Are you ready for an adventure? Camping in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will provide the trip of a lifetime for families and couples. Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday is the perfect place when you need somewhere to stay for a weekend getaway camping trip in Gatlinburg. The KOA campground near the Great Smoky Mountains is only 17 miles from downtown, so there is easy access to nature's peacefulness and multiple fun and exciting attractions and entertainment. You and your family will have many opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime. Additionally, if you have a furry friend of any breed you'd like to bring along for your trip, you can! Our campsites are pet-friendly, so your entire family can stay together.
A Way to Stay for Everyone
Make the most of your vacation with our Gatlinburg East KOA Campground as your home base. You will have your choice of spacious RV Sites, Tent Sites and Deluxe Cabins. Our ways to stay provide an experience for every kind of camper, from those who prefer more comfort and glamping to guests who like traditional tent camping. Choose from campsites like:
Experience Exceptional Amenities
Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday is one of the top Gatlinburg campgrounds, known for impeccably clean facilities and warm, helpful staff. Situated on 16 landscaped acres, we offer several amenities to ensure adult and children campers have a variety of things to do and enjoy during their time at the campground. When you stay with us, check out:
Explore Gatlinburg
Our campground is the ideal place to stay while exploring all that Gatlinburg offers. With the campground's proximity to local attractions and activities, you have plenty to do. Check out locations like:
We currently offer the following activities:
Starts: 11/27/2025 - Ends: 11/30/2025
Join us at Gatlinburg East/Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday for our 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. As we give thanks for the great outdoors & each other - our team will provide the turkey, ham and dinnerware for a traditional Thanksgiving Feast. We're asking campers to bring a dish to share with others. On Friday, we'll also have pet pictures with Santa. On Saturday, join us for Campground Crafts, Bingo and Movie Night (FREE popcorn). We'll end the weekend with a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday morning. We promise good food, good friends and great camping this weekend!
Starts: 12/01/2025 - Ends: 12/15/2025
Letters to Santa at Gatlinburg East/Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday! $5 Includes Letter Writing Kit, Postage & Return Letter/Certificate from Santa.
Pick up your Letter to Santa Kit in the General Store. This wish list for Santa is a fun Christmas tradition that not only kids, but also other family members can fill out. Once finished, drop it in our special Express To Santa Mail Box. Be sure to put the correct return address so that Santa can write back! You can also check out the wishes on your children's and loved one's list. Just pop by the front desk and request the letter.
Your loved one will receive a personalized letter from the desk of Santa Claus, and an official North Pole nice list certificate, in a bright red envelope via Special Delivery.