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Pigeon Forge is full of dinner theaters, shopping spots, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park. You can find log cabin rentals littering the hills, but they can be extremely expensive.
However, if you can bring your RV with you, you’ll find one of the bright yellow KOA signs in Pigeon Forge. So should you stay at the KOA in Pigeon Forge, TN? Let’s look and see.
Why Is Pigeon Forge Popular?
Pigeon Forge has hundreds of specialty stores and factory outlets, more music theaters than you can count, and Dolly Parton’s famous Dollywood. However, it’s not just the variety of attractions that point to the popularity of Pigeon Forge.
Its location makes it within driving distances of major cities like Nashville, Tenn., Atlanta, Ga., and Charlotte, N.C.
Whether you want a quick weekend getaway or a week-long family vacation, Pigeon Forge offers something for just about everyone and provides some spectacular views.
Which Is Better, to Stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
The towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are approximately 5 miles apart. However, choosing where to stay can severely impact your trip.
This area can have horrendous traffic on weekends, holidays, or anytime during the warmer months. Staying in the wrong place can leave you spending more time than you’d like sitting in traffic.
If you plan to spend most of your time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or venture into the North Carolina side, consider staying in Gatlinburg. This can help ensure you get to spend more time in the park and hit the trails early.
Pro Tip: Here’s how to plan your RV trip to the Great Smoky Mountains.
On the other hand, if you plan to spend your time at Dollywood or many of the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge, don’t stay in Gatlinburg.
There’s so much to see and do in this area that you can’t possibly do it in a single trip. Stay in Gatlinburg and explore the national park and wildlife on one trip.
Stay in Pigeon Forge to explore the shops, dinner theaters, and amusement parks on another trip. Which order you do them in greatly depends on your preferred adventure style.
Should You Stay at the KOA in Pigeon Forge, TN?
With over 500 locations across North America, it may not surprise you to find a KOA in Pigeon Forge. The campground is a short five to ten-minute drive to Dollywood and a 20 to 30-minute drive to the national park.
Many campers love the proximity to the many tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping centers along the strip in Pigeon Forge. You can stay right in the thick of the hustle and bustle.
Campsites
They have various options if you want to snag a site at KOA Pigeon Forge.
You’ll find a variety of back-in and pull-thru spots and some with sewer connections and chimineas. And deluxe campsites have patios and waterfront views.
However, you shouldn’t come expecting a large spacious spot. Most KOAs don’t have much room between campsites.
Many of the sites here are close together. However, what the park lacks in space, they make up for in amenities.
Amenities
Campers often love KOAs due to their amenities. KOA Pigeon Forge doesn’t disappoint in this area. You’ll find a lazy river, playground, and a large trampoline jumping area.
Many of the amenities cater to kids, but it also has a spa and pet area for everyone to enjoy. During the summer, you’ll likely find more activities and outdoor games for everyone too.
Best Features
One of the best features of this park is its proximity to Dollywood. If you come to this area, you may not spend much time in the campground.
The KOA Pigeon Forge can serve as a great resting spot for you to regroup and head back out for fun at the theme park, national park, or shopping centers.
However, families love the KOA’s swimming pool and playground. The heated pool stays open year-round, which can add some fun for those late fall and spring camping trips.
How Much Is KOA Per Night?
Prices at KOA Pigeon Forge range from $50 to $135 a night. Prices vary based on the season. You’ll find the best rates during the winter.
However, early spring and late fall see a minimal increase in price. If you plan to come during the peak season, expect to pay at least $75 to $80 for a site.
Pro Tip: Before you settle on staying at KOA Pigeon Forge, read the top regrets of staying at a KOA RV park.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Pigeon Forge?
One of the best times to visit Pigeon Forge is in the fall. Kids go back to school by this time of year, and families don’t take as many vacations. If you can plan your trip during the week, you can avoid even more crowds.
You’ll also often see campsites switch to their winter rates around the start of November. So if you visit at the very beginning of November, you can avoid the crowds, not have neighbors, and still get to see some of the beautiful leaves changing colors.
Is the KOA Pigeon Forge Worth It?
KOA Pigeon Forge is an excellent location amid an area packed with tourist activities. You’ll have plenty to do in and around the area that will keep everyone busy.
However, KOA Pigeon Forge isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s just one of the many RV parks in the area, and many feel you can find better, more budget-friendly options.
In nice weather, you can enjoy the pool and outdoor games. If you just want a place to park to sleep while you enjoy the area, you may consider other options.
Do you spend a lot of time camping in KOA parks?
