Where to Stay in the Smokies: Breakdown By Town

Picture this: You’re standing inside an airy, windowed glamping dome, warm sunlight bathing the luxurious amenities. Your hands are wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee as you gaze out at the rolling blue mountains and ponder what nearby adventure to embark upon that day.

This could be you if you decide to stay in the Smokies!

view of the mountains and downtown gatlinburg from the skybridge

In this guide, I’m going to break down each Smoky Mountains gateway town, sharing not only the best places to stay but also reasons to stay in each town, what’s nearby, etc.

As a local, I have visited each of these towns many, many times, and have even stayed in a few of these accommodations throughout the years!

After reading this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of where to stay in the Smokies.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in the Smokies: Breakdown By Town

stellara mirror house in sevierville tennessee photo courtesy of vrbo, where to stay in the smokies — Stellara Mirror Home – Image courtesy of VRBO

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!

There are seven gateway towns that are most convenient to stay in when visiting the Smoky Mountains. The choices can seem quite overwhelming, so I’m going to help you decide where to stay in the Smokies by giving you clear visuals of each of the towns.

In this guide, I’ll share the following about each gateway town:

reasons to stay there (or not stay there)
what to do
what national park trails and highlights are nearby
specific accommodation recommendations for all budgets

At the end, I’ll share in-park camping options as well! Because that’s how I prefer to experience a national park.

In a hurry? Here are my top picks for where to stay in the Smokies:

Stellara Mirror Home in Sevierville (couples)
Luxury Glamping Dome in Whittier (couples or small families)
Long View Resort in Bryson City (couples or small families)
Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville (families)

Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg is the most popular destination to stay when visiting the Smokies.

Why? Simple! With endless activities for all ages and a wide variety of unique accommodations like water park resorts and rustic cabins, all just minutes from one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrances, it’s an easy default choice.

If you stay in Gatlinburg, you’ll be close to popular trailheads like Laurel Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Alum Cave and breathtaking scenic drives like Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Newfound Gap.

windy road on roaring fork motor nature trail

Furthermore, there’s plenty to do in the town of Gatlinburg itself, such as tubing at Ober Mountain, walking amongst the treetops at Anakeesta, and puttering across the Shark Lagoon at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

One negative of staying in Gatlinburg is that it’s almost always crowded, except maybe on weekdays in the winter. If crowds don’t bother you, and you’re happy to be immersed in the chaos with other excited tourists, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t stay here!

So where should you stay in Gatlinburg? I’ve got some recommendations for a variety of budgets:

Elk Springs Resort – luxury cabins sprinkled all over Gatlinburg $$$$
Margarittaville Resort – within walking distance of Anakeesta $$$
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park – family-friendly lodging with indoor water park and mini golf $$
Park Vista – closest accommodation to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail $$
Camp LeConte – treehouses, safari tents, and retro campers + basic tent/RV campsites $ – $$

Pigeon Forge, TN

Pigeon Forge is probably the most lively and family-friendly destination to stay when visiting the Smokies.

Why? There are endless dinner shows, coasters, activities, and shops, all targeting families and first-time visitors.

There is no shortage of touristy things to do in Pigeon Forge, so your family will never be bored. Get wet in Dollywood’s Splash Country, take a scenic helicopter tour, and embark on a thrilling ride in the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster.

When staying in Pigeon Forge, you’ll have to cross through Gatlinburg to get to the closest national park entrance. You’ll be about 30 minutes from trailheads like Laurel Falls, Alum Cave, and Rainbow Falls.

rainbow falls in great smoky mountains national park

standing at the waterfall below laurel falls

One negative of staying in Pigeon Forge is that the traffic is really bad. Pack your patience when you are traveling on the main parkway!

So whether you want to stay in a lodge, a safari tent, or a resort in Pigeon Forge, here are some recommendations:

Riverstone Resort & Spa – just 3 miles from Dollywood $$$
Timbers Lodge Pigeon Forge – surrounded by activities + dining $$$
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains – dog-friendly stargazing and safari tents $$
Music Road Resort Hotel – close to mountain coasters and zip lines $$
Camp Riverslanding – RV rentals and RV sites + vacation rentals $+

Sevierville, TN

Just north of Pigeon Forge, Sevierville has a different atmosphere than Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Severiville is quieter and more residential, offering a more laid-back vibe.

You’ll find some of the most unique Smoky Mountains accommodations in Sevierville, including mirror homes, luxury treehouses, and glamping domes.

