CampgroundCades Cove Campground
159 year-round sites at the mouth of the Smokies' most famous valley — store, bikes, and bears out front.

Abrams Creek is the Smokies' smallest, quietest frontcountry campground — just 16 tent-oriented sites tucked along its namesake creek in the park's far-western corner near Chilhowee, TN. It's low-elevation, streamside, and blissfully out of the way, drawing anglers and campers who want simple and peaceful over big and busy. Amenities are minimal (flush toilets, cold water, no showers or hookups), and the small size means it feels almost like a backcountry base you can drive to. Great for a quiet creekside night away from the crowds.
✅ BOOK IF: You want a tiny, quiet, creekside tent base away from crowds. ❌ SKIP IF: You have a large RV or want amenities and activity.
Tent-oriented (small sites); large RVs not recommended
Late spring through early fall; a cool, low-key streamside base.
Tiny, quiet, and creekside — the closest a drive-in campground gets to a backcountry feel.
Camper reviews characterize Abrams Creek as a tiny, peaceful, creekside spot beloved by anglers and tent campers seeking solitude. Reviewers note its small size, remote location, and minimal amenities.
Tent-oriented (small sites); large RVs not recommended
Creek fishing, Abrams Creek and Rabbit Creek trailheads, quiet streamside relaxing
Recreation.gov (Booking: 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET)
Pets Allowed - Leashed pets (6 ft max) allowed in the campground and on roads, not on most trails.
" Camper reviews characterize Abrams Creek as a tiny, peaceful, creekside spot beloved by anglers and tent campers seeking solitude. Reviewers note its small size, remote location, and minimal amenities."
Just 16 sites — the smallest frontcountry campground in the park, and one of the quietest.
It's tent-oriented with small sites and a remote access road; large RVs are not recommended.
Abrams Creek is a popular trout stream. Bring a valid TN or NC fishing license — the park recognizes either.
No. Flush toilets and cold running water only; no showers or hookups anywhere in the park.
Yes. Store all food in your vehicle and keep a clean site.
6 listings
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