16 Best Places to Visit on Your 2023 Gatlinburg Area RV Vacation

16 Best Places to Visit on Your 2023 Gatlinburg Area RV Vacation

If you're looking for an amazing RV vacation destination, look no further than the Gatlinburg area! There are tons of great places to visit in this beautiful corner of Tennessee, and we've put together a list of our 16 favorites.

1. Plan your Gatlinburg area RV vacation around one of the many annual events held in the Gatlinburg area.

There is always something happening in Gatlinburg, whether it's a major event or just a local celebration. If you're looking to plan your trip around an event, here are some of the biggest and most popular ones.

The spring is a great time to visit Gatlinburg, as there are several events happening then. The Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair is a major event that takes place in late April or early May each year. This fair is one of the biggest craft shows in the country, and features hundreds of artisans from all over displaying their work.

Another popular event in the spring is the Rhododendron Festival. This festival celebrates the blooming of the rhododendron flowers, which happens in early May in the Smoky Mountains. There are arts and crafts shows, music performances, and even a parade during the Rhododendron Festival.

If you're looking for a summer event, the Gatlinburg Tumbleweed Festival is a great choice. This festival is held in early August and celebrates the western culture of the United States. There are country music concerts, a rodeo, and even a pancake breakfast during the Tumbleweed Festival.

The most popular event in Gatlinburg is the Smoky Mountain Christmas. This event takes place every December and features Christmas shows, concerts, and attractions. There is also a large parade that takes place during the Smoky Mountain Christmas.

2. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

I would highly recommend visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you're looking for some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The park is home to lush forests, rushing rivers, and stunning mountain views. There's something for everyone in the park, so be sure to check out all of its attractions. You won't be disappointed!

3. Head to downtown Gatlinburg for shopping, dining, and fun attractions.

The heart of Gatlinburg is its downtown district, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and attractions galore. Start your shopping spree at the Great Smoky Mountain Knife Works, where you can find practically any kind of knife you could imagine. Then head to the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop, where you'll find handmade arts and crafts from local artisans.

When you're hungry, Gatlinburg has plenty of options to choose from. If you're in the mood for Southern cuisine, head to the Pancake Pantry for a stack of fluffy pancakes. If you're looking for something a little more exotic, check out the Indian Curry House for a delicious curry dish.

Finish your day in Gatlinburg by visiting one of its famous amusement parks. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-see, with its many fish and aquatic creatures. If you're looking for a thrill, head to the Gatlinburg Sky Lift for a ride to the top of the mountain.

4. Drive to Pigeon Forge for more shopping, attractions, and family fun.

After a day of shopping and sightseeing in Gatlinburg, we drove the short distance to Pigeon Forge, where we planned to spend the rest of our vacation. Pigeon Forge is a larger town with more shopping and attractions, including Dollywood, a theme park based on the life of Dolly Parton. We spent a full day at the park, enjoying the rides, shows, and food. We also visited the Titanic Museum, which was very interesting. Our last stop in Pigeon Forge was the WonderWorks Science Museum, where we spent several hours exploring the exhibits. We had a great time in Pigeon Forge and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun family vacation.

5. Take a scenic drive to the top of Clingmans Dome for some of the best views in the park.

Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome is one of the most popular destinations in the park. At 6,643 feet, it is the highest point in the park and offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

The drive to the top of Clingmans Dome is a scenic one, with winding roads and beautiful views of the park. There is a small parking lot at the top, and it can often be crowded, so be prepared to park and hike a short distance to the summit.

The views from Clingmans Dome are some of the best in the park. On a clear day, you can see for miles in all directions, and the summit is a great place to watch the sun set or the stars come out.

6. Hike one of the many trails in the national park.

The national park offers many different trails for hikers of all skill levels. Whether you're looking for a easy, paved path or a more challenging route through the woods, you'll be able to find something to fit your needs. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Enjoy the beauty of the park as you hike through the trails!

7. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a beautiful spot in Great Smoky Mtn. National Park.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place to visit, and what better way to enjoy it than with a picnic lunch? There are plenty of scenic spots to choose from, so find one that looks especially inviting and spread out your lunch. Make sure to take in the sights and sounds of the park while you eat – it's a truly peaceful experience.

8. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around with River Johns Outfitters in the Gatlinburg area.

If you're looking for a way to enjoy the beauty of the Gatlinburg area waterways, rent a canoe or kayak from River Johns Outfitters. You can paddle along the Little Pigeon River, the Raven Fork, or the Gatlinburg Bypass Canal. The staff at River Johns Outfitters can give you some tips on the best routes to take, and they can also provide you with all the necessary paddling gear.