Some of the highlights of Sevierville are the Soaky Mountain Waterpark, the waterfall zip line, and the famous Tanger outlet mall.

Since Sevierville is north of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it’s the furthest gateway town on this list from the park, making this the only potential con. You’ll need to drive 30+ minutes (through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg) to get to the closest national park entrance.

Within 45 minutes from the center of Sevierville, you’ll be at trailheads like Laurel Falls and Ramsey Cascades, and scenic roads like Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Newfound Gap.

From treehouses and mirror homes to lodges and glamping domes, here are some spectacular places to stay in Sevierville:

Stellara Treehouse – luxury secluded treehouse with stargazing deck $$$$$
Stellara Mirror Home – luxury villa made of mirrors, excellent stargazing $$$$$
Wilderness at the Smokies – famous indoor lazy river & bowling alley $$
The Resort at Governor’s Crossing – only 1 mile from Tanger Outlets $$
Berry Springs Lodge – just 2 miles from Dollywood’s Splash Country $$
Smoky Mountains Glamping Dome – unique pet-friendly glamping dome $

Townsend, TN

Welcome to the “Quiet Side of the Smokies!” While there’s not as much to do in Townsend as in many of the other gateway towns, staying here gives you a nice respite from the crowds and the constant hustle and bustle.

Townsend is also only about 30 minutes from the McGhee Tyson Airport, so it’s super convenient to stay here if you’re flying into Knoxville. (This is where most folks fly into.)

Staying in Townsend allows you to be close to points of interest in the national park like Cades Cove, the Townsend Wye, and Spruce Flats Falls.

Some of my favorite things to do in the Smokies are near Townsend, like biking Cades Cove on vehicle-free Wednesdays and tubing down the Little River.

biking during a thunderstorm at cades cove

girl floating on a tube on the little river in tennessee

While Townsend is small, there are actually some pretty cool things to do! You can go river tubing at one of the two River Rat outfitters, visit the Tuckaleeche Caverns, or bike the greenway.

One con of staying in Townsend is that there isn’t as much to do as in many of the other gateway towns like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville. If you’re okay with driving a bit for activities, or if solitude is your priority, then Townsend is a great option.

Here are some super cozy places to stay in Townsend:

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort – luxury glamping, tiny homes, and campsites within walking distance of the park entrance $$ – $$$
Dancing Bear Lodge – quick access to the greenway trail and tubing $$$
Tremont Lodge & Resort – less than 4 miles from Tuckaleeche Caverns $$
Highland Manor Inn – easy access to tubing and greenway trail $$
Best Western Cades Cove Inn – just 1 mile from river tubing $

Cosby, TN

Cosby is an underrated destination to stay when visiting the Smokies. It’s often never even a consideration to most first-time Smoky Mountains visitors. Rather, it’s a favorite among locals and long-time visitors.

So why should you stay here? Simple! It’s quiet and has the illusion of remoteness while still being 30 minutes or less from Gatlinburg. So you can enjoy peace and solitude at your accommodation, but you can take a quick drive and suddenly be in the midst of Gatlinburg chaos. It’s the best of both worlds.

While there’s not a ton to do in the actual town of Cosby, staying in Cosby allows you to have immediate access to non-touristy park highlights like the Foothills Parkway and Mount Cammerer and be just a 40-minute drive from some of my favorite points of interest like Mouse Creek Falls and Midnight Hole!

swimming in midnight hole in great smoky mountains national park

girl standing on the mount cammerer lookout tower

If you’re looking for ample restaurants, shopping, and activities right outside the doorstep of your accommodation, Cosby probably isn’t the choice for you.

So where should you stay in Cosby? I’m going to make it simple for you! I’ve just got one recommendation, and don’t worry: it’s a good one: GLAMP Dome.

The GLAMP Domes are adorable and luxurious, and rustic, all in one beautiful swirl. And bonus: some of them are even pet-friendly!

Cherokee (Or Whittier), NC

Welcome to the North Carolina side! If you’re flying into the Asheville or Charlotte airport, Cherokee will be the most convenient destination to stay in when visiting the Smokies.

I like to call Cherokee a “tame Gatlinburg.” Crowded with lots to do, but on a much more spread-out, digestible scale. And with much cheaper lodging options!

So if you want to have plenty to do but don’t want to be wall-to-wall with hordes of people, have a smaller budget, and consider yourself a history buff, Cherokee is a perfect option.

If you choose to stay in Cherokee, you’ll be close to Mingo Falls, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and elk viewing areas, and have easy access to popular peaks like LeConte and Kuwohi.

