5 Ways Camping in the Smoky Mountains Saves You Money on Your Trip

Posted

April 18, 2023

When the weather warms up in the Smokies, you will want to spend as much time as possible outside soaking in the natural beauty. Instead of just spending a few hours outdoors hiking or walking the Parkway, why not spend your entire vacation among nature? For your next trip to the Smokies, you can stay at one of the amazing campgrounds in the area instead of opting for a hotel room or a cabin. In addition to being among nature, camping can actually put extra money back in your pocket. Here are 5 ways camping in the Smoky Mountains saves you money on your trip:

1. Save on Lodging

It’s no secret that the most expensive part of any vacation is lodging. While you can find some incredible Smoky Mountain cabin specials, the chances are that a hotel or cabin will cost you more than a camping trip. The best thing about a camping trip is you bring your own lodging in most cases, whether that’s in the form of an RV or a tent. That is why it’s so much cheaper because all you have to pay for is the spot to set up camp. Therefore, camping is the perfect choice for those who are looking to save a few bucks to spend on other areas of your vacation.

2. Free Amenities

Cornhole game on the grass You can’t get much more affordable than free! When you decide to go camping in the Smoky Mountains, you can enjoy all sorts of fantastic campground amenities that are included in the price of your stay. While different campgrounds have various things to offer, the opportunities are endless. You can find a campground in the middle of Pigeon Forge that has an outdoor pool for the kids or you can find a more secluded spot that features outdoor recreation equipment such as horseshoes and cornhole. Either way you go, you can spend some quality time with your family and friends while also saving money along the way!

3. Pet-Friendly Accommodations

A family trip to the Smokies isn’t complete without your furry friend. Pets are important to us, which is why it means so much to bring them along on vacation. While there are some pet-friendly cabins in the area, many of them will charge you an extra fee for housing your four-legged friend. On the contrary, you can bring your dog with you to most campgrounds in the Smokies and there is no extra charge. Instead of dealing with the hassle of finding a pet sitter while you are away, just bring your dog with you camping so they can enjoy the great outdoors and make new friends!

4. Cheaper Food

close up view of a s'more with the background of a campfire One of the biggest expenses while on vacation comes from food. When you are staying in a local hotel, there isn’t much space to cook meals, which forces your group to eat out more. As you know, the bill at restaurants can add up in a hurry. However, when you are camping, you can take advantage of outdoor grills or even a campfire to cook affordable meals your family will love. On your way into town, you can pick up supplies at a local supermarket to make everything from burgers and hot dogs to s’mores for dessert. Not only is this a cheaper alternative, but you will also make wonderful memories with your family by having meals around the campfire.

5. Outdoor Activities

When you stay in a hotel or cabin, you can be just minutes away from some of the top attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. While these spots are great for family fun, they can also be pricey. On the other hand, campgrounds are often placed in more secluded areas, and in many cases close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The good news is that there are a ton of free activities to enjoy inside the national park, including over 850 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and so much more! While you are enjoying the natural beauty of the park, be on the lookout because you never know when you might catch a glimpse of a Smoky Mountain black bear!

The next time you are planning a family vacation, mix things up and go camping in the Smoky Mountains! You can explore all the amazing campgrounds in the Smokies to find the perfect one for your next adventure! Whether you decide on tent camping or staying in an RV, you will be in for a relaxing trip. We look forward to seeing you soon!