Good Sam Park of the Month: Clabough’s Campground
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Clabough’s Campground
In the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, Pigeon Forge keeps the old Appalachian spirit alive. On the eastern edge of town, Dollywood Theme Park dishes out rides and entertainment in a distinctly down-home environment, with a replica of Dolly Parton’s humble childhood home on display. The Old Mill on the West Prong Little Pigeon River—founded nearly 190 years ago—still grinds cornmeal for shoppers.
That wholesome vibe is alive and well at Clabough’s Campground, minutes away from some of the town’s top attractions. The four-season, highly-rated Good Sam Park sits right on US Route 321 on the banks of Waldens Creek, where guests can catch smallmouth bass and rainbow trout. The resort, dotted with ample shade trees, makes RVers feel welcome with two pools and a dog park. A lazy river winds through the campground as well. Tone up at the fitness center or savor spicy flavors at the snack shop, which sells Crazy Kickin’ Chicken Wings.
Photo Credit: Clabough’s Campground
Guests can take advantage of four bathhouses, free Wi-Fi, and three laundry rooms. Out of the park’s 320 sites, 290 have full hookups, many with 50-amp power. There are 70 pull-through sites, and folks can gather at the pavilion area with gas firepits. Each site has a table and a fire ring. Premium sites are on a concrete pad.
The central convenience store makes it easy to restock, and a basketball court, jumping pillow, and playground give kids a chance to burn off energy.
Photo Credit: Clabough’s Campground
Close to the park, a slew of attractions awaits. To the north, the Titanic Museum Attraction commemorates the infamous maritime disaster with a stunning replica of the vessel and exhibits of actual artifacts from the ship. In nearby Gatlinburg, Ober Gatlinburg amusement park and ski area and Anakeesta outdoor adventure park thrill visitors.
Clabough’s lies on the route of the Fun Time Trolley, which takes riders to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.
National Park: Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles Tennessee and North Carolina with a bounty of natural beauty and historical lore. Wildsam Field Guides explores the Purple High Country.
Photo Credit: Wild Sam Field Guides – Check out the book at WildSam.com
Road Trip
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a twisty loop through Smokies splendor, from a historic homestead to Grotto Falls, the only waterfall in the park you can walk behind. Come spring, watch for Trillium Gap Trail’s namesake wildflowers. The road ends at the Place of a Thousand Dips, a beautiful array of small waterfalls.
Mountain Lodge
In 1927, the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club’s simple message was: “GO TO LECONTE!” The highest guest lodge in the US provides ample motivation. Just beneath Mount LeConte’s summit, it’s a world of rustic cabins, weathered wood, kerosene lamps, and warm wool blankets. Check Twitter for late-breaking spots.
Forest Stop
It’s humbling to stand among Albright Grove’s ancient trees: the massive sugar maples, tulip trees, and hemlocks represent some of the last old-growth forests in the Appalachians, many standing since before Europeans set foot on this continent. A small spur trail leads to a tulip poplar 25 feet in diameter.
John Sullaway
John Sullaway has worked for years as a writer and editor for outdoor publications, including RV Business, Highways, and the 2025 North American Campground Guide. A SoCal native, John enjoys spending time with his family, three dogs, and a feral cat that occasionally drops in.
