Riverbend Campground

Pigeon Forge campers will no doubt want to visit the beautiful Smoky Mountains National Park. This mammoth park covers thousands of acres of rugged mountains, valleys, and lush forests. The park's size and terrain make it ideal for hikers, with hundreds of miles of trails to explore, leading up mountains, past waterfalls, and near caves. One of the most popular hikes is an eight-mile roundtrip up Charles Bunion. This hike leads to the top of the mountain, affording sublime panoramas of the nearby mountains and valley below. If you'd prefer to relax, there are nearly 3,000 streams that are suitable for fishing, with catches that include trout and bass. While fishing, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including black bears, elk, and woodchucks. Another park worth visiting if you love wildlife is Seven Islands State Birding Park. This 400-acre park sits along the French Broad River and features a diverse environment, including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and more. This diversity makes it a popular spot for a variety of birds, with over 190 different species spotted in the park, including barn owls, tree swallows, and purple martins. A great way to see these birds is by following the park's eight-mile trail system. The French Broad River is also a favorite spot for anglers, and catches include bass, crappie, and bluegill. There are some gorgeous lakes around Pigeon Forge, and one of the best is located at Panther Creek State Park. This 1,400-acre state park consists mainly of dense forests surrounding the Cherokee Reservoir. This massive lake is perfect for a variety of watersports, including kayaking, boating, and fishing. Anglers will likely find rockfish, bream, and bass lurking in these waters. If you'd prefer to explore the park, there are over 30 miles of trails that range from easy to challenging. One of the most popular hikes is the Point Lookout Trail, which leads up some cliffs to over 1,400 feet above sea level, boasting breathtaking views of the nearby Cumberland Mountains and the Cherokee Reservoir below.