Great Smoky Mountains National Park is surrounded by a wide variety of camping options for RV owners. But none of them are quite like Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge in Pigeon Forge. This exciting new property seamlessly combines the best aspects of a luxury RV Resort with the best aspects of a cozy and comfortable lodge. The RV resort and lodge truly operate as one cohesive organism. Guests staying in the RV Resort have access to everything that the lodge offers, and vice versa.

This is resort-style camping at its absolute best. Too many places call themselves RV Resorts without delivering the goods, but Camp Margaritaville delivers the goods in spades. RV owners that want to share a vacation with friends and family that don’t own RVs should also rejoice–because a shared vacation with non campers does not get any better than this. Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge is our new favorite camping option outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you like parking your rig in the lap of luxury–then we think this will be your new favorite option too.

It’s 5 o’ Clock somewhere! Grab a cold drink and let’s take a look around.

Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge offered us a complimentary stay at this property. The opinions expressed here are completely our own.

Hot Tub and Pool at Camp Margaritaville, Pigeon Forge

Pool and Splash Ground at Camp Margaritaville, Pigeon Forge

If you love swimming, hot tubbing, or being lazy on a lazy river, then this is your place.  The pool, kid’s zone, waterslide, and hot tub are located directly next to the lodge. There is plenty of seating and lots of room to kick back and relax here while your kids play. There is also a bar with food options located directly next to the pool. But more on food and drink later. This whole pool complex (especially the hot tub!) is a terrific spot to return to after a morning of hiking in the park. The thoughtful layout also manages to be great for both kids and adults.

The Lazy River is in a separate section of the property, just behind the lodge. At first you might think that it is odd to have them separated. But we think that the design is very intentional. The Lazy River was calm and peaceful. There were no kids splashing around and ruining the vibe. Kids are allowed here, but the Lazy River really seems to be catering to adults who want to earn their license to chill. Both of these areas are really terrific, with views of mountains ringing the property. You would be hard pressed to find better pool and hot tub option at a campground in the Pigeon Forge area. Let us know if you do.

RV Sites at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge

The RV resort at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge is shiny new and super clean. We also found the sites to be very good. The concrete pads were level and the grass and landscaping were lovely. There is not much shade now, but that will improve as the newly planted trees take shape. We also found the sites to be generously sized, though none of them were gigantic. There are sites that are a short walk away from the lodge, for those that want peace and quiet.  There are also sites just steps away from the lodge if you want to be close to the pool and other amenities. Some of the sites have steep drop offs behind them. These sites are pleasantly situated, but those camping with small kids should avoid them. The roads throughout the resort are easy to navigate and backing into your site should be easy–even for a big rig.

Pickleball at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge

Overall, the recreational options at this property are excellent. We loved the brand new pickleball courts and appreciated being able to play under the lights. Playing ping pong outside near the lazy river was also a fun way to relax before or after a meal. There is also a corn hole station right outside of the dining area so your kids can burn some time while waiting for their food. You can keep an eye on them while they play because they are huge garage doors that get opened up during operating hours.

Those traveling with pups will also appreciate Camp Bark’aritaville–an outdoor dog park situated near the RV resort. There is also a communal outdoor fire pit, and an activities lawn filled with games like volleyball and Ga Ga Ball. Kids will never, ever, get bored here. Camp Margaritaville also offers live music on the activities lawn, or inside the lodge if it is raining.

The food and drink at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge were also excellent in every way. We loved having breakfast and coffee at Fins Breakfast Buffet every morning before heading into the park. The pancake bar and French toast were very good, and there were lots of other hot and cold options and lots of fresh fruit. We are picky about coffee, and were very pleased with the morning brew.

Lunch and dinner were even better. The nachos were world class, and we had the best fish and chips we have ever had anywhere–including England and Ireland. The service at Fins Bar & Chill was also warm and friendly–as was the service throughout the property. The hiring manager should be applauded. Everyone working here was kind and knowledgeable–and the bartenders were quick witted and entertaining. We also found the drinks to be strong and expertly poured. The margaritas and loaded Landsharks were superb–but this is to be expected at Camp Margaritaville, no?

In a general sense, we felt that the Camp Margaritaville ethos caters to adults, but is still a blast for kids. Quite frankly, we found this very refreshing as so many campgrounds cater to kids and don’t think much about the adult experience at all. As parents, we felt that the experience here was a well earned respite from the cares and concerns of every day life. We felt comfortable, relaxed, and catered to in every way imaginable.

Is it time to go back yet?

The Lobby at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge

Fin City Entertainment Center, Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge

In some ways the lodge itself is the highlight of the property. And please remember–those staying in the RV resort can walk in and enjoy the great food and all of the amenities. You can even just bring a book and relax and read in a comfortable chair for a while.

The coolest part about the lodge may be the Fin City Entertainment Center located downstairs from the main lobby. There is another bar down here, and more options for food–collectively know as Feeding Frenzy Snack Shack and Bar. They also have Duckpin Bowling, tabletop shuffle board, and an entire separate room filled with pool tables. The entire lodge and all of the amenities are so ample and wide-ranging that they handle a crowd incredibly well. We never had to wait to do anything here as we moved from one fun activity to the next.

The lodge rooms here are also quite reasonably priced. They even have rooms with double queen beds and a separate mini room with two twin beds. Those rooms are perfect for families with kids–absolutely perfect. No need to book two hotel rooms here. One of these rooms will do just fine. Whether you are staying in your own RV, or camping out in the lodge, we found the accommodations at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge to be outstanding. And everyone we spoke to felt the same way.

Our family did not want to leave Camp Margaritaville. Admittedly, we were a little bit sad driving home. It was one of those special vacations that sets the bar high for future trips. But we’ve got our eyes on Camp Margaritaville in the Poconos–and hopefully more properties across the country,

We suspect that the bartenders will serve the margaritas nice and strong, and that they will fill the Shirley Temples with extra cherries. We hope to be the first to visit the upcoming Poconos property.

Unless you get there first.

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