Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Please take note of these revised directions to avoid a closed section of I-40.
FROM FLORIDA: Take I-75 North to I-40 East. Then take exit 435 to Newport. Turn Right on US-321 towards Gatlinburg on 321 to our campground.
FROM THE NORTHEAST: Take I-81 South to I-40 East to exit 435 to Newport. Turn Right on US-321 towards Gatlinburg on 321 to our campground..
4/28/2026
If you’re a seasonal worker heading to the Gatlinburg area, finding affordable, comfortable housing can be one of the biggest challenges. Instead of overpaying for short-term rentals or crowded housing, consider an extended stay at Gatlinburg East KOA Holiday—a scenic, budget-friendly option...
3/30/2026
Planning a family getaway to the Smoky Mountains is exciting—but accommodation costs can add up quickly, especially when hotels charge extra for every guest. One of the smartest ways to save while still enjoying everything the area has to offer is by choosing camping.At Gatlinburg East / Smoky...
1/12/2026
Winter transforms the Great Smoky Mountains into a snowy wonderland — perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of thrilling snow sports that await you in Gatlinburg, which is just a short drive away from Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday. From adrenaline-pumping...
12/10/2025
A wintertime vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains is the perfect way to get your family in the holiday spirit. There are so many activities throughout the Gatlinburg area during December. When you stay at Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday, you do not have to venture off-site to...
11/26/2025
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls, drawing visitors from around the world to witness their natural beauty. Whether you are staying at Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday or exploring the area for the day, these stunning cascading...
11/13/2025
The holidays in Gatlinburg, Tennessee are pure magic! From sparkling mountain lights to festive parades, there’s no better place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Make Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday your cozy home base while you explore it all — just a short, scenic...
11/10/2025
At our campground in Tennessee, you are perfectly positioned to explore some of the most breathtaking scenic drives. Whether you are traveling with family, friends or that special someone, these leisurely routes offer stunning mountain views, cascading waterfalls and opportunities to spot wildlife —...
10/2/2025
Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year to visit Gatlinburg, and there is no better place to celebrate than Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday.From thrilling fall activities to family-friendly events, our campground offers the perfect mix of spooky fun and seasonal beauty. Here...
9/28/2025
If you want to bask in the beauty of the Smokies while enjoying the comfort of home, glamping in Gatlinburg is better with Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday. Our newly expanded campground features modern Deluxe Cabins that blend rustic charm with luxury amenities. Tucked into the...
9/16/2025
Looking for an extended stay campground near Gatlinburg, TN? Look no further! The Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday is the perfect place to park your RV and enjoy the Smokies at your own pace. From October through April, we offer convenient monthly RV sites designed for long-term comfort...
8/14/2025
When the air turns crisp and the mountains start to glow with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, there's no better place to experience fall than Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Nestled at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this charming mountain town transforms into a leaf peeper’s...
8/14/2025
Jumping into cool, refreshing water after a day of exploring is the best part of summer. Gatlinburg is full of exciting local attractions, and Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday offers a nearby place to stay and continue your fun. You can enjoy the following water activities near...
7/1/2025
Forget the novelty T-shirts and keychains — one of the best souvenirs from any trip is a handmade piece of art you can't find anywhere else. Gatlinburg is a hotspot for artisans, making it a great location to see something truly unforgettable. Whether a visit to some of the local artists is one of...
6/11/2025
For all of Gatlinburg's iconic spots that draw in the crowds, the area has even more hidden gems tucked away from the hustle and bustle. While these Gatlinburg off-the-beaten-path destinations may not be what comes to mind when you think of the Smoky Mountains, they are well worth visiting if you...
6/4/2025
New Ways to Explore and Eat at Gatlinburg East/Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday!Adventure just got an upgrade at Gatlinburg East/Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday! We're excited to introduce our brand-new Evolution golf carts—perfect for exploring the campground in comfort and style. These four-seater,...
5/2/2025
Ultimate Guide to Gatlinburg East Local Hiking TrailsGatlinburg, Tennessee, is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, near the world-famous Appalachian Trail and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Gatlinburg area has a range of trails — novice and experienced hikers alike will find a...
3/20/2025
5 Benefits of Bringing a Group to Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA HolidayIf you are looking for a place to take a group trip, look no further than Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This beautiful area has stunning scenery, wildlife and plenty of green space for hiking and relaxing. Whether...
3/14/2025
With lush forests, gorgeous mountain views and a national park within minutes, Gatlinburg is quickly becoming a must-see destination for many travelers. If you are in the mood for love during your vacation, there are plenty of romantic restaurants near Gatlinburg that are perfect for date night.4...
