When travelers think of Sevierville, Tennessee, they likely think of the tourist town that Sevierville is today. However, this Appalachian town has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows Native American occupation of Eastern Tennessee in the area. By the 16th century, the Cherokee had become the most populous tribe in present-day Sevierville. Sevierville is the seat of Sevier County and was named after the first governor of Tennessee.
Although it's the largest city in Sevier County presently, just two centuries ago, Sevierville was little more than a rural small town. Originally, Sevierville was a trading post with one church, two mills, and a courthouse. People who were moving westward would stop there before moving on. However, as the town was settled, Sevierville became increasingly important where trade was concerned.
Today, Sevierville might be considered the gateway to the Smokies as it's often the first city tourists enter while visiting the Smoky Mountains. Sevierville is filled with museums, theme parks, a cavern system, and multiple other family-friendly attractions. Sevierville is just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Cherokee, North Carolina, and the town holds a special place in country music history as the birthplace of legendary icon Dolly Parton.
Campgrounds Near Sevierville, Tennessee
Foothills RV Park and Cabins offers RV travelers sites with full hookups, access to Wi-Fi, concrete patios, and more. On-site amenities include fire rings, a heated pool, picnic tables, and even cable television access. There are 33 campsites available, and daily rates start at $40. There are also showers and a laundry service. Pets are allowed at the facility as well.
Another campground that offers a wealth of amenities is Pine Mountain RV Park. Not only is this site nestled in a beautiful forested area, but they also offer an on-site store. Fishing, horseback riding, and picnicking are just a few of the activities that may be enjoyed at Pine Mountain RV Park. Nightly rates start at just $35 per day. Other amenities include full hookups, showers, and a pool. Pets are welcome, and Wi-Fi and cable television access are provided.
At Arrow Creek Campground in nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee, family entertainment is a major draw for RVers. The campground offers laundry services, a pool, and a game room. Pets are allowed here as well. A playground is also available as well as cable and Wi-Fi access.
State Parks Near Sevierville, Tennessee
The Panther Creek State Park is just outside Sevierville, offering visitors 1,400 acres of gorgeous outdoor scenery. The park offers 17 hiking trails, and visitors may take part in horseback riding opportunities as well as mountain biking on the trails. Fishing is another fun activity at the Panther Creek State Park, where anglers may try their luck at catching bass, catfish, and bluegill as well as other species of fish. If you'd like to stay overnight, the campground at the park offers electric hookups and Wi-Fi is available on site. You'll also find showers and flush toilets available.
Those who truly want to appreciate the beauty of the Appalachian Mountain range will enjoy Big Ridge State Park, where narrow ridges are complimented by stream valleys. There's also a lake with a sandy beach for swimming. The park is situated on the Norris Reservoir and is just outside the towns of Maynardville and Alder Springs. The park offers overnight campsites with water and electricity hookups as well as sewer hookups. Other amenities at the park include a dumping station and modern restrooms with hot showers. The park is also pet-friendly.
Norris Dam State Park was established as a part of the Tennessee Valley Authority dam development. The dam was constructed in the 1930s while the reservoir wasn't developed until 1956. By the 1970s, the camping area had been developed. The Norris Dam park today contains a marina, a boat ramp, and numerous hiking trails. The campsites offer both water and electricity hookups, and you'll also find a dumping station but no sewer hookups. Pets are welcome at the park.
National Sites Near Sevierville, Tennessee
The Foothills Parkway was created in 1944 when a call for a road through the Great Smoky Mountain Park caused Congress to act in 1944. Ironically, the road is still not completed, making it the only highway in the Great Smoky Mountain Park that is not finished. Because of this unique characteristic, many locals refer to it as "the missing link." This site offers the ability to go hiking or walking along numerous trails, and the Tuckaleechee Caverns beckons visitors for exploration. There is no fee for RVers to park overnight at the Foothills Parkway.
Another notable national site near Sevierville is the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Visitors typically visit the park to see where the Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia borders meet and to view the gorgeous sandstone formations. Other draws to the park include excellent hiking and the abundance of wildlife for observation. While RVs are welcome in the park, visitors looking to camp will need to utilize nearby campsites for an overnight stay.
Located in Greeneville, Tennessee, you'll find the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. This site features both of President Johnson's homes as well as his gravesite. Johnson was the vice president under Abraham Lincoln, and he became the 17th president upon Lincoln's assassination. During your visit, you can take a free guided tour of the Johnson site, and there are numerous hiking trails near the area.
National Forests Near Sevierville, Tennessee
Nantahala National Forest is just over the North Carolina and Tennessee state line near the town of Franklin, North Carolina and is easily accessed by simply driving through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In fact, driving through this national forest is typically what visitors to the area do. However, there are many hiking trails to explore too. Fishing, geocaching, and stargazing are also fun activities at this park. You'll find lots of waterfalls within the forest, including Whitewater Falls, which spans over 800 feet.
The Pisgah National Forest is also located just a short distance away in North Carolina. The forest is notable because it was part of the first land in the eastern United States purchased exclusively for the purpose of creating a national forest preserve. Pisgah is also notable for the equestrian camps there. In addition to horseback riding, visitors to the Pisgah National Forest may enjoy hiking, swimming, and wildlife observation. Geocaching is also popular in the forest.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is located in Georgia, and it's just a quick trip from Sevierville. While campers will enjoy the hiking trails, biking, and wildlife observation, water sports are the chief draw to this particular national forest. Camping is another popular activity here, and RVers will enjoy having full hookups and modern bathrooms with hot showers. Pets are welcome at the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Keep an eye out during your visit to spot some of the animals that call the forest home, including beavers, bears, bats, river otters, and coyotes.
