Where to Stay in Smoky Mountains, TN – 6 TOP Spots in 2024

With its amazing landscapes and hiking trails overlooking the scenic mountains and rivers, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure. So, if this is, by any chance, on your to-visit list, you should start thinking about where to stay in Smoky Mountains. 

To make your decision a little easier, I compared all the areas in and near the national park and made a list of the 6 top places to stay in the Smoky Mountains. In this post, I’ll tell you about the 5 best towns near the park, as well as your options for staying inside the park. 

The best place to stay in the Smoky Mountains is Gatlinburg, the closest town to the park and the most popular gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Besides highlighting the ultimate areas for your stay, I also handpicked the best hotels near Smoky Mountain National Park and the top accommodations within the park. Regardless of where you decide to stay, you need to hurry up and book your stay in advance. This is an extremely popular destination, and accommodations are quick to sell out! 

Let’s jump in! 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Want to book now? Here are the top hotels near Great Smoky Mountains, all situated in Gatlinburg, TN:

Here’s a map of the 6 top places to stay in the Smoky Mountains that I’ll be discussing in this post:

Outside or Inside Smoky Mountains National Park?

Having trouble deciding whether you want to stay inside or outside the national park? No worries! I compared a pros and cons list for both scenarios – consider everything, then make your decision! 

	Pros	Cons
Outside Smoky Mountains	● more accommodation options  ● access to many other attractions ● many dining options	● you need to drive to the park every day ● large crowds
Inside the Smoky Mountains	● less crowds  ●you’ll be closer to the park’s attractions	● limited accommodation options ● limited cell service ● no modern or upscale amenities

The 6 entrances to Smoky Mountains National Park

Here’s a map showcasing the 6 official entrances to the Smoky Mountains National Park:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is divided between 2 states – Tennessee and North Carolina. In this post, I’ll talk about staying on the Tennessee side, so I’ll pay special attention to the entrances on that side of the park. 

Tennessee entrances

4 out of the 6 entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are situated on the Tennessee side, and 2 of these are considered to be the main entry points to the park. 

Gatlinburg Entrance (Sugarlands Entrance)

The Gatlinburg entrance, more commonly referred to as the Sugarlands entrance, is situated just a little over a mile (0.6 km) South of Gatlinburg and is the most popular entry point to the park. If you want to be close to this particular entrance, it’s best to stay in Gatlinburg. 

From here, you’ll have easy access to the Sugarlands Visitor Center (map), the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (map), and Cataract Falls (map). 

Townsend Entrance

The 2nd most popular entrance to the park on the Tennessee side is the Townsend entrance. Located less than 3 miles (5 km) Southeast of the city of Townsend, this is a popular choice among people who want to hike the Cades Cove Scenic Loop.

Besides the Cades Cove area, from the Townsend entrance, you can easily reach the Tuckaleechee Caverns (map) and the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (map). 

Wears Cove Entrance (Wears Valley)

Just 1.5 miles (2.5 km) South of the town of Wears Valley, you can enter the park via the Wears Cove entrance. Compared to Gatlinburg and Townsend, this is a smaller entrance and it’s primarily used by the locals, meaning fewer crowds. 

Near this entrance, you’ll find the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion (map), The Sinks (map), and Meigs Falls (map). 

Cosby Entrance

The last and least popular entrance on the Tennessee side is Cosby, located 4.5 miles (7 km) South of the city of Cosby. I didn’t feature this entrance (or the town, for that matter) in this post because it’s in a more remote area without too many attractions.

Most people use the Cosby entrance to reach the Cosby Campground (map), and if you decide to use this, you can be sure that you won’t see too many people along the way. 

North Carolina entrances

Out of the 6 official entrances (there are more unofficial entrances), only 2 are on the North Carolina side. 

Oconaluftee Entrance

The Oconaluftee entrance, along with Sugarlands and Townsend, is one of the 3 main entrances to the park. It’s located 5 miles (8 km) Northeast of Cherokee, this is the best point to access the park from North Carolina.

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (map) is easily accessible from this entrance, as well as the Mingus Mill (map) and Mingo Falls (map). 

Cataloochee Entrance

A smaller entrance on the NC side is the Cataloochee Entrance, 25 miles (40 km) North of Waynesville, mainly used to access the Cataloochee Ski Area (map). 

