Nearby Attractions for Everyone in Your Family

Exciting, family friendly attractions surround Big Meadow Family Campground

We want your stay with us to be memorable, we have several options in the campground including seasonal splashpad, cornhole and our very own Pirate Ship to allow you to have many hours of enjoyment. For even more fun be sure to check out the following links for fun filled opportunities within our beloved mountains.  River Rat Tubing is located next door to Big Meadow.

A woman walking down a trail in the woods.

Hiking Trails

Check out the local trails near the campground. There are over 800 miles to travel in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with panoramic views, and waterfalls to explore. Check out their website for trail information.

Horseback riding

Check out the peaceful views of the Great Smoky Mountains on the back of a well-trained horse. Visit Davey Crocket Riding Stables to schedule a trip with a good horse beneath you, blue sky above you and the fresh mountain air surrounding you.

A group of people riding horses in a wooded area.
A golf course in the mist with mountains in the background.

Golfing

Check out an experience all its own. Bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Laurel Lake Nature Preserve is a challenging 18-hole golf course. Call Laurel Valley at 865-738-3134 or see their website at laurelvalleytngolf.com.

Mountain Bike Trails

Vee Hollow Bike Trails is a 14-mile mountain Bike Trail network, free to all adventurous mountain bike trails. There are four distinct zones beginning with Green(beginner), Blue (intermediate), Black (advanced) and Double Black (expert) so everyone can find a trail with the desired level of difficulty tailored to them. Get in touch with Vee Hollow at 865-738-3753 for any questions. See their website at rideveehollow.com.

A person riding a bike through a forest.
A map showing the location of the trail.

Townsend Historical Trail

This trail is a walking bicycling trail located in our beautiful community. The Townsend Historical trail runs the length of town on both sides of US 321. It is a black topped trail that stretches 4.5 miles along side the highway. It is an excellent way to see our community.

The Heritage Museum is a great place to explore with inside and outside exhibits.  The museum offers special guided tours of Cades Cove.  These tours are led by a knowledgeable guide.

The Museum also has scheduled music each Friday night.

A view of a log cabin and a wooden walkway.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park logo
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Dollywood logo

Big Meadow is located two miles from The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

·       9 miles to Cades Cove
·       3 miles to Laurel Valley Golf Course
·       7 miles to the Foothills Parkway (most scenic view in the Smokies)
·       15 miles from Pigeon Forge
·       17 miles from Gatlinburg
·       28 miles to the Tail of The Dragon
·       Steps from fishing in Little River (stocked in season with Rainbow Trout)
·       2 blocks for the Townsend Visitor Center (several festivals May thru November)
·       3 blocks to The Heritage Museum
·       Bike trails along US321 in Townsend
·       1 mile to V Mountain Bike Trail

Jeep on the Dragon's Tail
Drone photo of the Dragon's Tail
Motorcycle on the Dragon's Tail
Drone photo of the Dragon's Tail

Looking for a more relaxed mountain adventure? Head to Cades Cove a stunning valley through the Great Smoky Mountains teeming with wildlife and history. You can also rent bikes and enjoy seven miles of trails through the city of Townsend.

River Rat Tubing

River Rat logo

River tubing is one of the most popular fun times here in Townsend.  Float down Little River, a clean mountain stream, for a relaxing float downstream. River Rat Tubing Tennesse is located next door to Big Meadow Campground.

Want to learn more about the history of Big Meadow and how we came to be neighbors of River Rat Tubing?

Make Your Reservation Today!

Come spend quality time with your family and ours on the quiet side of the Smokies.

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