2/17/2025
On-Site Activities for Your Kids at Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA HolidayCamping with your kids is an excellent way for your family to spend quality time together and make memories. If you are looking to spend most of your trip at the campground, Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday...
1/17/2025
Smoky Mountains Wildlife: What to Watch ForThe Smoky Mountains are a hot spot of biodiversity where visitors can see many mammal species throughout the year, depending on the season and location. The best places to see wildlife in the Smoky Mountains are numerous — if you know where to go, you can...
1/17/2025
We are excited to announce that Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has recently purchased Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA. Please allow us to introduce your new host, Corey Wilkinson. Corey Wilkinson has spent his whole life at a KOA campground, from growing up camping at KOAs to starting his first...
1/17/2025
We have a spot with your name on it! Come and stay at Gatlinburg East Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday for an immersive experience in nature. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the Maddron Trailhead minutes from the campground. The campground offers fun for the whole family with disc golf,...
12/13/2024
Like many dog owners, you likely view your furry friend as a beloved family member and want to include them in every adventure, including camping trips. Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday is a welcoming, dog-friendly campground that invites your pup to join in on the camping fun.From...
12/12/2024
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat or a fun-filled getaway, the Gatlinburg area offers countless ways to enjoy your wintertime vacation. With fewer crowds on popular hiking trails, you can enjoy the peaceful environment of the Smoky Mountains. If your family is looking for exciting ways to...
11/15/2024
From the Great Smoky Mountains to fun-filled attractions, Gatlinburg offers activities for everyone to enjoy. Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday provides the perfect location to start planning the vacation of a lifetime.Ideas for Romantic Getaways in Gatlinburg, TennesseeRelax and...
9/18/2024
The introduction of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has paved the way for many campgrounds to provide more accessible campsites and features like accessible playgrounds. Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday has fully embraced this drive for greater accessibility.How to Tell if a...
9/17/2024
Do you feel that chill in the air? As days grow shorter and the temperatures start to dip, the Smoky Mountains come alive with a colorful display of the Fall season. The Fall Foliage season near Gatlinburg, TN, is a spectacular time when nature’s canvas transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds,...
8/26/2024
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America's most visited national park, making it essential to plan your visit carefully to see everything on your list. Since Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday offers such a convenient location, you can make the campground your home base as you...
7/24/2024
Give yourself peace of mind knowing you’ll be proactively reimbursed if rain impacts your stay/experience. Through our partnership with Sensible Weather, the leading provider of weather protection in the travel and hospitality space, you can add a Weather Guarantee to your booking that guarantees...
7/16/2024
As any traveler knows, there is no worse feeling than arriving at your vacation destination only to find that you've forgotten something important. At Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday, that sinking feeling of forgetting gear or other camping items is no more, thanks to the campground's...
3/26/2024
You and your loved one deserve to leave the hustle and bustle of your city behind for a while and enjoy a fun, relaxing and romantic getaway together. Couples camping near the Great Smoky Mountains is an excellent way to embrace love and the serenity of nature while you are away from the busyness of...
2/21/2024
Catching up on tv shows or want to watch some movies while enjoying some downtime at the campground? Here's our Cable/Local TV List for reference.
10/23/2023
Traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains? Take the opportunity to learn about the region's rich history and culture with the free TravelStorys app!The TravelStorys app is available for free on both iOS and android. Their self-guided audio tours utilize your phone's GPS to automatically share...
9/22/2023
For the first time in seven years, the sun will go dark in one of nature’s greatest phenomena – a total solar eclipse! On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth will align, putting the sky into epic and unforgettable temporary darkness. The eclipse will cross North America, passing...
8/17/2023
The Gatlinburg East/Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday has expanded with 34 new RV sites, six Deluxe Cabins, and four premium tent sites. These new campsites are already hosting campers from near & far. The park is hosting a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, September 16 to commemorate this growth and...
5/30/2023
If you’re like most pet owners, you probably want to bring your furry friend along wherever you go. At KOA we want all members of the family to explore nature and enjoy a camping adventure – even the four-legged ones! Whether you’re planning on camping with your pet for the first time, or just need...
11/22/2022
Gatlinburg is a unique and bustling city tucked into the base of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located so close to nature, Gatlinburg offers a large variety of ways to enjoy the holiday season in the mountains. Whether you're looking to adventure at the outdoor hub of Anakeesta, explore...
10/8/2022
Welcome to Gatlinburg East/Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday! You're almost to your base camp for the great outdoors. Our mountain roads can sometimes be confusing, so be cautious when using a GPS. Use the below instructions to avoid back roads not fit for RVs:From I-81 (going South) At the 81/40 Split go...
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