Other cool spots near this entrance are the Bigfoot Statue (map) and the Cataloochee Valley Overlook (map). 

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1. Gatlinburg – where to stay near the Sugarlands entrance

● Nearest entrance: Sugarlands entrance
● Distance to the park: 6 min drive to the Sugarlands entrance
● Closest attractions: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (5 min drive), Cataract Falls (12 min drive), Laurel Falls (18 min drive), The Sinks (30 min drive)

Gatlinburg is the closest town to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located less than 2 miles (3 km) North of the Sugarlands entrance. This charming mountain town is a tourist hotspot, not only because of its proximity to the park but also because of the many cool attractions it offers. 

Besides exploring the Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers plenty of opportunities for fun! The first thing you should visit is the Gatlinburg Space Needle, a tall observation tower with stunning views over the town and the Smoky Mountains. 

If you want more amazing views, I recommend you drive up to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook (map) – it’s the perfect photo spot – and go for a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyPark, an open-air chairlift ride. 

NOTE: Regardless of where you’re staying, whether outside or inside the park, you’ll need a car to get around. If you didn’t drive to the area in your own vehicle, you definitely need to rent a car – you can’t cover all of these distances on foot, and shuttles don’t run year-round. 

For those of you traveling with kids, Gatlinburg is a dream come true! There are a couple of amusement/adventure parks – Ober Mountain and Anakeesta. If you’re not scared of heights, don’t miss a walk on the Treetop Skywalk at Anakeesta (map).

Now, on to one of the best attractions in the entire region – Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, home to sharks, giant sea turtles, and penguins. Other cool stuff to try in Gatlinburg include a ride on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, a round of mini golf at Hillbilly Golf (map), and a delicious steak dinner at the Alamo Steakhouse (map). 

Now, let’s check out the best hotels in Gatlinburg!

P.S. If you want a more extensive overview and some extra accommodation options, check out our posts on the best hotels in Gatlinburg and top Airbnbs in Gatlinburg. 

Other accommodation options in Gatlinburg

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Since Gatlinburg is the most popular spot for a stay in the Smoky Mountains, hotels sell out super quickly. That’s why I decided to recommend an extra hotel option in each price category – if there’s no availability in any of the hotels above, the following 3 are amazing alternatives:

• Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park ($$$) – the Westgate in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a family-friendly resort boasting 3 on-site restaurants and 2 swimming pools, as well as a water park, a health club, and a mini golf course
• Holiday Inn Club Vacations ($$) – during your stay at this mountain resort in Gatlinburg, TN, you can relax in the indoor and outdoor pool, get some souvenirs from the gift shop, and have some fun in the game room
• Baymont by Wyndham ($) – this affordable hotel offers a free buffet breakfast and access to an indoor pool, plus a sauna, an arcade room, and free self-parking and Wi-Fi

Things to do in Gatlinburg 

• Enjoy the views from the observation deck of the Gatlinburg Space Needle
• Snap some photos from the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
• Go for a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyPark
• Take a tour of the Ole Smoky Distillery “The Holler”
• Spend a fun day with the kids at Ober Mountain or Anakeesta
• Admire the marine life at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
• Enjoy a ride on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster
• Visit the unique Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum
• Try your hand at mini golf at Hillbilly Golf
• Treat yourself to a delicious steak at the Alamo Steakhouse

2. Pigeon Forge – near Gatlinburg & the Sugarlands entrance

● Nearest entrance: Sugarlands entrance
● Distance to the park: 20 min drive to the Sugarlands entrance
● Closest attractions: Laurel Falls (25 min drive), Baskins Creek Falls (30 min drive), The Sinks (35 min drive), Tuckaleechee Caverns (40 min drive)

Pigeon Forge is located 7 miles (11 km) North of Gatlinburg and a little over 8 miles (13 km) from the Sugarlands entrance. This lively town is the 2nd most popular spot to stay when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so expect to see some crowds. 

The most popular attraction in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood, an Appalachian-themed park named after the famous singer (and part-owner) Dolly Parton. The park offers a large number of rides – both water- and land-based – and even live music shows. 

Another one of Dolly Parton’s attractions you shouldn’t miss is Dolly Parton’s Stampede, a dinner theater that provides a 4-course feast and live music shows. Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show is another cool place to visit with the family, where you can try log-rolling and chopping contests. 

