Big Meadow Family Campground

Tennessee, a state blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, from the majestic peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the serene waters of its numerous lakes and rivers, offers an irresistible invitation for outdoor enthusiasts. For locals across the Volunteer State, finding that perfect escape to reconnect with nature and create lasting family memories is a cherished pursuit. Camping provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in these breathtaking landscapes, whether you prefer the comfort of a modern RV, the simplicity of a tent, or the convenience of a cabin. Among the many exceptional campgrounds nestled within this picturesque state, Big Meadow Family Campground in Townsend, TN, stands out as a premier destination, renowned for its pristine facilities and family-friendly atmosphere.

The allure of camping in Tennessee lies in its ability to offer a deeply enriching experience. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, breathing in the crisp, clean mountain air, and spending quality time with loved ones around a crackling campfire. The state's incredible biodiversity, particularly in the Great Smoky Mountains region, provides a stunning backdrop for all kinds of outdoor adventures, from exhilarating hikes to peaceful fishing excursions. Campgrounds often serve as the ideal launchpads for exploring these natural wonders, offering a convenient and comfortable base for your explorations.

Big Meadow Family Campground exemplifies the very best of modern camping. It has earned widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including being recognized as National Small Park of the Year multiple times by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, and consistently receiving "Travelers' Choice" awards from Tripadvisor. This recognition speaks volumes about their commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. The campground caters specifically to RVers, particularly those with "big rigs," providing spacious, paved sites designed for comfort and ease of access. However, its family-oriented amenities ensure that guests of all ages find something to enjoy, from splash pads for the kids to a dedicated dog park for furry companions.

Choosing a campground like Big Meadow Family Campground is a practical and rewarding decision for many Tennessee residents. It offers a premium camping experience without the feeling of being overcrowded, providing a serene environment that encourages relaxation and connection. The meticulously maintained facilities, coupled with the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, create an atmosphere where guests feel truly welcomed and cared for. This commitment to guest experience elevates Big Meadow beyond just a place to park your RV; it's a destination where memories are made and cherished.

In the following sections, we will delve into the specifics of what makes Big Meadow Family Campground such a highly regarded choice for your next Tennessee adventure. We'll cover its prime location and accessibility within Townsend, the comprehensive list of top-tier services it offers, its distinctive features and highlights, any potential special offers, and how you can easily get in touch to plan your memorable escape to the peaceful side of the Smokies. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview to help you determine if this award-winning Townsend, TN campground aligns perfectly with your vacation aspirations.

Big Meadow Family Campground is ideally situated at 8215 Cedar Creek Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA. This location places it firmly within the charming and tranquil town of Townsend, affectionately known as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies." This strategic positioning offers campers the best of both worlds: a serene and quiet natural environment, coupled with convenient and easy access to the world-renowned Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the vibrant attractions of the surrounding region.

The campground's accessibility is a significant advantage, particularly for those traveling with larger RVs. It boasts "easy in, easy out" pull-through sites on concrete pads, making arrivals and departures stress-free. The drive to Big Meadow is straightforward, ensuring that your vacation starts with ease.

A major highlight of its location is its exceptional proximity to Cades Cove, one of the most beloved and picturesque areas within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Reviewers consistently praise the "super easy 9-mile drive to Cades Cove," making it incredibly convenient for guests to experience the historic homes, wildlife viewing opportunities, and scenic loop road that Cades Cove offers. This direct and easy access to such a popular national park destination is a tremendous draw for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

While nestled on the "quiet side of the Smokies," Big Meadow Family Campground is still "close enough to get to where all the action is." This means that the entertainment, dining, and shopping of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are within a reasonable driving distance for a day trip, allowing campers to experience the lively tourist hubs when desired, before retreating to the peaceful ambiance of the campground. The balance between serene nature and accessible attractions makes Big Meadow Family Campground a highly desirable location for a diverse range of visitors to Tennessee.

Big Meadow Family Campground is celebrated for its top-of-the-line amenities and services, designed to provide a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable experience for all guests, particularly catering to RVers and families.

