The Best Hotels with Pools to Book in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

From epic mountains to the infamous Dollywood, Pigeon Forge is a seriously diverse destination
From epic mountains to the infamous Dollywood, Pigeon Forge is a seriously diverse destination | Courtesy of Riverstone Resort / Expedia.com
Abigail Blasi

Pigeon Forge is a mountain resort town in the American South of Tennessee backed by the Smoky Mountains – a mountain range that undulates along the Tennessee–North Carolina border. It’s famous for Dollywood: a theme park belonging to none other than East Tennessee’s most famous daughter, songstress Dolly Parton. This impressive empire of fun has over 50 rides – including the hair-raising Wild Eagle and Tennessee Tornado. As well as abundant natural beauty in the surrounding countryside, Pigeon Forge is a hub for shopping while hotels have pools aplenty where you can relax in your downtime – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Margaritaville Island Hotel, for island-inspired excitement

Hotel

A ferris wheel and outdoor pool area at Margaritaville Resorts
Courtesy of Margaritaville Resorts / Expedia.com

The island-inspired Margaritaville Island Hotel has a holiday atmosphere – with a rooftop pool-with-a-view where you can overlook the town as you bask. There are sky-blue walls in the bedrooms, exposed stone walls, fireplaces and more views. Set in the middle of a fantastical, stage-set-style entertainment zone, known as “the Island”, you can eat frozen yoghurt, splash in fountains, go on the big wheel or simply drink signature frozen margaritas. You’re also close to America’s most visited national park – the Great Smoky Mountains – where you can go horseback riding, rafting or picnicking.

2. Music Road Resort Hotel, for water-filled family fun

Resort

The outdoor pool area at Music Road Resort
Courtesy of Music Road Resort / Expedia.com

This is one of the most impressive hotels with pools in Pigeon Forge. There’s a long, lazy river here, along with corkscrew slides and a lagoon-style outdoor pool. No need to stop swimming when the weather’s cold – the indoor pools are impressive, too, including a large angular pool and bubbling hot tub. Rooms have balconies with magnificent views over the Smoky Mountains and Pigeon River and come with polished pine furnishings. You can work out in the fitness center or bond with your teenagers in the games room.

3. Riverstone Resort and Spa, for even more family fun

Resort, Luxury, Spa Hotel

The outdoor pool area at Riverstone Resort
Courtesy of Riverstone Resort / Expedia.com

Overlooking the rushing river, this family-friendly resort also has superb swimming pools: a lazy river that you can float around on inflatables while indoors, there’s another superb place to swim, set in a glass-walled conservatory-style enclosure with views. Spacious condos have chintz or striped bedspreads and sofas, granite worktops and whirlpool bathtubs – some have wooden rocking chairs on the verandas and balconies overlooking more rolling green views. There’s also a nature trail and playground, plus a luxurious spa to knead away any knots.

5. Black Fox Lodge, for river views

Hotel, Luxury, Chain Hotel

The outdoor pool area at Black Fox Lodge
Courtesy of Black Fox Lodge / Expedia.com

Just minutes from Dollywood, this smart, family-friendly hotel has big views of the Smoky Mountains and West Prong Little Pigeon River. The rooms are decorated in pale neutrals, with large, comfortable beds – while communal areas have a more rustic look, with exposed stone walls, stag-head decor and wooden doors. The outdoor heated pool here is large and lagoon-like, with a water fountain and slide. You can eat wood-fired pizza in the Fox Den restaurant and drink local craft beer in the Fox Den Bar.

6. Courtyard Pigeon Forge by Marriott, for hand-crafted cocktails on the river

Hotel, Chain Hotel

The outdoor pool area at Courtyard Pigeon Forge by Marriott
Courtesy of Courtyard Pigeon Forge by Marriott / Expedia.com

The Marriott is one of the best hotels with pools in Pigeon Forge – with a snaking lazy river centered on a garden island – as well as indoor pools for when the weather turns chilly. Other places to relax or meet other guests include the fire pits and the hot tubs. You’re also well catered for: sip hand-crafted cocktails, craft beers, or a Starbucks at the stylish Courtyard Pigeon Forge – or, order 24hr room service to your cappuccino-pale room and enjoy it while looking out over the river beneath the Smoky Mountains.

7. The Inn on the River, for riverside tranquility

Inn

The outdoor pool area at the Inn on the River
Courtesy of the Inn on the River / Expedia.com

This is one of the most popular hotels with pools in Pigeon Forge – for its lovely riverside setting, good food and more. Choose between the heated indoor pool with hot tub or the outdoor pool with its sundeck and views of the river bend. Handsome rooms have polished wooden headboards, exposed flagstone walls and faux fireplaces – where some come with balconies. Pigeon Forge Snow amusement park and the Dukes of Hazzard museum are just two blocks walk away, while the Island complex – with its many restaurants, bars and amusement rides – is also walkable.

8. Clarion Inn Near Island Drive, for proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Inn

The outdoor pool area at Clarion Inn Near Island Drive
Courtesy of Clarion Inn Near Island Drive / Expedia.com

Handily located close to the bustle – and within a short drive of the natural splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its hiking trails and zipline adventures – this is a great hotel with pools in Pigeon Forge. Choose whether you want to swim indoors – where there’s a hot tub as well as a pool – or out, where the pool includes a lazy river and corkscrew slide. The accommodations here have warm cream walls, statement curtains and polished wood headboards – and some come with hot tubs and fireplaces.

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