surprise the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds named this RV park its National Small Park of the Year in 2013 and 2019. They offer easy in, easy out pull-through campsites on concrete pads and patios, protected by 24/7 security. Their full hook up sites include water, sewer, major cable, Wi-Fi and 30/50 AMPs. And with a dog park, workout room, splash pad, basketball court and corn hole, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

Townsend Great Smokies KOA (RV, tent and cabin)

With recreational activities abounding, including an outdoor cinema, a playground, a basketball court, wagon rides, a pool, bike and tube rentals, tie-dyed t-shirts and more, Townsend Great Smokies KOA is a great family vacation destination. Rough it in a tent, park an RV and plug into 50 AMPs, or book a cabin. Deluxe cabins feature private bedroom(s), bathroom, patio with a grill, and full linens. You can even stay right on the Little River.

Little River Campground & RV (RV, tent and cabin)

Little River Campground is a great place to make memories with your family. Go tubing in the Little River, swim in the pool, or play in the game room. There are arts/crafts to do on Fridays, including souvenir t-shirt decorating, and there are hayrides on Saturdays. The campsite has 30/50 AMPs, Wi-Fi and Direct TV.

Go on an adventure.

Twin Valley B&B Horse Ranch (Cabin and primitive shelter)

If you’re down for an adventure, consider camping at Twin Valley B&B Horse Ranch. They offer horseback trail riding and miniature horse hiking, and you can swim and fish in a spring fed pond on your own time. Lodge in a fully furnished cabin, or backwoods “rough it” in a one-room, four-sided primitive shelter. To make things easy, they can even pick you up and drop you off at the airport.

Keep it simple.

Riverstone Campground (RV and tent)

Perhaps, you aren’t about the razzle dazzle of most campgrounds. Riverstone Campground offers a more rustic experience. It has shaded and riverfront campsites, which come with a fire pit a picnic table and a nearby bathhouse, It also has places to park your RV. Tent sites start as low as $25 a night, with discounts available for extended stay.

Keep it classy.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort (RV, tent and cabin)

If you like glamping, you’ll like Little Arrow. You can bring your tent or RV, or you can stay in a heated platform tent, Airstream trailer, cabin or tiny home. The resort has a full calendar of activities for everyone in the family to enjoy, as well as a Spa, community garden, pool/hot tub, cabana, dog park, food truck area and gift shop.

Dancing Bear Lodge (Cabin)

If glamping is still too rustic for you, Dancing Bear Lodge provides the “in nature” experience, without the hassle. Dancing Bear is a full-service Lodge with hotel-like amenities, like daily housekeeping and complimentary snacks. Their cabins and cottages have access to two miles of hiking trails, so you’ll never be too far away from outdoor exploration.

Stay on the Little River.

Mountaineer Campground (RV, tent and cabin)

If you’re looking for the full Smokies experience, Mountaineer Campground is just a half mile from the entrance to the national park. There are a variety of sites to choose from, including ones right on the trout stocked river, with 30/50 amp service. If glamping’s more your speed, there are also cabins with kitchen and bath. In your downtime, enjoy the wildlife photo gallery, playground, pool, pavilion, cable TV and Wi-Fi.

Whispering River Resort (RV, tent and cabin)

Whispering River Resort has more direct river access than any other resort or campground in the area—and it’s yours to enjoy. Go kayaking, enjoy the swimming beach or simply walk the trails. Then, kick back at the bonfire area or pool. Tent and 30/50 AMP RV sites, as well as cabins, are available. There’s even a meeting room and an event center.

Lazy Daze Campground & Motel (RV, tent and cabin)

This family-owned and operated campground has a mix of cabins and campsites—including ones right on the river. Take a splash in the pool, or let your kids get their wiggles out on the playground. Wind down with complementary cable and Wi-Fi. With 24/7 laundry, bathhouses and 30/50 AMPs, this Lazy Daze has all the essentials.

