Located about 11 miles from the main thoroughfare in Gatlinburg, Arrow Creek is a smaller…read morecampground just off 321. As their website says (www.arrowcreekcamp.com) they are in fact a "well maintained family campground convenient to Dollywood, music theaters, the Arts and Crafts Community, antique and craft shops, factory outlet malls, hiking, horseback riding, trout fishing, churches, and Bent Creek Golf Course." While staying here we visited Dollywood, Pigeon Forge (in general), the Apple Barn Cider Miller & General Store, Cade's Cove, Greenbriar Trail, and other stops. None were far away at all.
When we first found Arrow Creek online it was through a general Google search. We were attracted by the images of the pool and the playground. Because I work from home we are always concerned with WiFi options and because we have a 3-year old daughter we are always looking for easy access entertainment for her. Arrow Creek has both. In fact, the pool is quite nice and in full sun. It is always clean and doesn't seem to be overly chlorinated. The playground is divided into two sections: one for toddlers (including a small trampoline) and one for older kids. The WiFi is impressive. With a central router at the office there are no less than 3 booster antennas that carry a quick, reliable, signal to the rest of the park.
As we were preparing to book we read some other reviews on Arrow Creek, which accused the park of being "old, cramped, and dirty" and "noisy and crowded." Some accused the park of being poorly maintained; having too may lots for its size, and having too many old campers that seems run down. After arriving we did notice that perhaps 55% of the campground is unavailable due to long-term residents or storage. But I understand this as having long-term stays and storage allow for year round revenue which is necessary for most mom-and-pop's to stay alive in today's economy. 3 or 4 of the units were old, yes, and 2 were what I found to be unsafe and perhaps dirtier than I would like to see (borderline sketchy, even) but at the same time, I don't check in to a campground to feel like I am staying at a Camping World showroom. Everyone has their own standards, their own budget, and their own rig. It is not for me to judge that or to say they can or can't be camping because of it.
When we made our reservation our interaction (both phone and email) with the owners - Jimmy and Ginger Cooper - was exceptional. They are both generous, fun, easy-going people who ultimately showed my family remarkable hospitality. The price we were quoted for our stay was honored when we arrived with no problems and we received two emails (one just before our time to check in) from Arrow Creek to confirm our reservation.
The bathroom facilities were above average. The shower stalls are travertine tile with clean curtains, changing room, good pressure, and ample hot water. The commode stalls are a bit small but are good enough. There was always toilet paper and the commodes themselves were always clean without fail. The double vanity in the men's room was a bit shabby and aging but the water was clean, the faucets worked well, and the hand dryer was sanitary. With a full bathroom in our travel trailer this added facility was all we needed.
The washer specifically is a bit expensive at $2.50/load but they are large machines so we got by just fine and on budget. Dryer loads are $1 per cycle. There is also a Pepsi machine and an ice-cream vending machine available 24/7.
Would we stay here again? Yes. Do we usually stay at a place more than once? Not usually. There is a lot in the nation to explore. Would we recommend it to you? Yes.
* GPS Coordinates: Latitude : 35.763197 | Longitude : -83.308623
* Physical Address: 4721 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
* For Reservations: www.arrowcreekcamp.com/Contact.php
* Phone Number for Information: 1-888-3827769
* Rate as of Sept 1, 2014: 30-amp full hook-up with cable TV = $33.50/night. 50-amp full hook-up with cable TV = $38.50
* Weekly Rate: $225.50 (including tax)
* Monthly Rate: Call for details
* Military Discounts: No
* Other Discounts: Call for details
* Site Pad Material: Gravel
* Water: Yes, included with daily rate
* Electricity: Yes, included with daily rate
* Sewer: Yes, included with daily rate
* Laundry: Yes
* Cable TV: Yes
* Wi-fi: Yes. PING = 70ms. DOWNLOAD = 7.68 Mbps. UPLOAD = 7.82 Mbps.
* Dump Station: Yes
* Propane: No
* Pull Throughs: Yes
* Back In: Yes
* Big Rig Friendly: Not especially
* Pet Friendly: Yes
* Additional Amenities: Picnic table, fire pit, on site
* Cellular Coverage: Strong Verizon 3G and 4G