Hotels Near Of MeTennesseeSevier CountyPigeon ForgeCates Lane
149 Cates Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Not Quite a Resort Experience – Needs Serious Work We’ve stayed at several Margaritaville resorts and had great experiences in the past, but unfortunately, this location really missed the mark. While the service was generally good, this place felt more like a glorified campground than a true resort. The food is significantly overpriced for what you get, which was disappointing but not entirely surprising. What really soured the trip was the lawn crew—while trying to enjoy our patio, we had weed eaters buzzing right by us. Not exactly the peaceful, relaxing vibe you expect from a resort. The next morning, we discovered they had actually cut through our sewer line. On a positive note, Abby at RV check-in was incredibly helpful and friendly. She made sure we were taken care of quickly and resolved the issue as best she could. Big thanks to her. On the flip side, when I tried to speak with Allan the “manager” about our concerns, he seemed overwhelmed and frankly uninterested in hearing me out. Communication and accountability felt lacking at the management level. Bottom line: If you’re planning a stay, be very cautious of the lawn crews and keep an eye on your equipment. We might give this place another try in the future if major improvements are made—but for now, this “resort” needs to go back to the drawing board.
For us Tennesseans, a getaway to the Smoky Mountains is a cherished tradition, and Pigeon Forge is often at the heart of that adventure. But what if you could blend the excitement of a resort with the flexibility of an RV vacation, all wrapped up in that laid-back, island-inspired Margaritaville vibe? That's exactly what you'll find at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge in Pigeon Forge. It's a unique destination that caters to both RV enthusiasts and those who prefer a traditional hotel stay, offering a comprehensive array of amenities designed to keep everyone in the family entertained.
While some might consider it a "glorified campground," as one reviewer put it, others rave about it as a "10/10" recommendation, highlighting clean rooms, heated pools, and delicious food. It’s clear that Camp Margaritaville aims to provide a full resort experience, whether you're pulling in with your rig or checking into a comfortable lodge room. Despite a few isolated concerns about external noise or service issues from specific departments, the overall consensus points to a property brimming with activities and a friendly atmosphere. If you’re looking for a different kind of Smoky Mountain adventure, where relaxation meets recreation, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge is ready to welcome you to your slice of paradise in the mountains.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge is conveniently located at 149 Cates Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA. This address places it just off the main Parkway, providing a balance of accessibility to Pigeon Forge's bustling attractions and a slightly more removed, peaceful setting. While on Cates Lane, the resort is still very much in the heart of the action, making it easy for guests to explore the vibrant offerings of the area.
Its strategic location offers excellent access to many of the most popular Smoky Mountain destinations:
Dollywood: Just 2.7 miles away, making it incredibly convenient for a day of thrilling rides and shows.
The Island in Pigeon Forge: Approximately 3 miles from the resort, offering dining, shopping, and entertainment, including the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
Downtown Gatlinburg: About 5.9 miles away, providing easy access to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Anakeesta, and various shops and restaurants.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The entrance to the National Park is around 6.9 miles from the resort, perfect for those eager to explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife.
Tanger Outlets Sevierville: A short drive for those looking for a shopping spree.
Live Dinner Shows and Attractions: Numerous theaters and entertainment venues along the Pigeon Forge Parkway are all within easy reach.
The resort's position provides the advantage of being close to everything without being directly on the busiest stretch of the Parkway, allowing for easier movement and a quieter retreat. Guests can also benefit from ample parking on-site, and there might even be trolley service available from the campground to local attractions, which is always a plus in Pigeon Forge.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to cater to both RV campers and lodge guests, ensuring a full and enjoyable resort experience.
Two Ways to Stay: Guests can choose between spacious RV sites with full hookups (30/50 amp power, concrete pads, fire pits, picnic tables, complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV) or comfortable hotel rooms in The Lodge. Lodge rooms offer various configurations, including premium king rooms with mountain view balconies, family rooms with separate kids' tent areas, and amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, and Keurig coffee makers.
Extensive Pool Recreation Area: The resort features a large pool with a double-loop water slide and a dedicated kid's zone. There's also a lazy river (seasonal) and a hot tub, providing ample opportunities for aquatic fun and relaxation.
Fin City Entertainment Center: Located on the lower level of the Lodge, this hub of activity includes a full arcade, duckpin bowling, billiards, foosball tables, dart lanes, and the Feeding Frenzy Snack Shack and Bar.