For some fun camping ideas, check out the blog posts below:

Visit Cades Cove

Gourmet S’more Ideas

Relax in the Smokies at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Posted on May 9, 2018 by - Blog, Lodging, Townsend

If what you want for your family vacation is relaxation, look no further than the “peaceful side of the Smokies.”  At Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, you can relax in the beautiful area of Townsend like never before. Book a stay in a cabin, stay in a unique tiny house, or bring your RV to this luxury campground. Here’s what you need to know about each option when you visit Little Arrow in Townsend.
Cabins and Tiny Houses
One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy a vacation in the Smokies is to book a stay in a log cabin or a tiny house. The cabins at Little Arrow each have large decks that let you look out at the amazing view, plus plenty of room inside to enjoy some cozy camping. The tiny houses let you have the micro-living experience with a homey atmosphere, as if you are living the minimalist lifestyle. Step outside to see the sun rising over the mountains from your very own tiny home!
Glamping Tents and RV Sites
If you want to get a little closer to nature – but not too close – check out the glamping tents at Little Arrow. These are luxurious tents with large shaded areas for seating, private areas for sleeping, room to stand up inside, and enough space for everyone. These are surprisingly luxurious and romantic for a couple that wants to have plenty of adventures for their anniversary or honeymoon. You can also book an RV site on or off the river, as well as a primitive camping site for your own gear.
All Kinds of Things to Do Around Townsend
Enjoying your stay at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is only half the fun of vacationing in and around Townsend. This is truly a peaceful area, with gorgeous scenic routes to drive or hike (Cades Cove and Tail of the Dragon are both nearby), or you could easily slip away to the river and enjoy trout fishing, swimming, or tubing. Love to relax by hiking in majestic nature? The National Park is right by Little Arrow, so you can easily hike your way to the waterfalls all around the area. Or try something more exhilarating, like zip lining or working your way through an aerial obstacle course in the park. There are also horseback tours and so much more.
No matter how you love to enjoy the outdoors, the Smokies can offer something for you. Relax at the campground, bask in the water, take in the view, or immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Let Little Arrow Outdoor Resort be your home away from home for your well-deserved getaway this year.

Smoky Mountain Glamping: Sleep Under the Stars

Posted on July 18, 2019 by - Blog, Lodging, Townsend

Little Arrow Resort glamping

Not all those who cherish the serenity of nature enjoy the ritual of traditional camping; packing up everything they own, finding the perfect spot, pitching a tent, unloading supplies, sleeping on the hard ground, and sharing restroom facilities with strangers. For those individuals, we have the perfect compromise—a relatively new concept called glamping. Smoky Mountain glamping gives the adventurer the ability to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the mountains while maintaining modern amenities and luxury. This fusion of glamour and camping allows for a broader diversity of travelers to immerse themselves into a nature experience which once may have seemed improbable.

Smoky Mountains’ First Glamping Resort

If this seems like an ideal vacation experience, look no further than glamping in Townsend at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. In 2017, Kevin and Shelly Clayton, along with Brad and Carmen Simpher, purchased the campground and started renovations, remodeling the bathhouse, RV sites, existing cabins, pool area and on-site camp boutique, along with bringing in new tiny homes and glamping tents. Little Arrow sets itself apart from other facilities in the area with unique accommodations and attention to detail. They have worked hard to identify everything needed to have an enjoyable and comfortable stay. They take great pride in the supportive feedback from their visitors, who have referred to them as the “Disney World” of campsite facilities. They look forward to introducing a new generation of travelers into the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, helping support and grow local businesses and organizations.
Little Arrow Resort glamping

