Get your elastic banded pants on! You’re going to need all the room you can spare to properly enjoy this delicious breakfast stop located in the heart of Gatlinburg, TN. From the best made-from-scratch biscuits we’ve tried on the entire strip, to inch-thick golden brown pancakes hearty enough to satisfy even the most die-hard pancake fanatic, the giant skillet outside Crockett’s Breakfast Camp isn’t compensating – they’re bragging.
Our first impressions walking through the door at this rustic-meets-modern breakfast camp were some of the most enjoyable sensory experiences we’ve had in a while. Immediately to our right was a cozy fireplace billowing with the warmth of a morning campfire, and directly to our front was a smiling face ready to greet and seat us. The walls were done up right with authentic reclaimed wood from classic barns and buildings in the region.
Hanging from the ceiling were tastefully placed bails of hay, cotton sacks, and for lighting, some of the coolest aluminum pans and Ball Jars with old-fashioned light bulbs inside. And the doors! Every door in the building closes itself using a pulley system weighted down with a cotton sack full of sand. The team over at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp worked hard to create an authentic visual experience for their customers – and boy did they get it right.
After we were seated at our wooden bench seat (much like you’d find at a camp house), our menus were provided on old aged paper that on the front had the appearance of an 1800s newspaper. Not long after we ordered, much to our surprise, our food was delivered in HUGE cast-iron skillets. It didn’t take long for us to get over the sheer size of the skillet that was brought out to realize that it was stuffed to the brim with an incredibly generous helping of some of the best breakfast food we’ve tried in the area.
Here are some favorites at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp that you’ve gotta try when you visit –
The Black Bear Camp Skillet
A delicious combo featuring Pecan Smoked Bacon, a generous slice of country or sugar-cured ham, a large sausage link that could rival most franks, and 2 farm fresh eggs cooked up any style. Served with a side of freshly made sausage gravy, an enormous freshly made biscuit, grits (cheese, plain or brown sugar) as well as an enormous inch thick pancake, and a bowl of fruit. It’s not just breakfast – it’s a feast.
Postmasters Favorite
A true Southern favorite. Chicken fried steak, home-style sausage gravy, 2 farm fresh eggs any style. Served with a side of freshly made gravy, grits (cheese, plain or brown sugar), and that incredible inch-thick pancake and fruit.
Waffle of Insane Greatness
The name says it all. Really. If you love waffles, be warned – you may experience mild depression when it’s all gone.
Stuffed French Toast
For those with a sweet tooth, this one is for you. A french toast extravaganza, take your pick of getting your french toast stuffed with strawberry cream cheese, blueberry cream cheese, cheesecake (yes – cheesecake), or peanut butter & jelly. Served with warm maple syrup, real whipped cream, and powdered sugar.
Jimmy Jose’s Scrambler
While Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast Camp has a lot of egg dishes to choose from, this one was truly something special (if you’re a Mexican fiend like me!) – 3 farm fresh eggs, scrambled with Chorizo sausage, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cheese, refried beans, Mexican rice, sour cream, and warm tortillas. If that wasn’t enough to get your whistle wet, it also comes with freshly made sweet corn pone and a choice of candied apples, fresh fruit, or hash browns.
Pancakes
Any variety. Their pancakes are HUGE. I know we said this before, but really, I’ve never seen pancakes that thick or that fluffy before – but boy were they delicious – with or without syrup Crockett’s pancakes are a meal by themselves.
We had a blast trying this restaurant, and truly find their breakfast food to be a refreshing surprise on the strip – well seasoned, made fresh – you’ll search long and hard to find a breakfast as delicious and authentic as Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is serving up daily.
Where is Crockett’s Breakfast Camp?
Just past the Ober Gatlinburg tramway on your right as you’re heading towards the park just before Park Grill (which is on the left).
Insider Tip:
If you’re coming with a family that has small children, it’s really easy to eat on a budget. Get one of the 4 hungry Hunters Huntcamp skillets – the main course is more than enough food for an adult. It comes with a huge pancake and fruit on the side with its own plate – for us we found this to be enough to feed a small child (age 6 or below) no problem.