• Spacious RV Sites: Offers 78 full hookup campsites. These include "big rig friendly" pull-through concrete pads and patio sites, some 75'-80' long with 30/50 AMPs service, ensuring easy access and ample space. There are also large back-in sites, including some overlooking the river.

• Full Hookups: All RV sites provide essential connections for water, sewer, and electricity (30/50 AMPs).

• Climate-Controlled Bathhouse & Laundry Room: Guests rave about the "cleanest bath house EVER," noting its modern, spacious, and climate-controlled environment. The laundry room is also climate-controlled and coin-operated, available 24/7 with coded security.

• Free Wi-Fi Access & Cable TV: Available at all sites, allowing guests to stay connected and entertained. Reviews confirm Wi-Fi is generally "pretty good" and cable TV is provided with a "major channel line up."

• Fenced Dog Park: A dedicated and well-maintained area for furry friends to play leash-free, complete with free doggy bags and water.

• Propane Available: Convenient on-site access to propane for RVs and grills, offered at reasonable prices.

• Pavilion with Full Kitchen: A covered pavilion with a full kitchen is available free of charge for groups, requiring prior booking. This is a significant amenity for gatherings and events.

• Workout Room: For those who wish to maintain their fitness routine while traveling.

• RV Storage: Offers year-round RV storage options for campers who want to keep their rig safe and ready for their next adventure without transporting it home.

• General Store / RV Supply: A well-stocked camp store offering basic needs, RV accessories (like sewer hoses and coax cables), drinks, and ice cream treats.

• Portable Fire Pits: While not every site has a permanent fire pit, the campground loans out portable fire pits for a refundable $20 deposit, ensuring guests can still enjoy campfires.

These extensive services demonstrate Big Meadow Family Campground's dedication to providing a comfortable, well-equipped, and enjoyable experience for every visitor.

Big Meadow Family Campground is lauded for a multitude of features and highlights that consistently earn it high praise and repeat visits from campers. These attributes contribute to its reputation as "The BEST" by many.

• Immaculately Kept & Clean Facilities: This is arguably the most consistent highlight. Guests frequently praise the campground's overall cleanliness, with special mention for the "cleanest bath house EVER," described as "modern, spacious, climate controlled and super clean." This attention to hygiene significantly enhances the guest experience.

• Spacious Paved Sites: RV sites are notably spacious, paved, and often pull-through, making them "big rig friendly" and easy to navigate. Concrete pads and patios provide comfortable outdoor living spaces at each site.

• Family-Oriented Amenities: The campground offers excellent amenities for families, including a playground with a splash pad for kids to cool off and have fun, a large outdoor fire pit within a gazebo that seats 16-20 people, and a half-court basketball court.

• Fenced Dog Park: A dedicated and well-maintained dog park allows pets to run freely and safely, making it a truly pet-friendly destination.

• Exceptional Staff & Service: Numerous reviews commend the staff as "very friendly and accommodating." Their helpfulness, even in assisting with RV repairs, underscores a commitment to outstanding customer service.

• Prime Location (Quiet Side, Close to Action): Situated on the "quiet side of the Smokies," it offers a peaceful retreat. Yet, it's conveniently located just a 9-mile "super easy" drive to Cades Cove and a "close enough drive to get to where all the action is" in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

• Community Pavilion with Full Kitchen: This is a rare and valuable feature, providing a large covered space with a complete kitchen, ideal for group gatherings, family reunions, or community events.

• Award-Winning Recognition: The campground boasts multiple awards, including being named National Small Park of the Year and receiving Tripadvisor's "Travelers' Choice" award, indicating consistent excellence based on real traveler reviews.

• Portable Fire Pits Available: While not all sites have permanent fire pits, the option to borrow portable ones ensures that every guest can enjoy a campfire experience.

• RV Storage Options: A convenient service for those who want to store their RV year-round in the area.

