We were in Townsend which is about 10-12 miles from Pidgeon Forge. With kids, that is were you want to visit. Several miles on both sides of the road of things for the kids to do. Gatlinburg is more for the grown ups. We stayed at Cove Mountain RV Resort between Townsend and Pidgeon Forge. Fabulous place to stay, VERY large sites, nice and quiet, beautiful views and lots of room for the kids to roam and explore. We stayed there in October.
Hhg