The Best Glampsites and Cabins to Book in Tennessee

The forest hugs the white canopies of this glamping resort – set in a clearing among 182 acres (74ha) of wooded terrain – minutes from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each tent has a wood-burning stove, king-size bed with Casper mattress and daily housekeeping. Ask for an optional overhead window, so you can stargaze from your bed. Fueled by solar energy, the camp aims to be zero-waste in the future.

Strings of fairy lights delicately illuminate the forest pathways between the bell tents at Sassy Springs. There are luxury touches, too, such as proper beds and furniture, air conditioning and housekeeping. Fully serviced kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared with the camp. Rest in your hammock and light a campfire after a day of exploring local state parks and beauty spots, including Great Stage Park, Greeter Falls and Cumberland Caverns.

Curl up by the fire in a mountain-style hideaway that’s close to the action. This two-bedroom log cabin is surrounded by woodland, with a wrap-around veranda perfect for sipping iced tea while tipping back on your rocking chair. Located 3mi (4.8km) from downtown Gatlinburg, it’s also just 10mi (16km) from the strip of Pigeon Forge and its bars, restaurants and theme parks. Skip town for a romantic weekend, or bring the crew. The cabin sleeps six.

Another property close to the downtown attractions of Pigeon Forge, the homey Belvedere cabin sits high on a crest and features double-height living accommodation – with spacious rooms nestled in the eaves. Forget the ensuite. Some of the four bedrooms in this log cabin property feature in-room bathtubs, perfectly positioned for the forest views.

Look out over the Great Smoky Mountains from this palatial cabin. Though the seven bedrooms can accommodate up to 23 guests, you can be as private as you wish. Each bedroom has its own bathroom and fireplace, as well as far-reaching views across the mountains. Barbecue from the sweeping terrace, or soak in the outdoor hot tub and enjoy the view. You can also entertain yourself in the games room, featuring an arcade driving game, a pool table, air hockey and a Blu-ray player.

The surrounding mountains turn blue at dusk as the setting sun fades, carving some out in the last light and obscuring others. The balcony of the Wayleaf cabin is one of the best spots to take in this daily spectacle – the four-bedroom property has some of the furthest-reaching views across the Great Smoky Mountains in the area. Yet it’s still minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. After a busy day downtown, return to your room, light a fire in its towering stone fireplace and get cozy.

Get the gang together, cook up a storm in the kitchen with local specialties – we’re thinking fried pickles and catfish, or cornbread and slow-cooked barbecue pork – and gather in the snug living room, with its leather sofas and stone fireplace. Smoky Bear Manor – which sleeps 18 across its five bedrooms – is the place for intimate friends-and-family gatherings. Life centers around its large communal rooms, but all bedrooms open onto balconies or patios.