Douglas Headwater Campground

Campground was quiet in late March. Sites were nice. The bathrooms were adequate, but they need maintenance - some were closed, others had perpetual puddles, many faucets did not work (or rather, the shutoff valves had been turned off, perhaps because the automatic faucets took a long time to stop), the handle was missing in the only shower available to me. These seem like relatively easy fixes that would make this place even better.

My fiance and I stayed opening week of 2026 and went primitive camping and had a great time! Bathrooms were kept very clean and the campsite was well maintained. Beautiful views and great location. Close enough to pigeon forge and Gatlinburg, but far enough for some peace.

This campground is clean, spacious, and has great views. It is usually somewhat quiet and peaceful.

At times there are some non-stop barking dogs. We also get several cars that will race violently through the park and play loud music, the host says these are just kids playing around and nothing to be concerned about.

The sites have 30/50 electric and water. They offer tank pump out but it will set you back $30. The bathrooms are clean but dated. I have yet to find a working faucet.

I don’t appreciate being spoken to like I’m beneath someone.

We accidentally missed the signs that dogs weren’t allowed. When the employee approached me, I was already gathering my children, packing our belongings, and trying to manage a dog that wanted to stay in the water. I fully intended to leave.

What upset me wasn’t being asked to leave—it was the way I was spoken to. Instead of giving me a moment to collect my family and our things, the employee continued to harass me while I was clearly in the process of complying.

Several other parents nearby noticed the interaction and even told him to back off and give me a chance to gather my belongings. I wasn’t the only person there with a dog, yet I felt like I was being singled out.

My issue isn’t with the campground’s rules. Rules are rules. My issue is with the employee’s approach. A little observation and patience would have shown that I was already leaving voluntarily and that I was already addressed not even two minutes (no exaggeration!) prior to that employee.

Because of that interaction, I’m leaving this review. I hope staff can be reminded that HOW rules are enforced matters just as much as the rules themselves!

The initial employee (more bulky gentleman) was professional and firm and I can respect him and his approach. (And if he’s reading this, you have my respect and gratitude) But the other older man, should not be working in a family oriented place if he is going to act like a senile class A jerk because of some god only knows reason! Dog or no dog, I will never visit this place again and I will be sure to let all of my friends know how this place employees disrespectful jerks who like to escalate conflicts for no reason! And I work hospitality in pigeon forge too and I tell guest where to go for a great time! This place WILL NOT be on my recommendation list AT ALL!

Have not stayed here, but I did call to ask about availability for the 4th of July weekend because our Hipcamp reservation was suddenly canceled and I was replied back with a laugh and told, “no there is no availability…that’s 4th of July weekend.”
I’m fully aware of the dates… there are times when people cancel reservations and you have openings. A nice and polite response would have been more appropriate. I’ve called all of the other campgrounds around to check availability and none of them were rude and a few offered to put me on a cancellation list.
Kindness can go a long ways, especially when you’re a business dealing with the public.