Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg Camping
Nestled on the edge of the picturesque Smoky Mountains, Adventure Bound Campground is only 12 miles from the quaint and lively mountain community of Gatlinburg. Considered to be the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is known both for its modern comforts and one-of-a-kind attractions, as well as its setting in one of the last areas of unspoiled wilderness in the eastern United States.
Gatlinburg is just two miles long and five miles wide, so locals and visitors alike often hit the streets on foot or by hopping on one of the city’s convenient 50 cent trolley cars. Although only 3,500 people call Gatlinburg home, its small-town streets are lined with a rich and exciting array of distinctive shops, restaurants and attractions numbering in the hundreds.
The bustling Downtown Parkway runs from one end of town to the other and offers a hub of walking-friendly stores and attractions. Nearby Serene River Road weaves a bench-and-gazebo-dotted path along the peaceful Pigeon River, a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or quiet stroll. Only a few minutes away, over ninety artisans and craftspeople color an eight-mile loop known as the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where they share their wares and techniques with passersby. It’s no surprise that many visitors feel they can spend all day perusing these unique works of art and chatting with local craftspeople. Gatlinburg’s Arts and Crafts Community is the largest gathering of its kind in all of North America!
When it comes to having fun, Gatlinburg is a great place to be. The town is home to an impressive number of family attractions, loads of entertainment and some of the best opportunities for outdoor excursions in the world. No matter the time of year—Gatlinburg and Adventure Bound are busy with fun things to do all four seasons!
Visitors to Sevier County are often surprised by how many large-scale and action-packed attractions Gatlinburg has to offer. The town is home to a slew of Ripley’s attractions including Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Ripley’s Davy Crockett Miniature Golf, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. The area also offers other fun-filled destinations such as the mind-boggling World of Illusions, Camp Thunder (an indoor adventure complete with a movie simulator and an 18-hole, Smoky Mountain-themed miniature golf course), the Mysterious Museum and the Hollywood Stars Car Museum. Of course, nothing compares to the original musical comedies at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater (now in its 30th year!)—a top Gatlinburg attraction that serves up two hours of hilarious evening entertainment six days a week.
Enjoying the great outdoors is made fun and easy when you stay at Adventure Bound. There are so many exciting attractions nearby; the most difficult thing will be deciding what to do! Whether the mood strikes to brave the white waters of the mountains with Rafting in the Smokies, take in spectacular views aboard America's largest aerial tramway or see the sights of the city and the Great Smokies from a chairlift ride, Gatlinburg is ready to show its visitors a great time.
Of course, Gatlinburg’s most notable attraction is the Great Smoky Mountains themselves. In the Eastern United States, not only are the Smokies the largest deciduous forest wilderness area, they are also the highest mountain range. The national park offers more than 800 square miles of breathtaking forest, water and wildlife where visitors can hike, camp, swim or simply enjoy an afternoon picnic. Sugarlands Visitor Center, which offers park tours, information, and materials, is located a mere two miles from Downtown Gatlinburg.
There are dozens of other opportunities for day trips and longer excursions in Sevier County and around the Smokies. Beautiful outdoor loops and lookouts like Cades Cove and Newfound Gap are within easy driving distance, as are nearby cities like Asheville, North Carolina, and Pigeon Forge—home to the famous Dollywood theme park and Dixie Stampede.
All of this activity is bound to cause some tummies to rumble. Whether day or night, Gatlinburg boasts a wide variety of delicious dining options to please nearly any palate. From familiar chain fare and kid-friendly food to eclectic dishes, upscale delights and dependable local favorites, Gatlinburg offers an impressive list of over 100 restaurants to choose from. Join friends for a piping hot pancake breakfast at one of Gatlinburg’s riverside restaurants, grab a sandwich to-go for a quick lunch or treat yourself to mouth-watering prime rib for a rustic, candle-lit dinner for two. Tasty treats from locally owned coffee nooks, dessert shops and the occasional candy store are always a delight for Gatlinburg visitors of all ages—and when you’re in the mountains dress is always casual, no matter how elegant the fare!