Big Meadow Family Campground is known for offering a variety of promotions and special offers, making it an even more attractive option for campers seeking value in the Smoky Mountains region. They frequently run deals throughout the year, especially coinciding with holidays or specific seasons.

• 30th Anniversary Celebrations (2025): For 2025, Big Meadow is celebrating its 30th anniversary with ongoing special offers. Examples include paying for 2 nights at the regular price and receiving the 3rd night for $30.00. These "3rd night for $30" deals appear frequently throughout their 2025 itinerary, often tied to specific weeks or months.

• Jeep Freeze Out Special: In January, they have offered a special for Jeep Freeze Out, where paying for one night at the regular rate grants a second night for $30.00.

• Valentine's Day Special: A "Book 3 nights (2 at regular price, 3rd for $30.00)" offer has been noted for February.

• Partner Discounts with River Rat Tubing & Rafting: Guests of Big Meadow Campground receive exclusive discounts. This includes $7 OFF each Tubing Season Pass and $3 OFF each regularly-priced River Rat Whitewater Rafting Adventures and River Rat day Tubing Passes. Instructions for redeeming these discounts are provided upon arrival.

• Monthly Rates: Big Meadow offers competitive monthly rates for RV sites, although Premium Deluxe Sites and the months of September and October are typically excluded from these monthly rates.

• Special Event Activities: Throughout the year, coinciding with promotions, they organize special activities like "Bible school each morning" during July 4th celebrations, evening bingo with prizes, campfires with s'mores, and historical trivia questions. The 30th-anniversary celebration includes various themed events and activities with a retired schoolteacher helping to organize.

• Holiday Celebrations: Specific offers and activities are often planned around holidays like July 4th (with Townsend Fireworks nearby), Veterans Day, and Christmas (e.g., Big Meadow's Christmas tree lighting).

It is important to note that promotions can be seasonal and may have specific terms and conditions. For the most current and detailed information on available special offers, it is always best to check the official Big Meadow Family Campground website or contact them directly.

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, or any other questions about Big Meadow Family Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 8215 Cedar Creek Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

Phone: (865) 448-0625

Mobile Phone: +1 865-448-0625

Their general hours are typically 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. EST, but it's always recommended to confirm current operating hours by calling directly for the most up-to-date information. You can also visit their official website for more details and online booking options.

For Tennessee locals, Big Meadow Family Campground in Townsend offers an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended camping experience, serving as an ideal blend of peaceful retreat and accessible adventure. Its suitability for residents across the state, and particularly those in East Tennessee, is underscored by its award-winning status, family-centric amenities, and strategic location.

Firstly, the campground's impeccable cleanliness and meticulous upkeep are a major draw. Locals often seek out well-maintained facilities, and Big Meadow consistently delivers, with its "immaculately kept" grounds and "cleanest bath house EVER." This attention to detail ensures a comfortable and worry-free stay, allowing Tennessee residents to truly relax and enjoy their time outdoors without concerns about facility quality.

Secondly, Big Meadow’s dedication to family-friendly features makes it perfect for local families. The spacious paved sites accommodate larger RVs with ease, while amenities like the splash pad, playground, and fenced dog park cater to all members of the family, including furry ones. The pavilion with a full kitchen is a fantastic asset for larger family gatherings or community events, fostering a sense of togetherness that many local campers appreciate. This focus on providing comprehensive family amenities ensures that everyone, from young children to pets, has an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Furthermore, the campground's location on the "quiet side of the Smokies" provides a serene escape, yet its "super easy 9-mile drive to Cades Cove" and reasonable proximity to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg mean that popular attractions are readily accessible. This balance allows Tennessee locals to enjoy the tranquility of nature while still having the option to explore the vibrant entertainment and dining scenes of the larger tourist areas. The friendly and accommodating staff consistently praised in reviews further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel like part of the Big Meadow family.

In conclusion, Big Meadow Family Campground offers Tennessee locals an award-winning, comfortable, and amenity-rich basecamp for exploring the unparalleled beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Its commitment to quality, family-focused features, and prime location make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a truly exceptional and relaxing outdoor adventure right in their home state.