The Best Lodges to Book in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Big Bear Lodge is the perfect place to book for a family reunion | Courtesy of Big Bear Lodge by Jackson Mountain Homes / Expedia

Nick Dauk

20 December 2021

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Who says you can’t have a mountainous retreat and a thrilling vacation in one holiday? Lodges in Gatlinburg are perfect for anyone who wants to mix up their time off with escapes into nature and excitement in the theme parks. With spa tubs, mountain views, and roaring fires, these lodges in Gatlinburg will keep you relaxed even after a crazy day hopping around Ripley’s attractions. When it comes to lodging in Gatlinburg, these cabins won’t leave you stranded for fun.

The Lodge at Buckberry Creek, for outdoorsy activities

Cozy brown couch in front of a rustic-looking fireplace in a a room with another two chairs, a wooden coffee table and a balcony at The Lodge at Buckberry Creek

Courtesy of The Lodge at Buckberry Creek / Expedia

If you were to take the Adirondack Great Camp lifestyle, mix in a little rustic charm, and stoke the flames with just a dash of boutique hotel convenience, you’d get the Lodge at Buckberry Creek. Soaking tubs, fireplaces, and balconies are standard in the fourteen luxury suites of the lodge, decorated in the Adirondack style. When you’re done hiking one of the two half-mile (800m) hiking trails on site, you’ll find a warm, hearty meal waiting for you in the restaurant.

Gatlinburg View Lodge, for a community feel

White exterior of Gatlinburg View Lodge with red balcony rails

Courtesy of Gatlinburg View Lodge / Expedia

Get the Smoky Mountain seclusion only a mile (1.6km) from downtown at the Gatlinburg View Lodge in Gatlinburg. A private king room is an easy escape from the commotion of the city; only the sounds of billiards clacking together or basketballs bouncing on the court will fill the common areas. The community center is open around the clock, which is necessary if you’ve rented out one of the family rooms and plan on playing a game of Monopoly to the bitter end.

Big Bear Lodge by Jackson Mountain Homes, for reunions

High-ceilinged, A-frame living space with cozy leather couches, a fireplace, a statue of a bear, a balcony and panoramic windows at Big Bear Lodge

Courtesy of Big Bear Lodge by Jackson Mountain Homes / Expedia

When we say that Big Bear Lodge is ideal for a family vacation, we mean the whole family. Auntie, Unc, Grandpa, and not-blood-but-still-family members can fit in this massive 26-person cabin. It’s on a private gated drive so the kids can run around the grounds without worry. You can spot them from the hot tub on the lower deck or from a comfortable chair around the fire pit. But let’s be real – they’ll probably spend the vacation in the game room.

The Lodge of Gatlinburg, for golfers and Gatlinburg newbies

Three wooden chairs around a fire pit and wooden exterior of The Lodge at Gatlinburg

Courtesy of The Lodge of Gatlinburg - Six Bedroom Cabin / Expedia

The Lodge of Gatlinburg is that Smoky Mountain getaway that’ll please husbands, wives, and kids alike. Six bedrooms and seven bathrooms can fit a foursome or two, plus non-golfers and any children who will gladly accompany you to hit balls at the Bent Creek Golf Club nearby. Pizza and BBQ are around the corner if no one wants to dirty up the kitchen. Most importantly? It’s got a hot tub for whoever wants to disconnect and a strong wifi connection for anyone who absolutely cannot.

Apple Bear Lodge, for convenience

Dining room with a table, six chairs and a wooden bench inside wooden Apple Bear Lodge

Courtesy of Apple Bear Lodge / Expedia

Consider this lodging in Gatlinburg your launch point for a Great Smoky Mountain vacation. This four-bedroom cabin is only a few minutes from Ripley’s and Rafting in the Smokies. Wake up each morning and prepare breakfast in the full kitchen, popping into the adjacent corner store for anything you might be short of. When you return, the private spa tub and fireplace will get you feeling nice and cozy – if the winery on-site doesn’t get your cheeks warm first.

Alpine Ski Lodge by Jackson Mountain Homes, for finding tranquility

Cozy bedroom with wooden double bed, a dresser, a ceiling fan and log walls at Alpine Ski Lodge

Courtesy of Alpine Ski Lodge by Jackson Mountain Homes / Expedia

Relaxation is always within reach at the Alpine Ski Lodge. The oversized hot tub, hammock, porch swing, and rocking chairs will have you kicking back on mountain time. It’s a quiet little cabin, harboring two bedrooms which makes this a great choice for a couples trip. No one says you can’t snag this Gatlinburg lodge for yourself though; a good book and a cup of tea are all the company you’ll need to savor moments of silence amongst the trees.

Great Smoky Lodge, for wine fans

Long balcony with wooden chairs overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains at Great Smoky Lodge

Courtesy of Great Smoky Lodge / Expedia

This lodge in Gatlinburg is next to a winery. If you need more convincing, let us uncork a few other perks of this place. You’ll drink in the mountain views from the balcony, no doubt the preferred place to sip vino. A fireplace, spa tub, and game room are inside – and golfing next door makes the Great Smoky Lodge par for the course.

Starry Nights Lodge, for finding your own space

Rustic-looking wooden bed in a wood-panelled cabin room with a wooden dresser, TV and balcony at Starry Nights Lodge

Courtesy of Starry Nights Lodge / Expedia

Only a five-minute drive from Ober Gatlinburg, the Starry Nights Lodge is a solid basecamp for year-round fun. This Gatlinburg lodging doesn’t skimp on the space; you can fit a whopping 18 people in this awesome abode – and that’s not including pets. Invite the inlaws, the kids’ friends, and even the neighbors, just to fill all five bedrooms. Everyone will have a grand old time at the Ober amusement park, allowing you to sneak quietly into the private spa tub for quiet time.

Old Hickory Lodge, for Tennessee charm

Dark brown wooden exterior and dark green roof and window details at Old Hickory Lodge

Courtesy of Old Hickory Lodge / Expedia

If you want a heaping helping of rustic charm, the Old Hickory Lodge is a wooden wonderland. There are four bedrooms to pair with the four bathrooms, but you can squeeze a few other woodland creatures – aka your little tykes – in the living room sofa beds. No need to concern yourself with making the coziness feel cramped. The hot tub, balcony, spacious living room, and entertainment area will give your group plenty of room to stretch out.

White Oak Lodge & Resort, for condos and cabins

A row of three wooden cabins with red doors overlooking the wilderness at White Oak Lodge & Resort

Courtesy of White Oak Lodge & Resort / Expedia | Courtesy of White Oak Lodge & Resort / Expedia

Whether you’re longing for a log cabin or craving a stay in a condo, White Oak Lodge & Resort has a place for you to lay your head. These two-bedroom Gatlinburg condos have just the right amount of space for the outdoorsy types who will spend most of their time on the walking trails. Not rushing to get into the wild? Then relaxing beneath the vaulted ceilings of a log cabin is ideal, especially one with a private hot tub.

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