Best Cabin Camping near Gatlinburg, TN
Cabins at Elkmont, Cades Cove, and other campgrounds throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park range from rustic to well-appointed accommodations. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA, Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, and Greenbrier Campground provide cabins with electric service, heating, and private bathrooms. Most KOA cabins include beds with mattresses, small refrigerators, and covered porches. Greenbrier Campground offers cabins with riverside views and full kitchens, while Camp Riverslanding and Buddy Bear In The Smokies feature cabins with various amenities. "The campground is located on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, so it is a short drive or trolley ride to the heart of town. The spots are paved and spaced well enough."
Reservations are strongly recommended for all cabin accommodations, particularly during peak summer months and autumn leaf-viewing season. Depending on the campground, pet policies vary considerably—some cabins welcome pets while others restrict them entirely. Clabough's Campground and Gateway RV Campground maintain cabin availability year-round, though many National Park accommodations close from November through March. A recent review noted, "It is a beautiful campground that is extremely well kept and decorated. We love how it is on the trolley line in Gatlinburg and a short ride into town."
Most cabin rentals provide basic furnishings but require visitors to bring their own bedding, pillows, and towels. Kitchenette facilities differ widely—some offer only microwaves and mini-fridges while others include stovetops and cookware. On-site camp stores at locations like Elkmont Campground and Pigeon Forge KOA stock essential groceries, though prices tend to be higher than at supermarkets in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Guests at riverside cabins often enjoy fishing opportunities, with proper Tennessee fishing licenses required. Dollar General stores and small markets near most campgrounds provide convenient access to forgotten items and basic supplies.