Plenty of reasons to stay on this side of the Smokies!

hiking to mount leconte summit in great smoky mountains national park

While you’re staying in Cherokee, make sure to stop by the Museum of the Cherokee People, bike the Fire Mountain Trails, and drive part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you’re into golfing, Sequoyah National Golf Club has some pretty unbeatable views.

Here are some affordable places to stay in Cherokee:

Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA – riverside campground + cabin rentals just 1 mile from Mingo Falls $$
River’s Edge Motel – less than 5 minutes from the park entrance $$
Cherokee Grand Hotel – 3 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway $
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – centrally located to lots of food and activities $

One negative of visiting Cherokee is that the accommodation options are minimal and limited. If you want to stay on this side of the Smokies, but want more unique stays, consider staying in Whittier. Whitter is just 10 minutes away from Cherokee and is still very close to the park entrance.

Here are some cute places to stay in Whittier:

Luxury Glamping Dome – pet-friendly, luxury glamping dome $$$
The Lodge at Smoky Cove – 2 miles from the swinging bridge $$
Outland Chalet & Suites – 20 minutes from two park entrances $$

Luxury Glamping Dome – Image courtesy of VRBO

Bryson City, NC

Bryson City is a charming little mountain town on the outskirts of the NC side of the Smokies. If you want to immerse yourself in the heart of Southern Appalachia, I’d recommend staying in this tiny town.

long view resort in bryson city north carolina, photo courtesy of hotels.com, where to stay in the smokies — Long View Resort – Image Courtesy of Hotels.com

Bryson City is one of the cutest, most outdoorsy mountain towns I’ve been to. With breweries, local mom-and-pop shops, a historic railroad, and outdoor recreation for days, Bryson City is a pretty top-notch, underrated place to stay when visiting the Smokies.

When staying in Bryson City, you’ll be close to the Deep Creek area of the Smoky Mountains, which gives you quick access to the popular river tubing route and three-waterfall loop trail.

girl floating down deep creek next to tom branch falls

There are some truly unique things to do in this tiny town. You can take a scenic train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, raft down the Nantahala River, and drive the nearby, twisty Tail of the Dragon.

One con of staying here is that you’re pretty far (1.5 hours+) from park favorites like Cades Cove, Roaring Fork, Rainbow Falls, etc. But a perk is that you’ll be near points of interest that normally get skipped by first-time visitors.

Whether you want to stay in a hotel, resort, campground, or yurt, I’ve got some amazing places for you to stay in Bryson City:

Everett Hotel – charming, historic, within walking distance of the GSM railroad $$$
Long View Resort – 10 miles from the Deep Creek waterfall loop & tubing area – $$
Sky Ridge Yurts – tents with an incredible view $$
Nantahala Village Resort – retreat for active travelers with onsite riding stables $$
The Lodge Nantalaha River – less than 1 hour from Tail of the Dragon $$
Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground – cabins + campsites with river tube rentals, 1 mile from national park $+

Camping in the Smoky Mountains

Prefer to camp inside the park? Me, too!

Camping inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the best way to maximize your time spent in the park.

two girls sitting in camp chairs at abrams creek campground

I love camping inside National Parks not only to experience the park after dark but also to get access to the trailheads before the crowds roll in and after they leave.

So, if camping is more your style, here is some info about camping in the Smoky Mountains.

Frontcountry Camping in the Smokies

There are 10 frontcountry campgrounds. Camping is only allowed in these designated campsites. Sleeping in parking lots, at trailheads, or anywhere else (besides designated backcountry sites – I’ll mention those next) is not permitted.

Here are the five frontcountry campgrounds on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Abrams Creek – quiet creekside camping near Foothills Parkway West and Tail of the Dragon
Cades Cove – large year-round campground near Cades Cove Loop and Abrams Falls
Cosby – large campground with AT and Mount Cammerer access
Elkmont – large campground near Laurel Falls and Daisy Town and home to the famous synchronous fireflies event
Look Rock – small campground on Foothills Parkway West

view from inside tent at riverside campsite at elkmont campground

Here are the five frontcountry campgrounds on the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Balsam Mountain – high-elevated campground near Hemphill Bald and Flat Creek
Big Creek – small tent-only campground near Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls
Cataloochee – semi-remote campground famous for wildlife viewing
Deep Creek – bustling creekside camping near popular tubing area and waterfall loop
Smokemont – large year-round campground near Cherokee and Mingo Falls

You can read more about the campgrounds in my detailed guide!