9. Go tubing or rafting down a scenic Gatlinburg area river with Deep Creek Tube Center.

If you're looking for a fun and exciting way to spend a day in Gatlinburg, tubing or rafting down one of the area's scenic rivers is a great option. One of the best places to do this is at the Deep Creek Tube Center. Here, you can choose from a range of different float trips, ranging from easy to challenging. You can also choose from a variety of different rafts and tubes, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. The staff at the Deep Creek Tube Center are experienced and knowledgeable and will be happy to help you choose the perfect trip and equipment for your needs.

10. Take a scenic drive along the Newfound Gap Road.

If you're looking for an unforgettable scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains, look no further than the Newfound Gap Road. This winding mountain road takes you along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, providing stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Be sure to stop at the Newfound Gap overlook for the best views of the mountains and the rolling fields below.

11. Visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village for a glimpse into Cherokee culture.

North Carolina's Cherokee Nation is the largest of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes in the United States. The Cherokee Nation has more than 350,000 citizens, most of whom live in Oklahoma. But North Carolina is home to the Oconaluftee Indian Village, which gives visitors a glimpse into Cherokee culture.

The Oconaluftee Indian Village is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was established in 1934 to help preserve Cherokee culture. The village features a museum, a traditional Cherokee village, and a cultural center.

The museum tells the story of the Cherokee people from their prehistoric origins to the present day. The traditional Cherokee village shows how the Cherokee lived before they were forced to relocate to Oklahoma. The cultural center offers demonstrations of traditional Cherokee arts and crafts.

The Oconaluftee Indian Village is a great place to learn about Cherokee culture. It's also a beautiful place to visit, with stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

12. Find Great RV Campgrounds in the Gatlinburg area.

One of the great things about the Gatlinburg area is the number of great RV campgrounds available. Whether you are looking for a place to stay for a night or a week, you can find a campground that meets your needs.

Some of the best RV campgrounds in the area include Smoky Bear Campgrounds, Elk Springs Resort, and Covered Bridge RV Resort. Smoky Bear Campgrounds is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action. The campground is located just a few minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, and you can easily walk to all the great shops and restaurants.

Elk Springs Resort is a great option if you are looking for a campground with more amenities. The resort has a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a playground for the kids. It is also located just a few minutes from downtown Gatlinburg.

If you are looking for a campground with a more rustic feel, Covered Bridge RV Resort is a great option. The resort is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the mountains from your RV.

13. Explore Dollywood and discover Dolly's dream.

Dollywood is a theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, founded by Dolly Parton. The park is themed around the culture and history of East Tennessee. Dollywood is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, with over 2.5 million visitors in 2021.

Parton's dream for Dollywood was to create a place where people could come to have fun and learn about her home region. The park features traditional folk music and crafts, as well as rides and attractions. Dollywood also has a water park, called Dollywood's Splash Country.

Dollywood is a great place to visit with family and friends. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

14. Sample Tennessee Moonshine at Old Smoky Distillery.

At Old Smoky Distillery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you can sample some of the best moonshine in the country. This family-owned business has been distilling moonshine since the 1970s, and their recipes have been passed down for generations.

Old Smoky Distillery offers free tours of their production facility, where you can see how they make their moonshine. You can also sample their moonshine in the tasting room, where they have a variety of flavors to choose from.

If you're looking for a taste of authentic Tennessee moonshine, then Old Smoky Distillery is the place to go.

15. Visit Rocky Top Alpine Mountain Coaster Pigeon Forge.

A visit to the Rocky Top Alpine Mountain Coaster is the perfect way to spend a summer day. This thrilling coaster winds its way through the woods, providing a fun and exciting ride for all ages. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking as you explore the park. Be sure to take a break and enjoy the views of the Smoky Mountains while you're there.

16. Take a Chondola ride with Anakeesta Mountain Sightseeing.

If you're looking for a unique and peaceful way to experience the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, take a chondola ride with Anakeesta Mountain Sightseeing. Anakeesta is a Cherokee word meaning “the land of the mist.” The chondola ride provides an up-close view of the lush forest and rolling hills of the Smoky Mountains. As you ascend the mountain, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Tennessee Valley. Make sure to take a ride during the fall when the leaves are changing color!

In Conclusion:

We hope you've found our Gatlinburg area RV vacation experience inspiring. If you're planning a Gatlinburg vacation in the near future, we'd love to hear what you're planning or if you've been there recently then please share your highlights here.