It’s no wonder the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a top destination for travelers. With its 500,000 acres of mountain peaks, lush forests, and diverse wildlife nestled between Tennessee and North Carolina, it’s no wonder the park is a top destination for travelers.
But with such an expansive landscape, deciding where to stay in the Smoky Mountains can be difficult.
The only options to stay inside the Smokies are camping and a single lodge, LeConte Lodge, which is only accessible by hiking. Luckily, you don’t have to camp to experience that “in the national park” feeling.
Whether you stay in a cabin for a large group or with your furry friend in a pet-friendly cabin, these nearby Smoky Mountain towns combine nature with the creature comforts of home. From nature-filled Gatlinburg to leisurely Townsend and Maggie Valley, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our Google Map to see our full list of towns and nearby entrances.
| Town | Nearest Entrance | Miles to nearest entrance | Ideal for | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatlinburg | Gatlinburg Entrance | 2 miles | Families and foodies | Festive, charming |
| Pigeon Forge | Gatlinburg Entrance | 8 miles | Adventure seekers | Energetic, action-packed |
| Townsend | Townsend Entrance | 2 miles | Nature lovers and couples | Tranquil and scenic |
| Sevierville | Gatlinburg Entrance | 13 miles | Girls trips and families | Historical, welcoming |
| Bryson City | Cherokee Entrance | 17 miles | Nature lovers | Outdoorsy, peaceful |
| Cherokee | Cherokee Entrance | 2 miles | History buffs and families | Cultural, historical |
| Maggie Valley | Cherokee Entrance | 20 miles | Adventurers and skiers | Quaint, outdoorsy |
Gatlinburg is one of the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains. Located in eastern Tennessee — and with three park entrances directly in town — Gatlinburg offers easy access to the Smokies. It also hosts a variety of shops, restaurants, and fun attractions for all ages. There are also a few airports near Gatlinburg in case you plan to fly.
Gatlinburg is home to plenty of holiday parades and festivals, making it ideal for Christmas activities in Gatlinburg. During winter, the Trolley Ride of Lights showcases the town’s festive celebration with millions of lights throughout the city. Gatlinburg is also one of the few places to spot fireflies in the Smoky Mountains between late May and early June — considered the best time to visit the Smokies.
From museums and mini-golf to the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, there’s no shortage of family fun in this charming mountain town.
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Pigeon Forge is another eastern Tennessee town known as one of the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains. In addition to being a short drive from the main entrance of the park, Pigeon Forge has a variety of activities, such as live dinner shows, horseback riding tours, and mountain coaster rides.
A big draw for visitors in Pigeon Forge is the one and only Dollywood Amusement Park, which offers a variety of attractions and fun for all ages. If you’re trying to decide between staying in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, consider the type of amenities and activities you want to enjoy during your trip.
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If you’re looking for the best Smoky Mountain towns for a peaceful vacation while still being close to a Smoky Mountain entrance, Townsend, Tennessee offers all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Located in southeastern Appalachia along the Tuckaleechee Cove, this relaxing town has been dubbed “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies.”
One of the main reasons people choose to stay in Townsend is its proximity to Cades Cove, a scenic valley that is one of the most visited areas in the park.
Another popular sight is the Tuckaleechee Caverns, known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” which received the highest cave or cavern rating in the eastern United States.
Despite its size, Townsend hosts several bustling festivals throughout the year. Events like the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival in May and the Townsend Fall Heritage Festival in September offer visitors the chance to learn about the town’s heritage while enjoying music, crafts, and local cuisine.
Visitors interested in southeastern heritage can check out local art galleries, workshops, and museums along the Lamar Alexander Parkway in downtown Townsend year-round.
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While smaller than Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Tennessee, has no shortage of things to love. Visitors can enjoy a historic walking tour of the charming downtown and take a picture with the famous Dolly Parton Statue.
