We have some exciting news for our guests planning their summer stays. Starting June 1st and running through August 31st, we’re extending our Arrow Creek Campground pool hours to give everyone more time to cool off and unwind. The pool will now stay open until 10pm every evening during peak season. After a long day exploring the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or riding roller coasters at Dollywood, there’s nothing quite like slipping into cool water under the Tennessee stars.
This change came directly from listening to what our guests told us they wanted. Families would return from Cades Cove around dinnertime, and kids would ask if they could swim before bed. Couples would finish a late dinner in Gatlinburg and wish they could take a moonlit dip. We heard you, and we’re thrilled to make it happen.
New Pool Hours for Summer 2026
Our updated Arrow Creek Campground pool hours for the summer season are straightforward. From June 1st through August 31st, the pool opens at 9am and stays open until 10pm daily. You’ll have 13 full hours to enjoy the water, whether that means an early morning lap session before the day heats up or an evening swim session after the sun goes down.
Outside of peak summer season, we maintain our regular hours of 9am to 8pm. The extended evening hours apply specifically to June, July, and August when the days are longest and our campground is buzzing with activity. We’ve found that these months bring the warmest weather and the most guests who want to maximize every moment of their vacation.
The pool area is located in the heart of our campground at 4721 East Parkway, easily accessible from all RV sites, tent sites, and camping cabins. You can hear the splashing and laughter from the playground nearby, and the camp store is just a short walk if you need to grab snacks or pool toys.
Perfect Timing After Your Smoky Mountain Adventures
The extended hours align perfectly with how our guests actually spend their days here in Gatlinburg. Most folks head into Great Smoky Mountains National Park early, spending hours hiking trails like Laurel Falls or driving through Cades Cove to spot wildlife. By the time you return to Arrow Creek, it’s often 5pm or later. You want to shower, eat dinner, and then relax.
With the pool open until 10pm, you have genuine flexibility. Take your time over dinner at one of the restaurants just down Highway 321. Let the kids play on our playground while you prep food at your fire pit. Then head to the pool when you’re ready, not when a strict closing time dictates.
The same goes for guests who spend their days at Dollywood, just 20 minutes from our campground. The theme park stays open late during summer, and you might not get back until 8pm or 9pm. Those extended Arrow Creek Campground pool hours mean you can still cool off before calling it a night. The contrast between the summer heat on the pavement at Pigeon Forge attractions and the refreshing pool water back at camp is remarkable.
We’ve also noticed that evening swims create a different atmosphere than midday sessions. The temperature drops to comfortable levels. The light takes on that golden quality that makes the Smoky Mountains famous. You can actually see stars emerging overhead as you float on your back. It transforms the pool from a place to beat the heat into a place to genuinely relax and connect with your travel companions.
Fresh Updates to the Pool Area
Along with extended hours, we’ve made some improvements to the pool area itself. We added new lounge chairs with weather-resistant cushions that actually stay comfortable even after sitting in the sun all day. The old metal chairs were functional, but these new ones invite you to settle in with a book or just close your eyes for a while.
We also installed additional umbrella tables around the pool deck. Each table seats four people comfortably and provides solid shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. Parents appreciate having a home base where they can watch their kids swim while staying out of direct sun. The tables are also perfect for setting out towels, sunscreen, and those water bottles you definitely need to stay hydrated in Tennessee summers.
The pool deck itself got a thorough cleaning and resealing. We replaced several sections of concrete that had developed cracks, and the entire surface is now smooth and safe for bare feet. Small details matter when you’re walking back and forth from the water dozens of times during a swim session.
Landscaping around the pool area received attention too. We planted native Tennessee shrubs that provide privacy screening without blocking airflow. The smell of fresh mulch and blooming plants adds to the outdoor experience. Our maintenance team installed new LED lighting that illuminates the pool and surrounding area beautifully after dark while keeping energy costs reasonable.
Pool Rules and Safety Guidelines
We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience at our pool. Our rules are simple and designed to protect all guests. Children under 14 must have adult supervision at all times. This applies during all Arrow Creek Campground pool hours, including the new extended evening times. We don’t provide lifeguards, so parents and guardians are responsible for watching their kids.
Glass containers are not permitted in the pool area. This rule prevents dangerous broken glass situations that could ruin everyone’s fun. Bring your drinks in plastic bottles or aluminum cans instead. Our camp store stocks plenty of beverages in pool-safe containers if you need to restock.
Running and rough play on the pool deck create hazards for everyone. We ask that guests walk on the concrete surfaces and save the energetic activities for the water itself. The playground is right nearby if kids need to burn off extra energy in other ways.
We’re a pet-friendly campground, and we love seeing guests enjoy our facilities with their dogs. However, pets are not allowed in the pool area or pool water. This policy protects both the animals and other guests. Your furry friends have plenty of other space to explore around the campground.
Appropriate swimwear is required. Regular clothes and street shoes should not be worn in the pool. We provide a small changing area adjacent to the pool if you need to switch into your suit.
Making the Most of Your Pool Time
With 13 hours of access during peak season, you can build pool time into your daily routine however it fits best. Some of our long-term RV guests start their mornings with laps before the pool gets busy. The water temperature is coolest then, and you’ll often have the entire pool to yourself around 9am.
Midday swimming works well if you’re taking a break from sightseeing. Come back to Arrow Creek for lunch, spend an hour or two in the pool, and then head out for evening activities refreshed. The pool provides a genuine break from the heat and crowds you’ll encounter at popular tourist spots in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Evening swims from 8pm to 10pm have become increasingly popular since we announced the extended hours. The pool takes on a completely different character as daylight fades. You’ll hear crickets chirping in the woods that border our property. The lights from downtown Gatlinburg twinkle in the distance. The water feels silky smooth against your skin. It’s an experience that daytime swimming simply can’t match.
Our camping cabins with hot tubs offer another water-based relaxation option, but the pool provides community and space that a private hot tub can’t replicate. Kids make friends with other young guests. Adults strike up conversations about the best hiking trails or restaurant recommendations. The pool area becomes a natural gathering spot where the Arrow Creek community comes together.
Planning Your Summer Stay
These extended Arrow Creek Campground pool hours run from June 1st through August 31st, 2026. If you’re planning a summer camping trip to the Smokies, now is the perfect time to book your site. Our RV sites with full hookups and 30/50 amp service fill up quickly during peak season. We offer both pull-through and back-in options to accommodate different rig sizes and preferences.
Tent campers will find spacious sites with fire pits, and our camping cabins provide a comfortable middle ground between tent camping and hotel stays. Every accommodation option at Arrow Creek includes access to the pool, playground, park-wide WiFi, and laundry facilities. We’re just five minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, 15 minutes from Pigeon Forge, and two minutes from Bent Creek Golf Course.
The proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park means you can be on a trailhead in minutes. Our location at 4721 East Parkway puts you right at the border of the park, making us an ideal base camp for serious hikers and casual nature lovers alike. After those mountain adventures, you’ll appreciate having a pool waiting for you back at camp.
We’re excited to offer these extended evening hours and to see how our guests take advantage of the additional pool time. The improvements we’ve made to the seating and overall pool area create a more comfortable and inviting space. Combined with the flexibility of 10pm closing time, we think this summer will be our best pool season yet. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay in the Smokies, we’re ready to welcome you to Arrow Creek Campground. The water’s perfect, the hours are extended, and we’ll see you poolside.