Pigeon Forge, TN

[safari25-05]

We're were looking to go to Pigeon Forge Tn, wanted to check out the Titanic attraction there.. Was wondering if anyone has been there, what campground you used. So...in a nut shell what were your thoughts, any recommendations of what to see or not to waste time on. Thanks

[kposey]

Pigeon Forge is a great little tourist trap that is lots of fun. They have all kinds of activities for the young and old such as comedy shows, dinner theaters (Dixie Stampede), parks (Dollywood and Splash Mountain), outlet and speciality stores, etc. Plus it is close to Gatlinburg that is also nice to walk the streets, visit the shops and attractions (Ripley's Believe it or Not, Aquarium, etc.) AND Cades Cove is near by for touring, picnicing, site seeing and also camping.

We stayed at Adventure Bound right outside of Pigeon Forge. It was a great campground if you have kids as they also have a water slide, pool, game room, and such. The sites were a little close together for my taste, but we did have good neighbors and lots of fun.

It is definitely worth visiting. Enjoy!

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by safari25-05

We're were looking to go to Pigeon Forge Tn, wanted to check out the Titanic attraction there.. Was wondering if anyone has been there, what campground you used. So...in a nut shell what were your thoughts, any recommendations of what to see or not to waste time on. Thanks

Last summer we stayed at Misty River Campground in Walland TN, about 30 mins away from Pigeon Forge:

Tennessee Camping at the Misty River Campground in Townsend

This was probably the best commercial campground I've stayed in. The pads are not too close together, there's a pool and a take away pizza place, and the bathhouse was exceptionally clean. We called ahead as we were running late when we arrived and they kept someone on hand to welcome us and show us to our site. It is close to a highway but with the summer foliage on the trees I don't recall hearing it at all. If I'm in that area again, which I'm sure I will be, I shall use Misty River.

Pigeon Forge is a laugh - being English it was even more of a culture shock for me than for others, but it certainly is an experience. The Titanic attraction is very well done; not mawkish at all and really very respectful. I enjoyed it a lot, despite being a bit concerned before we went in.

[Silver Otter]

We stayed with these folks. Small. Easy to get in and out. Nice people.
Camping in the Smokies - Gatlinburg, TN 37738

[gtc6452]

check out River Plantation, nice campground. away from the hoop la and on the trolley route.

[mcair]

We stayed at Foothills RV park. On the edge of town. Quiet and easy to get to everything.

[hissilver]

We like to stay at the KOA in Townsand...there are two short and beautiful routes through the mountains to PF? In addition you will be 2 minutes for the Park and 20 minutes form Cade's Cove.

[Bk Yd Safari]

We enjoy bicycling and the ride throught Cades Cove. This is a historic early American Appalachian settlement. The scenic drive through the area is an 11 mile loop for joggers, bikers or autos. We have seen turkeys, deer and bears on our rides around the loop. While we have not seen elk they have been re-introduced to the area. The entrance to Cades Cove is just past Townsend TN which is about 25 minutes from Pidgeon Forge. We stay at the Townsend/Great Smokies KOA. While the sites are a little close the campground is along the banks of the Liitle River with some sites at river's edge. Townsend is known as the "Peaceful side of the Great Smoky Mountains" and is outside of the hustle and bustle of Pidgeon Forge/Gatlinburg but still close enough to see the "sights." If you arrive from Maryville, TN you can avoid "towing" through the heavy traffic areas of Pidgeon Forge.

[aluminitus]

My hubby and I went to the Ripley's Believe it or Not museum in Gatlinburg and regretted it. I think the aquarium would have been a lot more interesting. There is a good boot store in Pigeon Forge called "Boot Factory Outlet", or "Buy One, Get Two Free" as the giant sign outside reads. My husband never goes anywhere without the boots he got there a few years ago, and they are still going strong. So if you are into the whole cowboy boot thing, Pigeon Forge is the place to be!

[Charlie M]

We stayed at the "Pine Mountain RV Park by the Creek." Very clean (new).

[safari25-05]

Thanks for all the replies, sure does help some.

[Kosm1o]

Having been there a couple of times, i would only caution you on expecting long lines of traffic practically everywhere you. Keep your gas tank full. One time it took an hour and a half to go three miles getting into Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge. I do recommend the Dixie Stampede in PF. Probably the best show that a whole family can enjoy.

[Ridgerunner3]

Originally Posted by Kosm1o

Having been there a couple of times, i would only caution you on expecting long lines of traffic practically everywhere you. Keep your gas tank full. One time it took an hour and a half to go three miles getting into Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge. I do recommend the Dixie Stampede in PF. Probably the best show that a whole family can enjoy.

X2 on the traffic. At times it can take an extremely long time to travel a mile. You need to be a very patient person to drive in Pigeon Forge during tourist season.

[L911]

We stayed at the Smoky Bear Campground on HWY 321, its clean, has a pool. The Gatlinburg Campgrounds | Adventure Bound Gatlinburg| abcamping.com has a nice pool & water slide, its on 321 as well. Theres also a neat campground in Pigeon Forge as well.

[nilesrob]

If you are OK with dry camping, Elkmont Campground in the Smokies National Park is superb, and close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. One of our favorites.

[AirsDream]

Ditto. I love Elkmont, and always stay there on my annual fishing jaunts to the Smokies. Close to the trailheads of lots of nice hikes in the Smokies.

If you really wanna' be in Pigeon Forge, however, well then go for one of the commercial campgrounds. I can't stand all the people and traffic, so I usually go through Townsend and never go into Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Terrific fly fishing shop in Townsend, by the way; Little River Outfitters.

[Mexray]

We were back there in 2006 for a 'pass through' visit to Pigeon Forge...sorry, not all that impressive with the 'forced' tourist traps and traffic...

Enjoyed the day out at Dolly's place, the steam train was a hit - gettin' up close to that fire breathing, hissing, massive mechanical BEAST was a reminder of days long gone...

The KOA and others were pretty full up with those SOB types......We asked a local in Sevierville where they went to camp in the area, we were directed to the Douglas Reservoir area, just a few miles out of town...

Douglas Reservoir | Oh, Ranger! zoom in on the map and change it to the SAT view to see the campground with lots of room between rigs - & CHEAP, too!

It was after dark, but we found the Douglas Dam Tailwater Campground, found a spot and settled in for the night...We were more than pleasantly surprised in the morning at what a great campground we'd 'found'...!

If you're like us and want to get away from the crowds after a long day with the 'Pigeons'...check this area out...