Exploring the Smokies in an RV: Top Scenic Drives & Campgrounds

Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives for RVers | Camp Margaritaville

Planning Your Smoky Mountain RV Adventure

When to Go

With every season highlighting a different side of this incredible area, the Smokies are stunningly beautiful all year round. Spring brings the blooming dogwoods and flourishing wildflowers. Summer is perfect weather for hiking with the occasional dip in the cool mountain springs. Fall is renowned for its legendary foliage as the vegetation begins to change. And winter offers a peaceful, snowy, and solitary atmosphere.

For those traveling in an RV, spring and fall are particularly popular because of the stunning scenery.. With that being said, it's always a good time to visit the Smoky Mountains for a scenic drive. With each season bringing its own charm and nuance, you'll be happy regardless of when you choose to visit.

What to Bring

Essential RV travel gear includes navigation tools (offline GPS is very helpful), bear-proof food storage, additional water supplies, hiking boots, bug spray, and layered clothing for potential changes in the temperature. Finally, you'll need your National Park pass along with any campground reservation confirmation to ensure a smooth and trouble-free trip.

Park Rules

While RVs are welcome throughout the majority of the Smoky Mountain National Park, there are restrictions on certain roads and campgrounds that prevent RVs from traversing them. Additionally, most campgrounds don't offer electrical hookups, and generators often have time limits. Be sure to review the park guidelines and get your campsite booked early, especially if you're thinking of visiting during peak seasons.

The Top Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives

The Great Smoky Mountains are full of unforgettable trails to both hike and drive on, but here are a few of our favourites tailored to RV travelers for the perfect Smoky Mountain scenic drive:

Newfound Gap Road

This 33-mile route stretching from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina, is a gorgeous drive that showcases some of the Smoky Mountains' highest peaks. Along the road, you'll enjoy stunning vistas, historic landmarks like the Rockefeller Memorial, and plenty of trailheads to some of the park's iconic hikes, like Clingmans Dome, which leads to the highest point in the park.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

This narrow and winding road is suited for smaller RVs and towed caravans. The peaceful drive provides access to several trailheads and waterfalls like the Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls. The lush, dense forest and ancient trees give the area an otherworldly and historic vibe.

Cades Cove Loop Road

One of the Smoky Mountains' most scenic drives, this 11-mile, one-way loop offers some of the best chances to view the park's wildlife. Black bears, wild turkeys, impressively preserved pioneer cabins, historic churches, and a working grist mill provide a glimpse of the past like no other.

Foothills Parkway

Less popular, but equally gorgeous and scenic, the Foothills Parkway route has some of the best sweeping panoramic vistas in the park, along with plenty of overlooks for picture-perfect photo ops. This trail is especially beautiful around sunset and sunrise, and it's conveniently connected to many other parts of the park and some of the nearby towns.

Best RV Campgrounds In and Around the Smokies

Whether you're looking to stay in the park itself or nearby, there are plenty of fantastic options to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:

Inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Smokemont Campground
  
  Located near Cherokee, this campground is open year-round and runs along a river filled with trout, so you can have a go at catching your own dinner. Smokemont Campground is also conveniently close to many hiking trails, perfect for anyone seeking the Smoky Mountain experience.
• Elkmont Campground
  
  Closer to Gatlinburg, Elkmont Campground is a fan favourite for its forested area and riverfront sites. It's also located in close proximity to the historic Elkmont ghost town.

It's important to remember that campgrounds located within the park itself do not offer electrical or water hookups. However, they do have dump stations and potable water if needed.

Outside the Park

• Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Pigeon Forge
  
  Located just minutes from both the National Park and Dollywood, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Pigeon Forge has been voted the #1 RV Resort and the #1 Campground in the Best of Pigeon Forge 2024. With our varied amenities and year-round resort recreation, come and see for yourself why we're the people's choice.

The Great Smoky Mountains offer a rare combination of natural beauty, American history, and convenient accessibility-perfect for RV exploration. Whether you're searching for a Smoky Mountain scenic drive, chasing roaring waterfalls, stargazing from a remote campsite, or just making your way through the mountain passes, the Smoky Mountains are home to unforgettable experiences with something for everyone.