Townsend, TN
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort
On the peaceful side of the Smokies in Townsend, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort mixes luxury glamping tents, tiny homes, Airstreams, and cabins along the Little River. The…
Smoky Mountains · Tennessee
Private campsites & glamping in Townsend, TN
Townsend calls itself the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, and it earns it: no Parkway neon, just the Little River, tubing outfitters, and the Cades Cove entrance 9 miles away. Glamping here leans full-service — resorts with pools, hot tubs, river access, and activities calendars — making it the Smokies' easiest family glamping base.
Practical notes: Cades Cove's 11-mile loop is the area's star attraction; go at sunrise on weekdays to beat the traffic, and Wednesdays in summer are car-free for bikes. The Little River is perfect for tubing — outfitters cluster along Highway 73.
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1 stays in Townsend
Questions, answered
Camping in Townsend: FAQs
How far is Townsend from Cades Cove?
About 9 miles to the Cades Cove entrance — roughly 20 minutes. It's the closest town to the Cove, which is why wildlife watchers base here.
Can you tube the Little River in Townsend?
Yes — several outfitters rent tubes for floats through town, typically Memorial Day through Labor Day depending on water levels. It's a classic Townsend afternoon.
Is Townsend good for families?
Excellent. The glamping resorts here are built for families: pools, playgrounds, planned activities, and gentle river access. Cades Cove adds easy wildlife viewing kids love.
What does 'Peaceful Side of the Smokies' mean?
It's Townsend's nickname — the town skipped the amusement-park development of Pigeon Forge, keeping a quiet, river-town feel right at the park boundary.
Are Townsend glamping resorts open year-round?
Little Arrow and most Townsend resorts operate year-round, with heated units and hot tubs making winter stays cozy. The pool season runs roughly May to September.