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..
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 the many activities you try during your stay or it is the main focus of your trip, you are sure to find something handmade that perfectly captures the spirit of this bustling mountain town.
One of the best ways to see as many artisans as possible is to complete the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Trail. Affectionately known as The Gatlinburg Craft Loop, this 8-mile loop road drive around the city's outskirts is a local hot spot for more than 80 artists and craftspeople.
For your convenience, you can park downtown and catch the free Yellow Line trolley that makes stops all around the loop, allowing you and your family to see the full range of arts and crafts available, including:
In addition to numerous local artisans to explore, you can indulge in many restaurants, bakeries and specialty food stores, which are easy ways to make your visit to the community trail a fun all-day or several-day event.
If you need more "hands-on" experiences for your family or group outing, "create your own" crafting workshops and classes are a great way to spend time together. During these family-friendly activities, you can create memories and personalized souvenirs. Whether you're painting, molding pottery, making candles or learning new tricks, these Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community Trail artisans bring people together in a fun, creative and memorable way:
Black Bear Crafts sells handmade and painted ceramics for any occasion. Choose from everyday items like pie-shaped potpourri holders to festive decor like ceramic trees and pumpkins. Black Bear Crafts provides classes throughout the year, or you can paint your own ceramic item and take it home with you.
A Troll in the Park is the creation of Ken and Neta Arensbak and sells handmade troll figurines made from natural materials. From seasonal options to trolls showcasing various hobbies and professions, this shop sells one of the area's more unique souvenir and gift options.
More Than a Candle has an exceptional selection of soy candles that provide a long-lasting fragrance and optimal burn time for greater overall performance. Choose from candles in a variety of sizes or check out the fragrance oils, wax warmers and handmade soaps.
Many more artisans and craftspeople offer interactive workshops. Be sure to visit your favorite shops to see what they have to offer.
When you finish with your Gatlinburg arts and crafts, you should try some local eateries. From coffee to pastries to local pubs and taverns, The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community has a restaurant or coffee shop to suit your group's tastes, including:
Looking for a place to stay while you explore Gatlinburg's crafts community? Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday is less than half an hour from downtown, making it the perfect place to stay as you take in everything the city offers.
The campground itself also offers fun activities to explore, such as a pool, disc golf course and outdoor movie cinema. Whether you book a Tent Site, Deluxe Cabin or RV Site, Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday is your destination for a vacation experience you won't find anywhere else. Book your stay at the campground today!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
