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..
If 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 you are planning a family reunion, church retreat or another group event, the Smoky Mountains are an ideal place to enjoy nature together.
There are so many fun things to do in this area that your group may find it challenging to choose what to experience next. The park itself offers horseback riding, hiking, waterfall and wildlife sightings, historic sites, zip lines and whitewater rafting. In Gatlinburg and the nearby areas, you can explore amusement parks like Dollywood, aquariums, restaurants and more.
Learn about the benefits of group camping near Gatlinburg, TN, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kampgrounds of America!
Spending time in nature is an ideal way to bond as a group, whether it is your first time camping or your 15th. Together, you will share new experiences and make memories you will laugh about for years. Time in nature helps people open up, relax and connect in ways that cannot be replicated during the everyday busyness of life.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States for a reason. The scenery alone will create a memorable experience for your group — from the beautiful forests to the mountains and the blue mist the park is named for. The Great Smoky Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains and include several of the tallest peaks in the eastern United States.
Visit the viewing platform at Kuwohi for a view of the park that will take your breath away. Mount Buckley is another popular peak located near Kuwohi that offers more beautiful views of the park. There are many hiking trails throughout the park, some of which you can access directly from the Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday Campground.
Whether your group wants to tent camp, RV camp or enjoy group cabins in the Smoky Mountains, there are options at the Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday Campground for everyone. Located in Cosby, Tennessee, this campground offers RV Sites, Tent Sites and Deluxe Cabins for groups.
Deluxe Cabin amenities include kitchen areas, full restrooms with showers, and unique features like firepits and porches. This is the perfect place to relax with family, friends or faith groups. Camping does not have to be more work than usual life — it can be a restful experience for everyone!
From this group campground in the Smoky Mountains, you can hike the Maddron Bald Trail, which winds south into the park. It is also a 25-minute drive to Gatlinburg, giving you easy access to the city while avoiding larger crowds during your stay.
From hiking to high-adrenaline whitewater rafting, there are many fun activities for groups in this area. Here are some to consider when planning your group trip.
At the KOA Campground, there are many group activities you can enjoy without having to pack up your car and travel through the park entrance in Gatlinburg. Here are a few activities to consider while you enjoy your stay:
You will make memories and have fun exploring these on-site activities. Whether you want a low-key day at the campground or a fun evening activity, these options are the perfect way to unwind with family and friends.
If you are up for more of an adventure, consider these options:
Some of the most popular hikes in this park include Cataract Falls, Grotto Falls and the climb to Kuwohi. If you would like to visit an amusement park, you can visit Dollywood, which is just 15 minutes north of Gatlinburg.
This area also offers educational opportunities like historic sites and nature programs. If your group loves learning about history and the natural environment, this is the perfect time to lean into fun learning events and locations. Here are several to consider:
Although it is fun to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on your own, there are also plenty of opportunities to learn about its history while you are there. Make sure to visit some of the historic buildings throughout the park for a glimpse of rural life in the Appalachian mountains!
Although bonding is the best reason to go group camping, the lowered price is another benefit. When you book as a group, you can share costs for lodging and meals. This gives you a better experience at a more affordable price, reducing stress so you can fully enjoy your vacation.
KOA offers group rates and packages that make visiting the Great Smoky Mountains even more affordable. For example, renting large spaces is often more affordable per person than renting smaller Tent Sites or Camping Cabins. If you are a member of KOA Rewards for $36 per year, you can also access 10% off your daily registration rate in over 500+ KOA locations, including the Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday Campground.
This depends on your goals. If you would like to avoid the crowds, you will likely miss prime weather conditions. Here is a quick guide to help you choose the best time to visit this beautiful national park:
If your priority is quiet, winter is the best season to visit. However, groups who want to enjoy swimming, zip lining and other adventure activities should come during warmer parts of the year. Fall is prime time for enjoying the changing leaves, while spring is another great option for avoiding heavy crowds.
Looking for large group cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains? Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday is dedicated to making your camping experience accessible and memorable. KOA group camping options and amenities allow you to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg area with many people at an affordable rate.
Whether you are taking a family vacation, traveling with a Scout program or planning a church retreat, KOA is here for you. The Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday Campground is high caliber, far enough away from the city to be truly peaceful, and offers the perfect setting for a weekend getaway. Plan and book your trip to this stunning national park today!
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