Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion
Great Smoky Mountains National Park — riverside, fishing, hiking
Location: GATLINBURG, TN, TN
Price: From $32 per night
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (30 reviews)
Season: May through October
Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this picnic pavilion creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion can accommodate up to 70 guests and offers a covered eating area and multiple grills, making it an ideal location for a party or family get-together. The pavilion may be reserved for a morning or evening block, so visitors who wish to use the area for a full day should rese
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Fishing
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/metcalf-bottoms-picnic-pavilion to be notified when sites open up.
Metcalf Bottoms offers a secluded, shaded setting in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with direct access to over 800 miles of maintained trails and the Little River for fishing and wading.
Wildlife alert: Eastern Black Bear and American Black Bear present in area; Timber Rattlesnake also documented within 8km radius.
Insider tips for Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion: Book early as this is a popular federal campground with only 2 tent sites Walk to the river and wade in the cold water for a refreshing experience The picnic pavilion accommodates large groups for gatherings
Skip Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion if: You need RV hookups or electrical hookups. You visit outside May-October operating season. Bathroom and facility cleanliness is a priority based on some visitor reports.
Best time to visit Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion: May-October — Campground operates seasonally during these months only.
Nearby campgrounds: Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg, TN), Appalachian Clubhouse (Gatlinburg, TN), Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion (GATLINBURG, TN), Anthony Creek Horse Camp (Townsend, TN).
Cell Phone Coverage at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion
Cell signal at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion (GATLINBURG, TN): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this picnic pavilion creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion can accommodate up to 70 guests and offers a covered eating area and multiple grills, making it an ideal location for a party or family get-together. The pavilion may be reserved for a morning or evening block, so visitors who wish to use the area for a full day should reserve both time slots.World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America’s most visited national park. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Metcalf Bottoms never disappoints.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early as this is a popular federal campground with only 2 tent sites
Walk to the river and wade in the cold water for a refreshing experience
The picnic pavilion accommodates large groups for gatherings
Campground operates seasonally during these months only
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
There is no street address for the picnic pavilion Pavilion is 15 miles west of Gatlinburg, TN on Little River Road. Take Newfound Gap Road (akaUS441) south from Gatlinburg and turn west on Little River Road (TN73) at the Sugarlands Visitors Center. Go 10 miles and turn right at picnic area sign. Picnic pavilion is on west side of picnic area.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Great Smoky Mountains National Park fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Great Smoky Mountains National Park before arrival — seasonal closures common.
- Bear country — store all food in bear boxes or locked vehicle at all times.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion cost per night?+
What season is Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion open?+
Does Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion?+
How do I make reservations at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion?+
What is the cell service like at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion?+
What season is Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion open, and what are check-in times?+
Official resources
●Data sources on this page
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