Anchor Down RV Resort: Signature Sites, Best Views, and Booking Tips

Landing a last-minute reservation at Anchor Down RV Resort in Dandridge, Tennessee, felt like winning the RV jackpot. Perched above Douglas Lake with Smoky Mountain views, this resort delivers the kind of Signature sites, sunsets, and on-site fun that keep RVers obsessively refreshing the booking page months in advance.

Quick stay snapshot

• Location: Dandridge, Tennessee, on Douglas Lake, with Smoky Mountains views
• Site type stayed: Full hook-up Signature site
• Our site: #45 (upper-middle section, sunrise views and steady breeze)
• Rate we paid: Around $79/night for a Signature site (rates fluctuate seasonally)
• Vibe: Upscale, resort-style, family-friendly, golf carts and e-bikes everywhere

Why the Signature sites shine

The Signature sites are the main reason this park is so hard to book. They combine big-rig-friendly layouts with resort-style outdoor living spaces that make you want to stay at camp instead of running into town every day.

• Large concrete pads, easy angles, and wide interior roads make backing into these sites surprisingly stress-free, even for longer rigs.
• Many Signature sites include a stone outdoor fireplace; others have generous fire rings with well-dried split wood delivered right to your site.
• Pads are level with a gentle slope toward the lake, and there is plenty of room for your truck, outdoor furniture, and toys without feeling crowded.

Favorite Signature site numbers (if you can snag them):

• Mid-section: 45, 50, 53, 72, 79 for space and views.
• Top of the hill: 20 and 29 for panoramic views over the resort and lake.
• Near pool and beach: 157 and 158 if you want quick access to the water and family fun.

If a Signature site is not available, the hilltop pull-throughs would be the next choice, offering easier access and better views than the tighter middle back-ins.

Facilities and amenities that feel like a resort

Anchor Down leans hard into the “resort” side of RV camping, especially if you enjoy waterfront access and on-site activities.

• Direct access to Douglas Lake with a boat ramp, swimming area, and inflatables gives you a built-in waterpark for kids and grandkids.
• The pool area includes a slide, plenty of lounge chairs, and a nearby beach-style swim area with chairs and umbrellas along the shoreline.
• Pickleball courts, a large dog park with artificial turf, playgrounds, and an arcade-style game area provide plenty to do without leaving the property.

Practical notes:

• Full hookups (30/50 amp), solid water pressure, and clean utilities, though the sewer hookups sit a bit high, so you may want a sewer support to help with flow.
• The resort requires jack pads under all stabilizers and landing gear, so pack them or be ready to buy some.
• Bathhouses and the laundry are spotless but concentrated near the front and play courts, which means a bit of a walk from many sites.

Location, noise, and nearby attractions

If you want to enjoy the Smokies without sleeping in the middle of Pigeon Forge chaos, this location hits a nice balance.

• Anchor Down sits on Douglas Lake with views of the Smoky Mountains, a quieter base camp than staying in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg proper.
• Expect about a 30-minute drive to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood, and closer to an hour to reach Gatlinburg and popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrances like Cades Cove, depending on traffic.

For many RVers, that tradeoff is worth it: you get darker skies, less traffic at your doorstep, and the ability to enjoy sunrise over the lake with a cup of coffee before heading out to the crowds. Fine dining and local favorites are a short drive away if you want a night off from cooking at camp.

Pet notes

Traveling with a dog here is very doable, but there is one small caveat from the four-legged perspective.

• Walking loops around the park are pleasant, and you will find several pet stations with grass, bags, and waste bins in convenient spots.
• The dedicated dog park is large and fully turfed with artificial grass, but it is a decent hike from many sites, which earned the park one “paw” deduction on our personal rating scale.

If your dog loves off-leash time or needs frequent play sessions, consider a golf cart to make those dog-park runs easier, especially in the heat.

Practical tips to book and enjoy your stay

• Book as far ahead as possible for Signature sites; cancellations are often your best friend for snagging a last-minute gem like site 45.
• Consider renting a golf cart or bringing e-bikes if you are staying a week or more; this park is spread out and amenities like the pool, beach, and courts sit a good distance from many sites.
• Bring sewer hose supports, jack pads, and a good leveling plan; even with level pads, the gentle slope and higher sewer outlets reward a little prep.

If you love resort-style RV parks with big views and plenty of on-site fun, Anchor Down RV Resort is absolutely a “worth the hype” destination and one of those places you will be planning a return visit to as soon as you pull out of the gate.