Diverse Dining Options: Guests can enjoy meals at Fins Bar & Chill Restaurant, the Fins Breakfast Buffet (often highly rated), and grab-and-go options from Joe Merchant's Provisions Camp Store. Campsite delivery is also available for convenience, and there's a Tiki Bar for refreshing beverages.
Planned Activities & Entertainment: The resort offers a daily activities calendar with options like outdoor games, group bonfires, arts & crafts, bingo & trivia, scavenger hunts, storytime, family competitions, ukulele lessons, and live entertainment in Fin City.
Barkaritaville Pet Park: For guests traveling with their furry companions, there's a dedicated dog park. Pet-friendly rooms are available in The Lodge, and there's even a Barkaritaville Dog Menu for canine guests.
Fitness & Sports Facilities: Pickleball courts are available for friendly competition, and there's a gym for fitness enthusiasts.
On-Site Convenience: Joe Merchant's Provisions Camp Store offers quick-grab food, specialty coffees, camping supplies, and Margaritaville gear. There's also a bathhouse and guest laundry facilities for RV campers.
Meeting & Event Spaces: The resort can host meetings, retreats, weddings, and other celebrations, with dedicated group services for both Lodge rooms and RV rallies.
Complimentary Wi-Fi and Cable TV: Available throughout the resort, including RV sites and lodge rooms, ensuring guests can stay connected.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge stands out with several key features that enhance the guest experience and set it apart as a unique destination in Pigeon Forge:
Dual Accommodation Concept: The seamless integration of a full-service Lodge with hotel-style rooms and a sprawling RV Resort offers unparalleled flexibility. This means friends or family members can enjoy a vacation together, even if some prefer RV camping and others prefer a hotel room, all while sharing access to the same resort amenities.
Tropical Margaritaville Vibe in the Mountains: The resort successfully infuses the laid-back, "Margaritaville state of mind" into the Smoky Mountain setting. From themed dining options like Fins Bar & Chill to the vibrant decor and island music, it creates a unique and fun atmosphere not typically found in the region.
Year-Round Water Fun: The presence of a heated pool and a seasonal lazy river means aquatic enjoyment is available for a significant portion of the year, even when the weather outside isn't perfect for outdoor swimming. The double-loop water slide adds an extra thrill for kids and adults alike.
Comprehensive Entertainment Hub (Fin City): The Fin City Entertainment Center is a major draw, offering a diverse range of dry activities like duckpin bowling, a full arcade, billiards, and darts. This provides a fantastic option for rainy days or evening entertainment, ensuring the fun never stops.
Abundant Planned Activities: The daily and weekly activity calendars, featuring everything from bonfires and trivia to arts & crafts and live music, ensure that guests, particularly families, have a wide array of engaging options to participate in throughout their stay.
Pet-Friendly Amenities: The Barkaritaville Pet Park and pet-friendly Lodge rooms (with a dedicated dog menu) are a significant highlight for those traveling with their "fur babies," making it easier for entire families to enjoy their vacation together.
Spacious RV Sites and Lodge Rooms: RV sites offer large, level concrete pads with full hookups, while Lodge rooms are described as "enormous" and well-decorated, with some offering "kids' tent rooms" for a unique family experience.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge in Pigeon Forge frequently offers special promotions and packages for both its RV resort and Lodge accommodations. These deals are designed to provide value and encourage longer or seasonal stays. To find the most current and best offers, it's always recommended to check their official website directly or contact their reservations team.
Common types of promotions you might find include:
Seasonal Specials: Look for offers tied to specific seasons, such as "Summerzcool Special" for RV bookings or discounts for fall and winter stays in The Lodge.
Extended Stay Deals: They often provide incentives for longer vacations, such as "stay 7 nights, get 1 free" for RV sites.
Themed Packages: Occasionally, the resort might offer packages tied to local events or specific attractions, like a "Jurassic Adventure Offer."
Welcome Gifts & Add-On Amenities: While not a direct discount, guests might have options to purchase welcome gifts or add-on amenities to enhance their stay.
Military & First Responder Discounts: Like many establishments, they may offer special rates to active military personnel and first responders (e.g., 10% off with a promo code).
Repeat Guest Discounts: Loyal customers might receive a "thank you" discount for booking a return visit.
It's always a good idea to inquire about any available promo codes when booking, as these can sometimes unlock additional savings. Be sure to clarify the terms and conditions of any offer before confirming your reservation.
