Top 4 Things to Do in Downtown Gatlinburg During Your Camping Trip

Top 4 Things to Do in Downtown Gatlinburg During Your Camping Trip

April 12, 2022

You’ll be excited to know that our beautiful campground is only a short drive from all the action in downtown Gatlinburg! This means that you can enjoy the peaceful environment of camping along the Little Pigeon River while still being just minutes away from a ton of fun attractions, unique stores and tempting dining options! Here are the top 4 things to do in downtown Gatlinburg during your camping trip:

1. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most popular attractions in downtown Gatlinburg as it features more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures in 10 themed galleries! Explore underwater wonders as you glide along the ocean floor through the Shark Lagoon, reach out to feel the smooth skin of a ray in the Touch a Ray exhibit or encounter some of the fascinating life of the Tropical Rainforest! You also won’t want to miss the Penguin Playhouse, an amazing indoor and outdoor habitat that allows you to get up close to these adorable creatures!

2. Browse Through the Village Shops

Another one of the things to do in downtown Gatlinburg during your camping trip is visit The Village Shops! This European themed shopping village offers the perfect opportunity to pick up some Smoky Mountain souvenirs, stock up on some last minute hiking gear or grab a tasty ice cream cone! There is something for everyone in the family, ranging from jewelry and apparel stores to fun toy stores for the kids! Some of the beloved shops and restaurants in The Village Shops include the Day Hiker, Donut Friar, Celtic Heritage and the Cheese Cupboard.

3. Play Miniature Golf at Gatlin’s Mini Golf

Gatlinburg is home to several awesome miniature golf courses, including a pair of award winning courses at Gatlin’s Mini Golf! Each of the 18 hole courses features a unique hillside setting and an imaginative use of native plants and flowers, as well as several hardwood oak trees that are more than 100 years old! While playing a challenging round of putt-putt with your family and friends, you can also learn more about the Smokies as each hole tells you the story of the area’s first settlers and interesting past!

4. Ride to the Top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle

When it comes to things to do in downtown Gatlinburg, don’t miss the chance to experience the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle! This iconic observation tower offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, so bring your camera along to capture some of the best photos of your vacation! You’ll ride to the top of the 407 foot tall tower aboard a glass elevator, which itself is quite a thrill! Once on the observation deck, you’ll find free viewfinders as well as exhibits about the history of the Smokies!

Now that you know the top things to do in downtown Gatlinburg, learn about all of the benefits of staying at our campground near Gatlinburg TN! We look forward to seeing you soon!