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4 Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Near Our Campground

gatlinburg space needle and downtown from above

4 Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Near Our Campground

If you are coming to stay with us soon for a Smoky Mountains camping trip at our campground in Pigeon Forge, then you will be thrilled to know that there is lots for you to do during your visit for free! Not only will you be able to enjoy classic Smoky Mountains camping activities at no cost, you will be able to have a blast on a budget with these top free things to do in Pigeon Forge, and up the road in Gatlinburg! Let’s go ahead and dive in:

1. Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge

Island in PF at duskWhen it comes to free things to do in Pigeon Forge, one of the best options is to go take a walk around The Island in Pigeon Forge! While there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions where you can spend money, there is no cost to enter The Island in Pigeon Forge. And, with exciting things to see, like The Island Show Fountain, and the special events they hold, you can have a great time here without spending a dime. Plus, you can bring your pet along!

2. Check Out Patriot Park

Another of the free things to do in Pigeon Forge that is not far from our campground is to check out Patriot Park. This public park offers a walking trail with memorials to the veterans of Pigeon Forge and flags of all 50 states, which, at just a half-mile long, is an easy walk for the whole family. Plus, this is one of the few places in the area where dogs are allowed on a trail, making it a must-visit for those who are bringing their pet along on their camping adventure.

3. Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail


roaring fork motor nature trail roadNext up among our free things to do, we have the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg! This is a great spot to admire the beauty of the Smoky Mountains from the comfort of your vehicle, with interesting locations along the way, such as Noah “Bud” Ogle’s Cabin, the Place of a Thousand Drips, the hiking trail to Grotto Falls, and more. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled along the drive as well, because several types of wildlife, including black bears, call this area home!

4. Visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Did you know that the largest independent organization of artisans in the United States is located in the Smoky Mountains? It’s true! And, what makes it even better is that visiting the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is completely free! You can check out interesting shops along the 8-mile loop road, interact with artisans to learn about their wares, and make a purchase if you choose. However, you can also just look!

As you can see, you don’t need to spend lots of money to add some extra activities to your Smoky Mountains camping trip. When you check out some of these free things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you can have exciting adventures right near our campground, without having to stretch your budget. You can also save even more money on your trip to the area when you utilize some of our special deals and discounts here at Camp RiversLanding!