Every year, 11 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
That makes it the most visited National Park in the whole country!
Easily accessible from Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Asheville, Americans flock to this gorgeous mountain range every summer.
Are you wondering where to stay in the Smoky Mountains? Let’s take a look at all the options when it comes to Great Smoky Mountains lodging.
Go Camping
Sometimes there’s no substitute for good, old-fashioned camping. Grab your tent, sleeping back, and backpack and spend a few days sleeping under the stars in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re wondering where to stay in Smoky Mountains, maybe the simplest answer is: in the Smoky Mountains!
Backcountry Sites
If you want to camp deep in the wilderness, there are backcountry sites available for backpackers that are several miles away from roads.
Frontcountry Sites
If you’d rather stay a little closer to civilization, there are developed campgrounds available where you can stay near to your car. These campgrounds have restrooms and cold running water, and each site has a picnic table and a fire grate.
Group Campgrounds
Are you traveling with a large group? No problem! There are large campgrounds in the front country that can accommodate eight or more people.
Go Glamping
Do you like the idea of camping but aren’t sure it suits your glamorous lifestyle? Glamping (a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping”) might be perfect for you.
North Georgia Canopy Tours
Located in Lula, Georgia, at North Georgia Canopy Tours you’ll be able to stay in a tepee and still enjoy the amenities of modern civilization. Fully equipped with running water, electricity, and even air conditioning, you can enjoy the peace of the great outdoors without giving up to many luxuries.
Asheville Glamping
There are so many different glamping options at this North Carolina spot that it might be hard to choose!
Would you like to stay in a treehouse? How about a geodesic dome? What about spending the night in a vintage Airstream?
If you answered yes, yes, and yes, then you’ve got to check out these awesome glamping accommodations.
Camp LeConte
This East Tenessee getaway has it all. Regular old RV and tent sites, a safari tent, a vintage camper, and a luxurious treehouse.
It’s totally up to you how much you want to rough it. Plus, with a swimming pool and free Wifi, everyone in your family can find something fun to do.
The Yurts at Sky Ridge
If you haven’t stayed in a yurt before, you’re missing out!
Theses yurts in Bryson City, N.C. are far from primitive. Decked out with walk-in showers, kitchen appliances, and flat-screen TVs, you won’t have to feel like you’re roughing it.
Rent an RV
Renting an RV is a great way to get outdoors without giving up all the amenities you rely on.
Book an RV camping spot for you and your family and you can enjoy hiking around the mountains without having to sleep on the hard ground. If it rains, you’re not stuck in a flimsy tent. This method of accommodation gives you and your family a little more space, which can be a real savior on a family vacation!
Rough It in Rustic Cabins
The only lodging facilities inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the LeConte Lodge.
Accessible only via steep hiking trails, these mountain cabins don’t have running water or electricity. If you’re looking to go glamping, this is not, I repeat, this is not the spot for you.
If you’re into the idea of staying in these remote mountain cabins, you’re not alone. They’re actually so popular that bookings are made through a lottery system each fall! After that, you’ll have to hope that someone cancels their reservation in order to make one of your own.
Stay in Gatlinburg
If you’re looking for the best vacation accommodations in the Great Smoky Mountains, your options are nearly endless.
The sweet little mountain town of Gatlinburg might just be the best place to stay in Smoky Mountains Tennessee. There tons of nearby outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, white-water rafting, fishing, and golfing. On top of that, there is an aquarium, wineries, distilleries, theme parks, mini-golf, and more!
Stay in Pigeon Forge
Does Gatlinburg sound nice, but you were hoping for a little more Dolly Parton? Never fear! Pigeon Forge is the place for you. You can check in here the things to do when you’re staying in Pigeon Forge.
Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, the theme park owned by Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. On top of this, it’s got tons of great dining, entertainment, and music options.
If you were hoping to come to the Smoky Mountains for a little more mountain culture and a little less mountain hiking, head over to Pigeon Forge.
Stay in Asheville
Are you hoping to get a little bit of everything on your vacation? Do some members of your family love being outdoors and the rest would rather hang out in one of the coolest little cities in the US?
Situated between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can head into the mountains to go hiking during the day and hang out in the city at night. It’s a win-win!
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains: What Kind of Vacation Are You Dreaming Of?
Sometimes you want a vacation to be adventurous and challenging. Other times you just want to relax and be completely free of worries. No matter how you’re feeling this summer, there is a Smoky Mountains accommodation that suits your needs.
Did you find this article about where to stay in the smoky mountains useful? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more informative content!