The Best Cabins to Book in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg's Space Needle offers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains | © Sean Pavone - Alamy Stock Photo

7 December 2021

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The magic of Gatlinburg (as well as nearby towns Pigeon Forge and Sevierville) lies in its status as a gateway resort town to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s home to Tennessee’s only ski resort, and is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the solitude of the mountains without missing out on the pleasures of urban living. Renting a cabin with a scenic view is an ideal way to experience the pleasures of this resort town. These are the best cabins in Gatlinburg, all bookable with Culture Trip.

White Oak Lodge, for nature on your doorstep

Wooden cabin with red front door and entrance porch on stilts at White Oak Lodge.

Here is a neat collection of individual cabins, each with porches outfitted with rocking chairs, making it easy to take in the great outdoors in your own time. The entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just 2mi (3km) away if you prefer your vacation to be filled with hiking and biking. Shared amenities with the other cabins in the complex include a pool, tennis courts, barbecue area and clubhouse. Welcome to the country club.

Hilltop Haven, for top home entertainment

Cosy lounge area at Hilltop Haven, with a red leather sofa and two animal-print armchairs, all overlooked by a wooden balcony.

There’s nothing quite like curling up next to a roaring fire while vacationing in the mountains. Four-bedroom Hilltop Haven is also one of the best cabins with a private pool in Gatlinburg. No need to worry about the weather – a surround-sound in-home theater delivers rainy-day entertainment, or chilling time after you’ve been hiking in the national park. Extra friends and family will be comfortable on sofa beds.

Cuddle Hut, for warmth and cosiness

A cosy double room at the Cuddle Hut made completely of wood, with a corner bathtub in the room itself and a gabled ceiling.

As the romantic name suggests, this place is designed for comfort and, well, canoodling. It’s a cute little one-bedroom log cabin with a deep, jetted hot tub, a modern kitchen, a fireplace, outdoor barbecue, and, most important of all, mountain views. Staying in these attractive surrounds you’re close to Gatlinburg’s many attractions, including the national park, museums, amusement parks and restaurants of the Parkway – and the ski area, of course, too.

Above It All, for cocooning interiors

A cosy double room at Above It All cabin, with a dark wood bed, a wall-mounted fireplace with glass front, and a small en-suite bathroom.

This place is so named because it looks out on the valleys of the Smoky Mountains from its lofty hillside perch. While the four-bedroom home has attractive mountain decor, the amenities are anything but back-to-nature. In place of rustic you’ll find modern surroundings flecked with woody accents, a modern kitchen, internet access, and several fireplaces, including one right next to a deep, jetted hot tub. What could be cosier? Pour a deep one and relax.

Above the Clouds, for lofty views

Large living room area at Above the Clouds, with a cosy fire, comfy brown sofa, large dining room table and an attached balcony with mountain views.

The A-frame construction of Above the Clouds gives this fine cabin soaring ceilings and expansive windows, creating a lovely vantage point over the Great Smoky Mountains. The property includes all the amenities you could want, chief among them wireless internet, a barbecue grill, a cosy fireplace and air conditioning, for hot summer days. An added perk is a free grocery shopping service, so that you can focus on idling, rather than supermarket aisles.

Apple Bear Lodge, for national park proximity

Cosy wooden living room at Apple Bear Lodge, with a corner fire, assortment of comfy armchairs, TV, and a Christmas tree with red baubles.

Officially it has four bedrooms, but Apple Bear Lodge can sleep 18 thanks to a terrific assortment of bunk beds built in classic log-cabin style. The space is stocked with all the vacation fun essentials, including a foosball table, air hockey, billiards, and a hot tub that looks out over stark mountain expanses. It’s well placed for Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts community, as well as the national park.

Woodshed, for magnificent mountain views

A large wooden balcony at Woodshed cabin with black metal chairs and tables, a barbecue and panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.

Inside the Cobbly Nob resort neighborhood, Woodshed is a two-bedroom getaway that’s light and bright, thanks to large windows that bring the outside in. Wherever you are, you can gaze out at the imposing Smoky Mountains – one of the finest views is from the jetted hot tub. Take advantage of the amenities in Cobbly Nob, including the two pools and access to the Bent Creek resort, for golfing, volleyball and lazing beside the pool.

Smoky Haven, for group fun

Courtesy of Smoky Haven - Three Bedroom Cabin_Expedia

Here’s the perfect den for friends and family. The open floor plan at Smoky Haven lends itself to group socialising. Muck in together to make meals in the modern kitchen and dine all together beside the fireplace, or outside on the deck. There’s also a home cinema seating seven. Take a dip in the swimming pool or soak in the hot tub away from the crowds thronging downtown Gatlinburg. Then again, if you do want to explore the resort town, you’re less than 10 minutes away.

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