Smoker Holler RV Park was established in 2003 by Glenn and Naomi (Headrick) Haynes, but the story of this special place began more than a century earlier. In 1896, Naomi's grandfather purchased the property for its valuable timber, laying the foundation for generations of family history at the foot of Round Top Mountain in Wears Valley.

The campground takes its name from Naomi's grandfather, ""Smoker Dan"" Headrick. In those days, several Dan Headricks lived in the area, each known by a nickname—Blind Dan, Peg Leg Dan, High Grass Dan, and Smoker Dan. Smoker Dan earned his name through his skill in the traditional mountain art of smoking and curing meat in a smokehouse. Like many mountain communities, the surrounding holler eventually became known by the name of the family who called it home.

The original Headrick homestead stood at the head of the holler just southwest of today's campground, near the base of Round Top Mountain. The path followed by the chairlift traces the route to that original homesite. Later, Clarence Daniel Headrick, born on the mountain, and his wife Nell Davenport gathered ""gray-back"" stones from the surrounding fields to build their family home, known as The Rockhouse, which still stands near the campground today.

After retiring from Alcoa Aluminum Company, Clarence and his wife Ann spent several years traveling the country in their RV. Their experiences inspired the vision for a campground where others could enjoy the beauty, hospitality, and rich heritage of the Smoky Mountains—a vision that ultimately became Smoker Holler RV Park.