The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to 10 campgrounds where you can sleep under the stars! However, what do you do if you want to stay in the park but you’re not really into camping? While there is just one lodging option located within the park, the LeConte Lodge, it is situated on top of the park’s third highest peak and is accessible only by foot! The good news is that there are a ton of excellent options that are just minutes away! Here are 3 types of places to stay near Smoky Mountains National Park if you don’t like camping:
1. Traditional Hotels
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has several large towns that are located nearby, including Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. These towns are full of traditional hotel accommodations, including some of your favorite brands. You’ll also find some charming independent hotels located along the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Parkway, as well as some budget options for those simply looking for a place to sleep! Hotels are an excellent option for those who just want a few basic comforts and amenities, but you may also find some hotels with free breakfasts, indoor swimming pools and fitness centers. The bonus of staying at a hotel is that they are not only near the National Park, but also close to many shops, restaurants and attractions!
2. Condo Rentals
Another one of the types of places to stay near Smoky Mountains National Park if you don’t like camping is a condo rental! These accommodations offer an upgrade to a typical hotel room as they feature many of the comforts of home, including separate bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and in-room laundry facilities. Condos are perfect for larger families or groups who want some extra living space, as well as the privacy of their own bedroom. Note that a condo rental may actually come out cheaper than booking separate hotel rooms when splitting the cost of a multi-bedroom unit!
3. Cabins and Chalets
Some of the most popular lodging options near Smoky Mountains National Park are cabin and chalet rentals! These accommodations are situated in scenic locations among the Smokies so that you can enjoy the beautiful mountain atmosphere throughout your vacation! They range from 1 bedroom cabins for solo travelers and couples to multi-bedroom cabins for groups, family reunions and church retreats! You may even come across some cabins that have 15 or more bedrooms! There are cabins for all budgets too, but you’ll find that most of them include amenities such as private decks, fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs and fireplaces. Some of the more luxurious cabins include features such as game rooms, home theater rooms and even indoor swimming pools!
As you can see, there are plenty of great places to stay near Smoky Mountains National Park! Since there are several convenient entrances into the park, there is always a lodging option that is just minutes away! Click here to learn about the top 3 entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