Ready to discover your own slice of paradise at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge in Pigeon Forge? Here's how you can get in touch to plan your unforgettable getaway:
Address: 149 Cates Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Phone: (865) 868-9300
Mobile Phone: +1 865-868-9300
For us Tennesseans, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge offers a particularly suitable and exciting option for a local getaway, especially if we're looking for something beyond a traditional hotel experience. This resort perfectly blends the vibrant fun of a themed destination with the practical comforts needed for a great family vacation, right here in our own backyard.
What makes it so suitable for locals is its versatility. Whether your family is into RV adventures or prefers the convenience of a lodge room, Camp Margaritaville accommodates both, allowing different travel styles to converge and enjoy the same fantastic amenities. This means if you have an RV-loving relative and a hotel-preferring friend, everyone can vacation together seamlessly. The "everything you need" philosophy is a huge plus, meaning we don't have to drive all over Pigeon Forge to find entertainment. The heated pools, water slide, lazy river, and the extensive Fin City Entertainment Center provide year-round fun, which is perfect for Tennessee weather that can be unpredictable. We can splash in the sun or enjoy indoor games when it’s chilly.
The pet-friendly aspect is another significant draw for many Tennessee families who don't want to leave their furry companions behind. With Barkaritaville Pet Park and pet-friendly rooms, our whole family can enjoy the trip. While some have noted that food prices can be a bit high, the quality is often praised, and the sheer volume of activities available on-site can make the overall value worthwhile. For those of us seeking a fun-filled, convenient, and truly unique resort experience in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge provides a compelling reason to stay and play right here at home. It’s a chance to escape to a "state of mind" without having to leave the state of Tennessee.
149 Cates Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Not Quite a Resort Experience – Needs Serious Work We’ve stayed at several Margaritaville resorts and had great experiences in the past, but unfortunately, this location really missed the mark. While the service was generally good, this place felt more like a glorified campground than a true resort. The food is significantly overpriced for what you get, which was disappointing but not entirely surprising. What really soured the trip was the lawn crew—while trying to enjoy our patio, we had weed eaters buzzing right by us. Not exactly the peaceful, relaxing vibe you expect from a resort. The next morning, we discovered they had actually cut through our sewer line. On a positive note, Abby at RV check-in was incredibly helpful and friendly. She made sure we were taken care of quickly and resolved the issue as best she could. Big thanks to her. On the flip side, when I tried to speak with Allan the “manager” about our concerns, he seemed overwhelmed and frankly uninterested in hearing me out. Communication and accountability felt lacking at the management level. Bottom line: If you’re planning a stay, be very cautious of the lawn crews and keep an eye on your equipment. We might give this place another try in the future if major improvements are made—but for now, this “resort” needs to go back to the drawing board.
Jun 06, 2025 · Justin WisemanAs I am reading through some of these reviews I’m honestly shocked. My family and I stayed here for a few days for vacation, we loved it. The rooms and hallways were very clean and smelled so good. The pools were heated from my kids to swim even when it was 50 degrees outside. We got food at the hotel and it was delicious. Prices were a bit high but the quality of our food was wonderful. We also are not complaining people. 10/10 would recommend this hotel to anyone traveling! Will definitely stay here again.
Apr 17, 2025 · Charity SingletonWe loved Camp Margaritaville! This was our first time staying there. It was quiet, no road noise, and spacious spots. We have a 45-foot RV, and we had no problem parking. We didn't use the pool, but we did play mini bowling. It was a lot of fun. We will definitely go back!
May 22, 2025 · Lindsey MorganThe pros: nice clean spacious room, friendly staff and fun activities available. Great location and comfy beds with modern amenities. Very pet and kid friendly. Concierge is nice. The cons: quite loud until around 10pm. Breakfast costs $15 per person, we didn’t try it so can’t comment on the food, but I feel the cost is excessive for a basic breakfast buffet. Arcade had lots of machines down. Hot tub was lukewarm.
Apr 23, 2025 · Arielynn RollinsGood place for drunks and people that like the smell of dog crap. Don’t waste your money paying for a premium mountain view campsite at the end near the pavilion, just fyi thats where everyone takes their dogs to do their business. RV office never answers the phone. Loud blaring music everywhere you go near the hotel. Pool always packed. We were the furthest away from the hotel and the noise from the loud music and pool and dogs barking was awful. Loud construction in the campground starting early in the morning. When driving around the area we saw much better options for a campground stay. Was so bad here we left a day early, and of course received no refund for campsite or golf cart rental. The battery in the golf cart we were given was almost dead so we couldn’t even enjoy it until the next day. If you like to watch dogs hunching up to drop a load in front the mountains, campsite #21 is your spot.
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