If you’re looking for a fun time, hop on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster and enjoy the ride, or check out the rides at The Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof, where you can even pet some goats. 

The Island in Pigeon Forge is yet another super popular amusement park – it has many cool rides, shops, and casual places to eat, so you can easily spend an entire day here without being bored for a second. 

Finally, if you’re a fan of unusual museums, Pigeon Forge is the perfect spot to visit – I recommend checking out the Hollywood Wax Museum, the TITANIC Museum Attraction, and the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. 

TIP: When choosing a hotel, pick one that offers on-site parking, preferably free. Parking can be an issue in the towns around Smoky Mountain National Park and even inside the park. So, the least you can do is make sure you have a designated spot to park your vehicle at the end of the day. 

Let’s take a look at the top-rated Pigeon Forge hotels!

Other accommodation options in Pigeon Forge

Things to do in Pigeon Forge

• Have endless fun at Dollywood
• Attend the dinner show at Dolly Parton’s Stampede 
• Chop some wood at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show
• Have some delicious breakfast at Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin (map)
• Go for a ride on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
• Pet the goats at The Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof
• Spend a fun day at The Island in Pigeon Forge
• Visit the Hollywood Wax Museum and the TITANIC Museum Attraction
• Explore the collections at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum
• Go ziplining at the Smoky Mountain Ziplines

3. Sevierville – near Sugarlands & Wears Cove entrances

● Nearest entrance: Sugarlands entrance / Wears Cove entrance
● Distance to the park: 35 min drive from Sugarlands & West Cove entrances
● Closest attractions: Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo (15 min drive), Forbidden Caverns (25 min drive), The Sinks (40 min drive), Tuckaleechee Caverns (50 min drive)

The city of Sevierville is situated a half an hour’s drive North of Gatlinburg and just a little over half an hour’s drive from both the Sugarlands and the Wears Cove entrances. Compared to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it has a much more relaxed atmosphere – it’s the best place to stay near the Smoky Mountains if you want to avoid the huge crowds. 

Like all the other towns surrounding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville doesn’t lack attractions! You can visit the RainForest Adventures Zoo, try ziplining at Adventure Park Ziplines, or see how fast you can go at the go-kart track at NASCAR SpeedPark. 

Other cool spots to check out are the Sevierville City Park (map), the Harrisburg Covered Bridge (map), and the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo (map), which is great fun for kids and adults alike! 

Lastly, stop by the Dolly Parton Statue (map) and snap a photo before treating yourself to a meal at one of the nearby restaurants – I recommend Pinchy’s Lobster + Rawbar (map).

Now, let’s check out the best and most unique places to stay in Sevierville, TN.

Other accommodation options in Sevierville

Things to do in Sevierville

• Have fun at the RainForest Adventures Zoo
• Try ziplining at Adventure Park Ziplines
• Go for a ride on the go-kart track at the NASCAR SpeedPark
• Spend a relaxing afternoon at Sevierville City Park
• Visit the Harrisburg Covered Bridge
• Pet the animals at the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo
• Snap a photo of the Dolly Parton Statue
• Enjoy a meal at Pinchy’s Lobster + Rawbar

4. Townsend – near the Townsend entrance

● Nearest entrance: Townsend entrance
● Distance to the park: 5 min drive to the Townsend entrance
● Closest attractions: Tuckaleechee Caverns (6 min drive), Cades Cove Scenic Loop (25 min drive), The Sinks (25 min drive), Laurel Falls (30 min drive)

Townsend is a quiet town situated 25 miles (40 km) West of Gatlinburg and less than 3 miles (5 km) from the Townsend entrance to the national park. Surrounded by nature on each side, this is the best area to stay in the Smoky Mountains for a quiet and relaxing stay. 

Within the town of Townsend, you can admire nature at the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum, visit the Little River Railroad/Lumber Museum, or kick back and grab a beer at The Abbey at the Heartland Chapel (map). 

Even though the town itself is a little short of attractions, people who stay here mainly want to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of the top attractions within the park and near Townsend is the Tuckaleechee Caverns (map), an impressive cave system that features an underground stream! 

Another reason why people stay in Townsend is its proximity to the Cades Cove area, specifically the Cades Cove Scenic Loop (see trail map). This is one of the most popular areas of the park, so if you want to visit, be sure to head there early in the morning to secure parking (more on this in the practical info section). 

