We just got back from our first trip to the KOA Holiday Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, TN, and we couldn’t wait to share our review with you! This was our first time staying at a KOA property, so we weren’t sure what to expect. But if you’re the type of glamper (like we are) that pretty much wants the amenities of a hotel, but while staying in your RV or travel trailer, then this place is for you!
The campground is easily situated right off the main drag between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg – so you’re super close to everything this mountain town has to offer! Check in was seamless – we arrived and pulled into one of the two check in lanes. Once you’ve checked in, one of the staff guides you in a golf cart to your site. All of the sites we saw were level and paved (some were pull through and some were back in).
We chose a site close to the river, near the back of the property. This is also where tents are able to camp. It’s the furthest away from the KOA pool and playground, but everything was easily walkable.
Our site had a full hook up (including cable, which we think is just the pinnacle of glamping!). There’s also a strong WiFi signal. There were two bath and shower facilities within the site – plenty of showers open every time we checked, and the bathrooms were super clean (and air conditioned!).
We chose a Deluxe campsite, which is the top tier in terms of pricing for the available sites here. Each Deluxe site has an outdoor firepit, table with chairs and a full hookup.
The campground itself has some really fun things for the kids to do – a Jumping Pillow, a pool, an inflatable water slide, playground, GaGa ball pit, basketball court, pet parks and much more! This is a super family friendly place with lots of kids around.
The KOA staff also hosts family-friendly events throughout the day, like T-shirt tie-dying, rock painting, movie night and campfires with s’mores. The staff prints out a schedule for the week, and it’s available in the General Store.
The KOA Pigeon Forge/Gatlingburg has a camp store with souvenirs (our kids are suckers for souvenirs!), basic groceries, ice, and RV supplies. The campground staff will deliver ice and firewood right to your campsite. There’s also a laundry facility on the premises, as well as pet wash stations.
Probably our most favorite find of our trip was the fact that the KOA Pigeon Forge is adjacent to Patriot Park, which includes a giant field and 1/2 mile walking loop. Just beyond that is the trolley station, which for .50 will take you all around town. There are also several cute restaurants and shops. There’s a walking path between the KOA and Patriot Park, so it’s easy to just hop over there and start exploring!
We spent a day at Dollywood and a day whitewater rafting (about an hour drive away), but there’s so much more we could’ve done if we’d had more time. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, zip lines, exploring Gatlinburg, etc. We’ll just have to make another trip!
The KOA Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a RV resort with all the comforts of a hotel while camping. The staff were incredible, the grounds were well-kept and the location is close to everything you’d want to do in the Smoky Mountains! We’d definitely recommend this for your next camping trip.
Until next time!