It’s also worth spending time in at least one of the area’s outdoor adventure parks to ride a mountain coaster, take a horseback riding tour, or go ziplining.
If you’re looking for a break from all the outdoor adventuring, Sevierville is also known for its shopping. Along with locally owned shops and antique stores, Sevierville is also known for Tanger Outlets, a shopping mall featuring a collection of brand-name and designer outlet stores.
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Trying to find where to stay in the Smoky Mountains to experience a less-crowded side of the park? Bryson City, centrally located in Western North Carolina, is a peaceful destination perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape surrounded by mountains and a lake.
Bryson City is close to the Cherokee entrance of the park, but even closer to the Deep Creek entrance, an area known for its waterfalls and hiking trails. In addition to being close to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Bryson City is also an excellent hub for exploring the Nantahala National Forest.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from in Bryson City, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ziplining, to name a few.
For those looking to enjoy the scenery without physical exertion, Bryson City is home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which offers scenic train rides through mountains, tunnels, valleys, and rivers.
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Cherokee is one of the more unique places to stay in the Smoky Mountains because it is the home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. There’s no shortage of natural beauty here, but its rich cultural heritage is one of the bigger draws for this area.
Visit the Museum of the Cherokee People and the Oconaluftee Indian Village to learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee Nation.
Located right next to the North Carolina side of the Smokies, Cherokee is a great choice if you’re checking out some of the smaller parts of the park, such as the Cataloochee Valley and Deep Creek. If you love waterfalls, be sure to check out the short hike to Mingo Falls in the area. If you’re up for a scenic drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway starts from Cherokee.
Between its rich Native American history and a plethora of outdoor activities, Cherokee is a great place to stay to combine cultural immersion with the natural beauty of the Smokies.
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Maggie Valley is a peaceful town on the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. Like Bryson City and Cherokee, Maggie Valley is considered a great base for exploring the park’s Cataloochee Valley and Deep Creek areas. While you won’t see elk on the Tennessee side of the mountains, you may be able to spot some here in the Cataloochee Valley.
For visitors who do go chasing waterfalls, both Soco Falls and Mingo Falls are must-sees in the area. For those after winter sports, skiing and snowboarding are available right in town at the Cataloochee Ski Area.
If you’re looking for indoor activities, shop at the local gem and antique stores, visit the Wheels Through Time Museum, or head to The Elevated Mountain Distilling Company to sample some premium small-batch whiskeys and spirits.
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If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in nature among the most popular hikes and viewpoints in the Smokies, there are two options for staying inside the park: camping and a single lodge.
The park offers several camping options that cater to different levels of ability, including developed campgrounds and remote backcountry options. LeConte Lodge is the only lodge located within the park and is only accessible by hiking several miles.
LeConte Lodge is the only lodge inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it is open from late March to mid-November. The lodge is on Mount LeConte, just west of the 6,360-foot summit, and it is accessible by hiking trails only. Five trails lead to the lodge, ranging from five to nine miles long.
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Other than LeConte Lodge, camping is the only option for staying inside the park. The park offers a variety of camping options at several locations, including back and front country campsites, horse camping, and group campgrounds.
Frontcountry campsites are accessible by road and include bathrooms and drinking water, while backcountry options require more preparation and require carrying your own necessities. Campers should note that backcountry camping requires a free permit and is only recommended for experienced backpackers.
Visitors can camp for up to 14 nights in a single visit or up to 60 nights in one year. Most of the campgrounds are only open spring through fall, but Cades Cove and Smokemount are available year-round for car camping.
Reservations are required for most camping options available, and you can make them up to six months in advance. Make reservations as early as possible, as campsites are notorious for filling up quickly.
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From the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge to the cultural phenomenon of Cherokee, knowing where to stay in the Smoky Mountains is as simple as picking a vibe. Whether you wake up in a tent or a luxurious cabin, you’re sure to have a memorable experience. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group — Elk Springs Resort offers cabins and lodging for an unforgettable vacation.
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