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..
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 sports to peaceful forest treks, Gatlinburg offers exciting winter activities for all travelers.
Ober Mountain is , making it the go-to destination for downhill action. Impeccably groomed slopes cater to every skill level. Visitors can rent skiing and snowboarding equipment on-site and take lessons from professional instructors to sharpen their skills. Beyond skiing in Gatlinburg, you can ride a scenic aerial tramway, go snowboarding and experience night skiing at Ober Mountain.
Snow tubing is another fantastic way to experience winter activities in the Great Smoky Mountains. Ober Mountain’s for families and groups of all ages. You can slide down groomed lanes on specialized tubes, and a "Magic Carpet" escalator takes you back to the top. Children ages 3-5 must ride with an adult, while children 6 years and older (and at least 42 inches tall) can ride alone.
Visit the in winter for a lovely and quieter experience. When heavy snow falls, popular trails and park roads like close to traffic from December through March, turning into perfect routes for cross-country skiing. This allows you to explore the Great Smoky Mountains in December and get a rare chance to see the park’s serene winter beauty away from the crowds.
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. This fun and easy sport for all ages is one of the best ways to see the Smoky Mountains in winter up close. With snowshoes, you can enjoy hiking trails at your leisure, be rewarded with stunning views of winter landscapes and get a good workout, too. While you can explore on your own, reputable local companies like offer guided snowshoeing tours and expert guidance for a safe and memorable trek.
Enjoy some indoor winter fun at Ober Mountain’s ice arena. The allows you to skate year-round, serving as a fun activity for families or a romantic evening for couples. Whether you are a novice or an expert skater, the rink offers a warm break from the chilly outdoor air.
Ready to embrace winter in the Smokies? at Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday! Our convenient location provides easy access to the best snow sports and winter activities at Gatlinburg. Recharge after a cold day by unwinding in your warm Deluxe Cabin, or recount the day's highlights around the inviting heat of a campfire.
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