The Happiness Function

If you like RV camping next to the crystal-clear Little River, staying in tiny homes on the mountainside, or glamping in luxury tents, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend, Tennessee, is for you.

Nestled next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the US, Little Arrow is the perfect place to base your Smoky Mountain adventure. It’s one of the best campgrounds in Townsend, Tennessee.

We’ve been dreaming of visiting the Smokies, so when the Smoky Mountain Development and Tourism Authority invited my husband and me to visit for a hosted stay, we jumped at the chance to experience three days in Townsend, Tennessee, and the surrounding area. All opinions are our own.

A Variety of Outdoorsy Accommodations

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort boasts a unique variety of accommodations. Its grounds offer RV, tent, and pop-up camping sites. Visitors can also stay in cabins, luxury glamping tents, tiny homes, and vacation homes or rent and sleep in one of two trendy Airstreams.

1. Upgrade Your Weekend With Luxury Glamping

Ashlee & Pablo at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.

Level up your camping adventure and try glamping in one of Little Arrow’s luxury glamping tents. If you’ve never gone glamping before — it’s wonderful, and this is the place to try it. My husband and I stayed three nights in a luxury glamping tent during the spring and were wowed when we walked inside for the first time.

These are different from your typical hunting tent setups. At Little Arrow, they put a spin on luxury. Each glamping tent has a huge deck, mini kitchen, TV, table to sit at, comfortable beds, and a fabulous bathroom. And, of course, there is hot water, a flushing toilet, and electricity. They even provide mini air conditioners, heaters, and heated blankets to make the space comfortable.

You’ll feel like you’re staying in a fancy cabin in the woods wrapped in canvas. The resort had me hooked when they said there was a heating blanket on the bed. This is my kind of place—one that thinks of all the fine details to make your stay feel like home.

Tour the inside here (link to Instagram Reel).

2. Park Your Rig at RV Sites by the Little River

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort / Ashlee standing next to Bigfoot.

The resort also has 76 full hook-up RV sites with 50-amp electricity. Each site has a fire ring and easy access to the beautiful Little River. A few campsites are directly on the riverbanks and have covered decks. Every site is perfectly manicured and well-kept.

Don’t forget to bring fishing rods.

3. Relax at Shaded Tent Camping and Pop-Up Sites

Shaded by the lush oaks and pines, if you’re not pulling an RV, Little Arrow also has tent sites. Campsites for tents include water and electricity with a paved patio and a fire ring. In addition, there is a nice bathhouse and laundry room facility onsite.

4. Stay In Cozy Cabins, Tiny Homes, and Vacation Homes

Suppose camping or glamping isn’t your thing, no worries. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort has the perfect space for literally anyone. Visitors can rent cabins, tiny homes, or larger vacation homes. Each space is lovely and perfectly designed. So, you’ll truly be able to kick back, relax, and enjoy the many reasons to visit the Smoky Mountains.

5. Experience the Fantastic On-Site Amenities

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort Pool.

The resort has a gift shop, pavilion, hiking trails, coffee lounge, sports courts, playground, and beautiful rustic accommodations. Be sure to catch some sun at the gorgeous zero-entry pool. It’s amazing. There is a hot tub and even a cold plunge pool to soak in after the day’s adventures.

If you enjoy hiking, make time to find “Big Burt.” It’s the resident bigfoot carving on the trail behind the cabins. You’ll see the fine folks at Little Arrow appreciate the magic of Bigfoot in Southern Appalachia.

You can grab a bite to eat at the weekly food trucks, too. 

6. Yes, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort Is Dog-Friendly

For all the dog lovers like me, you can bring your pet on this Smoky Mountain adventure. There is a dog park for those traveling with their furry companions. In addition, Little Arrow offers pet-friendly accommodations for specific properties, including campsites and more.

7. Social Distancing With Digital Check-In

Here, they make checking in and checking out super easy and safe. Everything is done digitally, and there is only housekeeping if you request something specific. This keeps interactions with people outside of your party to a minimum.

8. Plan a Wedding at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort does host weddings. “Little Arrow is as close as you can get to the Smokies without being on national park property,” says Cassie Halley, Operations and Marketing Director at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.

“Many people want to get married in the Smoky Mountains, but getting permits and finding spaces to accommodate a wedding party can be tricky. We can help with that.”

9. Enjoy Fun Things To Do Nearby

Ashlee and Pablo at Cades Cove.

The fun doesn’t stop at the resort. There are so many amazing things to do in Townsend, Tennessee. First, spend a day touring Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited areas of the park.

Next, go mountain biking at Vee Hollow, where you can ride 14 miles of epic trails and rent high-tech e-mountain bikes. 

Be sure to make time for a cave tour at Tuckaleechee Caverns. This cave is home to AS107, the famous seismograph, one of the most sensitive seismic stations in the world.

If you like whiskey or have never gone whiskey tasting, top the day off with whiskey tasting at Company Distilling. They even have a whiskey named after the famous seismograph, Seismic Rye.

10. Feast on the Local Cuisine

While camping at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, if you’re not grilling out by the campfire, you’ll love treating yourself to the local cuisine. For a small town, you’ll be delighted with the variety of incredible food. Be sure to visit the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro — one of the best restaurants in Townsend.

If you love pizza and beer, head to Peaceful Side Social. The locals hang out there. The food scene in Townsend will delight your taste buds—it is out of this world.

Have Fun Glamping or Camping in Townsend, TN

If you’re looking for the best campground in Townsend and a mountain getaway to the Smokies, Little Arrow is the perfect place to stay. With glamping options, cozy cabins, and tiny homes, you’re sure to have the best time – plus, you’re right next to the national park.

We had a great time visiting and can’t wait to go back.