The Smokies offers many different types of lodging options, from the outdoor adventurer to the luxury visitor. We’ve highlighted a few of our favorites below, to provide you a “bed” spread of ideas!
RV and Campsites
You don’t have to go far to find an RV resort or campsite in the area. Many offer amenities like a pool, laundry and bathroom/shower facilities, and even a gift shop. You’ll get a community atmosphere and outdoor experience while still enjoying a few of the finer things in life. If you are looking for a place to stay closer to Rafting in the Smokies, then Smoky Mountain Premier RV Resort bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be a good start. They also offer a fitness room, gated access, and a dog washing station with a pet walking area. Camp LeConte, which is on the Parkway between Gatlinburg and RITS, has everything from primitive campsites (bring your own tent) to safari tents and treehouses. You can also rent a camper there. Located on the Gatlinburg Trolley route, Camp LeConte is family-owned and operated and offers amenities like a heated pool and playground.
Condo
It’s not hard to find a hotel throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. But if you want to step it up a notch, try renting a condo. You’ll get the amenities you’re used to from a hotel, with some of the comforts of home like a kitchen, and in some cases a private laundry. The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort has condos ranging in size from one to two-bedroom villas. The resort also has an indoor/outdoor pool and whirlpool, family game room, fitness room, and access to complementary BBQ grills. Glades View Condos offers two-bedroom condos with private balconies and stunning views. You’ll be right next to the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community and an easy drive to Rafting in the Smokies
Cabins
The Smoky Mountains is probably most often associated with cabins as a lodging option. Cabins can be anywhere from a small studio to a luxury 10+ bedroom mansion. Log cabins can connect to the environment and give you a birds-eye view of the lovely landscape or the background sound of a bubbling screen or secluded pasture. Locations can vary and so can the atmosphere. Check with your cabin company to see amenities and what you should bring, but most provide a starter set of toiletries and kitchen equipment. Check out our sister site, Wildwood Mountain Cabins, to book a cabin even closer to Rafting in the Smokies. All of the cabins are located in Cosby, which is around a 20-minute drive (or less) from our rafting outpost.
Other Online Resources
Great! the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community and an easy drive to Rafting in the Smokies