‘Peaceful but with a pulse’ Why campers and glampers are choosing Townsend

by: Naomi Hillmer

Posted: Jun 18, 2026 / 06:25 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 18, 2026 / 07:06 PM EDT

TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — As millions of people make their way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, many enter through Townsend, or the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” Serving as a gateway into the mountains, the area offers a number of lodging opportunities for those looking to stay.

From big vacation homes to RV campgrounds, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort welcomes people looking to experience the outdoors in many different ways.   

“We came over here because we really liked this RV park when we saw it,” said Karen Stansbury. “We just bought an RV last year, my husband is waiting for me to retire, and he wants to do this. So, this is our first real trip with the RV.”  

Visiting from Georgia, Stansbury said her family found this resort as they were exiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it is quite the change of pace compared to their usual stay in Pigeon Forge.  

“People choose Townsend because it is peaceful but with a pulse,” said Carmen Simpher, co-founder of Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. “Here in Townsend, you get to experience so many different types of restaurants and lodging, all with more of a peaceful nature field, an amusement park, and all of that sort of vibe.”  

Within walking or biking distance from local restaurants, tubing, or events at places like the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Simpher said staying in Townsend can be its own destination.  

“We’re on the Little River, so that’s a great experience. We have a mountain with a great hiking trail, and our pool is very — a lot of rocks and waterfalls and stuff like that, so it just feels like you’re a part of nature,” she said.  

After eight years on this property, Little Arrow is expanding. Buying a nearby campsite to bring more RV spaces for those who are looking to camp along the Little River. 

“It used to be Lazy Days campground, so a lot of people in their childhood, and when they were raising their families, they had a really good time staying there,” said Simpher. “We’re going to make it the same culture as a Little Arrow, it’s called Little Arrow Base Camp, so it’s not going to be quite as luxurious as what we have here at Little Arrow, but it’s going to be great sites there, on-river sites. We gutted the building and renovated everything and made it beautiful, just as Townsend deserves.”  

It is places like this that keep bringing visitors back.  

“We’ve stayed in Pigeon Forge a couple of times at one hotel, and that was where we were when we came last time. But we will definitely be back to this campground,” said Stansbury.  

Simpher added that June is one of the busiest times of year at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, along with July and October.