The Accommodations at Little Arrow Resort

In their luxury accommodations, you can find multiple bedrooms with clean and comfortable bedding, private bathroom facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, cable tv, wi-fi, electric heat and air, a wood burning fireplace, a spacious deck area with seating, and a fire pit for making smores and campfire delicacies. Each facility offers a unique combination of convenience and space based on budget and needs, even offering an ADA compliant cabin for those who need handicap accessible living. Successfully bringing the comfort creatures of home into a camping community creates an exhilarating combination of freedom and security.
Little Arrow not only caters to the glamping demographic, but they also have a large selection of RV, pop-up, and tent sites, both on and off of the river. Their newly remodeled bathhouse is of a quality rarely seen in a campsite environment; I would dare say their showers are nicer than the one in my own home!  The facility also offers a variety of entertainment options to keep your party busy during their stay. Every site has multiple access points on the river, allowing for tubing, fishing, or just frolicking in the water. A private hiking trail offers a bird’s eye view of Townsend at the summit and the Point and Feather Coffee Lounge, with a children’s playroom, is open 24/7 for guest’s convenience. On-site you can also find a beautiful pool area, a playground for children, a basketball court, public fire pit, open pavilion area, or a clubhouse which can be rented out for family reunions or conferences. If you are into local seasonal veggies, they even have a community garden for guests to pick their own produce for mealtime. A short drive into town and you can find shopping, outdoor activities, the beauty of Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains, along with a variety of local entertainment and restaurants. If you chose to get out and explore or spend all of your time on-site, there is something for everyone at the outdoor living resort.

When to Camp in the Smoky Mountains

Camping season generally runs from May – July and picks up again from Oct – Nov, but this year they will stay open year-round, allowing guests to take advantage of the off-season prices and enjoy the Smoky Mountain beauty all year. For more information on pricing and availability, please go to www.camplittlearrow.com. Whether you are looking for luxury Smoky Mountain glamping or a traditional camping experience, you can’t go wrong at Little Arrow!
 
By Rachel Coffman

Your Group will Love the Campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Posted on August 14, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

With the summer coming to a close faster than you expected, there’s never been a better time to get in that last-minute camping trip to the Smokies! Here on the peaceful side of the Smokies, you’ll find plenty of camping opportunities that you and your family will love. Easy access to the Little Pigeon River, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and many other natural attractions make camping in the Smokies perfect for your summer getaway.
Where to Go Camping in the Smokies
Blount County is perfect for camping in the Smokies, for many reasons. Here on the peaceful side of the mountains, we have many family-friendly attractions that are ideal for a relaxing, leisurely vacation. Bring your RV to Whispering River RV Resort, or try staying at Carpenter Campground in Maryville. Many of the local campgrounds have park-like settings with playground equipment, access to streams where you can fish, and other activities right there in the campground.
Glamping, Cabin Rentals, and Other Camping Alternatives
If you prefer something a little more stylish for your camping adventure, Blount County campgrounds do also offer “Glamping” tents and cabin rentals. You can stay in luxury and enjoy a unique camping experience, while still getting to be close to all the beautiful natural sights in the area. The Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is the prime location to check out glamping tents, tiny homes, and luxury cabins. The area also has a dog park, so you can bring the whole family along for the fun.
Easy Access to the Exciting Fun All Around the Smokies
One way that camping in Blount County will excite your entire group of campers is the easy access to the nearby fun of places such as Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. You can enjoy the beauty of the mountains, the small-town atmosphere, and the peaceful pace of Blount County – and they can check out Dollywood, or many of the other fun activities just a short drive away. Don’t forget to take a hike through the many walking trails in Blount County that lead you through the beautiful mountains.
Leisure and Wanderlust Come Together When You Go Camping in the Smokies
This area is perfect for scratching your itch to travel, while still having a very pampered vacation. You can absolutely get close to nature with camping fun, and still have plenty of luxury. From delicious local fine dining, luxury amenities in many of the campgrounds, to nearby spas and resorts, and lots of other relaxing or romantic things to do all around, you won’t find a better place to combine your sense of adventure with your desire to relax.
Pack up your family today and head to the Smokies for a fun camping adventure that will please everyone!