Other accommodation options in Townsend

Things to do in Townsend

• Go on a relaxing walk at the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum
• See the exhibitions at the Little River Railroad/Lumber Museum
• Grab a beer at The Abbey at the Heartland Chapel 
• Learn more about the area’s history at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
• Explore the Tuckaleechee Caverns
• Hike the Cades Cove Scenic Loop
• Go for a swim in The Townsend Wye (map)

5. Wears Valley – near the Wears Cove entrance

● Nearest entrance: Wears Cove entrance
● Distance to the park: 3 min drive to the Wears Cove entrance
● Closest attractions: The Sinks (10 min drive), Meigs Falls (15 min drive), Laurel Falls (20 min drive), Tuckaleechee Caverns (20 min drive)

If you’re wondering where to stay near the Smoky Mountains to be away from the tourist hustle and bustle, there’s no better choice than Wears Valley. This is a small and quiet town located 15 miles (24 km) West of Gatlinburg and just 1.5 miles (2 km) North of the Wears Cove entrance to the park. 

As I mentioned, this is a very quiet place, so there’s not too much to do – great if all you want to do is explore the park! The Wears Cove is super close to Wears Valley, and it’s the least popular entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Tennessee side. This entrance is mainly used by locals, so you won’t need to face the huge crowds. 

From Wears Valley, you can easily visit the Walker Sisters Place (map), a historic log cabin, and the Little Greenbrier School (map), a former tiny school. Another great thing to do is pack a picnic and head to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion (map), an expansive picnic area where you can spend a relaxing day outdoors. 

There are several other spots you should visit within the park while staying in Wears Valley, such as The Sinks (map) and Meigs Falls (map). However, there’s plenty more to discover within the park – you’ll find everything from hiking trails to scenic spots. 

In Wears Valley, besides the various accommodation options, you’ll also find quite a few great restaurants and coffee shops. For some comfort food, I’d definitely recommend Hillbilly’s Restaurant (map) and Grandmother’s Kitchen (map) if you want to try authentic Southern dishes. 

Other accommodation options in Wears Valley

Things to do in Wears Valley

• Visit the historic Walker Sisters Place and the Little Greenbrier School
• Have a picnic at the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion
• Stop by The Sinks and Meigs Falls
• Enjoy a hearty meal at Hillbilly’s Restaurant or Grandmother’s Kitchen

6. Where to stay inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park

My final recommendation in this post is about the top places to stay in Smoky Mountain National Park. Many people, when visiting national parks, want to be as close to nature as possible. And what better way to do it than spending your holiday inside the limits of a national park?

Below, you’ll find my recommendations for staying inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, split into 2 different categories:

6.1 Lodging

Unfortunately, there are no Great Smoky Mountains National Park hotels or resorts, and there is only one lodge within the park. If you want to stay at this lodge (description below), you need to make a reservation at least 30 days in advance. Also, keep in mind that the lodge is open from late March through late November.

• Le Conte Lodge – this lodge is perfect for hiking lovers as it is located in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is only accessible by foot. You will find the lodge at the top of Mount Le Conte, the 3rd-highest peak in the park. There is an on-site restaurant, and all rooms have private terraces. 

6.2 Camping

The second option for staying in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is camping. There’s a total of 10 developed campgrounds within the park, but I selected the 4 best on the Tennessee side of the park – featured below!

Just remember that each of the campgrounds requires a reservation in advance, so you need to book your spot at least a few weeks in advance. 

• Elkmont Campground – this is the biggest and busiest campground in the park, located just 8 miles (12 km) from Gatlinburg. You can bring your tent or rent one there, and RV sites are also available (US$30/night). Reservation is required, and the campground is open from mid-March to late November
• Cades Cove Campground – this campground is located on the West side of the national park and is 30 miles (40 km) away from Gatlinburg. There are tents and RV sites available, and you can enjoy picnic areas and hammocks (US$30 per night). This campground is open all year round, but make sure to book in advance 
• Abrams Creek Campground – located 30 miles (40 km) West of Cades Cove, this campground offers tent-only sites at US$30. The campground is open from late April to late October, and reservations are required 
• Cosby Campground – this tent-only campground is 21 miles (34 km) East of Gatlinburg and is open between April and November. The nightly fee costs US$30, and you need to make a reservation in advance

BONUS: Unique places to stay in the Smoky Mountains

Seeing as I’ve already talked about the best towns for staying near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as the best options for staying inside the park, I decided to provide some extra recommendations for the most unique places to stay near the park – let’s take a look!

• Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains – this glamping experience in Pigeon Forge offers free parking, a restaurant where you can enjoy a daily a la carte breakfast, and a variety of cool activities
• Cozy Getaway Cabin – if you like staying in the Smoky Mountains cabins, this wooden cabin is ideal for you; with a lovely front deck, a hot tub, and both an indoor and an outdoor pool
• Tranquility and Serenity on the Pond – situated directly on a small pond near Sevierville, this cottage is pet-friendly and has a spacious deck, a fire pit, and barbecue facilities
• Bears Among Us – a cozy chalet near Gatlinburg where you can sit and relax in front of the fireplace, go for a swim in the pool, or just relax and wait to spot some of the black bears that visit the area
• Mountain Springs Chalet – this spacious chalet provides stunning mountain views and has an outdoor dining area if you want a meal with a view; guests also get access to a pool and free parking
• Private Woodsy Oasis – this small log cabin is perfect for a serene getaway to the woods, with a comfy living room, a patio, and 2 decks, one of which features a spa tub

Practical tips for visiting the Smoky Mountains

Before we wrap up this post, I wanted to give you a few useful tips that will make your visit to the national park easier. 

• No entrance fee: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park doesn’t charge an entrance fee. However, you’ll still need to pay for parking and camping
• Parking tag: if you’re staying in the park for longer than 15 minutes, you’ll need to get a parking tag. You can purchase it online 6 months in advance of your visit and opt for a daily (US$5) or a weekly (US$15) pass. Before entering the park, you need to print the tag and display it on your vehicle
• Have vehicle access: if you didn’t drive to the park in your own vehicle, you’ll need to rent a car. And if you decide to rent, wait to get the car before purchasing the parking pass – the license number on the tag has to match the one on the vehicle
• Limited parking spaces: the number of parking spots within the park (and in the nearby towns, too) is limited; parking works on a ‘first-come, first-served basis,’ and even if you have a parking tag, it doesn’t mean you’ll get a spot
• Use the trolleys: as I mentioned, parking is also quite limited in the towns surrounding the park. Luckily, both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer trolleys you can rely on for getting around the city
• Dress in layers: there are many variations in the temperature within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so regardless of when you’re visiting, dress in layered clothing – the weather can turn in a moment, even in summer
• Store food in containers: if you’re camping or picnicking in the park, store your food appropriately in containers with lids; the park has a large population of black bears, and the smell of food may attract them to your location

FAQs about where to stay in the Smoky Mountains

🌲 Where should I stay when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

🤔 Is it better to stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are popular gateway towns for visiting the park. But if you want to be closer to the park entrance, Gatlinburg is better, while Pigeon Forge is a bit further away and less crowded. 

🏞️ Can you stay inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

⏱️ How many days do you need in the Smoky Mountains?

I recommend staying at least 3 days in the Great Smoky Mountains to discover hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit some of its natural attractions, and explore the nearby towns. 

🛎️ What are the best hotels near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

📷 What should I not miss in the Smoky Mountains?

Some of the top attractions in the Smoky Mountains include The Sinks, Laurel Falls, Tuckaleechee Caverns, the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, and Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point. 

🗺️ What state is the Smoky Mountains in, and which is the highest point?

The Great Smoky Mountains are located in both North Carolina and Tennessee, with the majority of the range situated within the boundaries of these two states. The highest point is Clingmans Dome in Tennessee (6,643 feet/ 2024 m). 

🏨 What are some recommended places to stay outside of Gatlinburg?

Final words

Well, we’ve reached the end of this super comprehensive guide on where to stay in Smoky Mountains! I hope that you now have a clearer idea of where to stay and which hotel best fits your preferences.

In case you’re still undecided, here are my 2 favorite hotels near the Smoky Mountains, both situated in Gatlinburg: 

Whatever you decide, hurry up and make your hotel reservation! The Smoky Mountains are an extremely popular spot, so good hotels sell out fast (or the rates jump sky-high) – don’t miss out!

If you have any other questions about where to stay near the Smoky Mountains or you need some more practical tips, leave me a comment below, and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

Enjoy your Smoky Mountain vacation, 

Hristina

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