Cabin accommodations near Gatlinburg, Tennessee range from rustic structures within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to fully equipped lodging options at private campgrounds. Situated at the foothills of the Smokies with elevations ranging from 1,280 to 1,700 feet, the area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs in the 80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Cabin camping availability changes dramatically with the seasons, with limited winter options outside private campgrounds.
What to do
Explore Cades Cove wildlife viewing: Only 20 miles from the main visitor center, Cades Cove Campground offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience," notes one visitor. The 11-mile scenic loop drive is accessible directly from the campground.
Visit historic structures: The Cades Cove area contains numerous preserved historic buildings including cabins, churches, and barns from early settlers. "Go on the car tour loop and make sure to stop and look at the cabins and church. History at its finest," recommends one camper who visited during the fall leaf change season.
Cycling opportunities: Wednesday and Saturday mornings from May through September offer vehicle-free access to the Cades Cove loop for cyclists. "On certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride. At the store near the campground they rent bikes for a reasonable price. We took the entire family on the loop bike ride."
What campers like
River proximity: Cabin campers at Greenbrier Campground appreciate the waterfront locations. "Our group was in tents, campers and the only cabin on property. The swimming hole was a blessing during the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults," shares one reviewer who found the riverside setting perfect for summer visits.
Private bathrooms: Many campers cite the exceptional bathroom facilities at cabin campgrounds. "The bath house appeared to be newer, and will trump your home facilities in many cases! Within the bath house, there are several private doors leading to your own 3 piece bath with shelving and granite counters with outlets, and a stunning double shower."
Trolley access: Camp Riverslanding offers convenient transportation options from its cabin facilities. "The trolley comes right to the park and there is also walking paths to nearly everything you need if you would rather do that," writes one camper who stayed in a riverside cabin. This accessibility makes it possible to enjoy downtown without moving your vehicle.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Unlike national park campgrounds, private cabin facilities often maximize capacity. "The sites are narrow and fairly close together, although they've done an excellent job of maintaining the heavy trees around the river and on the 'treelawn' area which separates each site. This helps to make a narrow space seem deceptively private," explains one camper at Greenbrier.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities in the Gatlinburg area require advance booking, with cancellation policies stricter than typical campgrounds. "Sites are booked in advance through recreation.gov so make sure you book, during nice weather this place is very busy, even during the week," notes a camper at Elkmont Campground.
Noise variations: Traffic and facility noise levels vary significantly between locations. "We were in site A14, beside a branch of the Little River with a large tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and paved, slightly sloped, parking pad. It was a compact site; the location of the picnic table between the tent and fire ring made it a challenge to set up a screen house over the picnic table and maintain sufficient distance from the fire."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-friendly cabin options include more than just swimming pools. "This is a great site for kids, with a good pool and jump park area. Also a nice loop for bike riding. The track (go carts and game room) is a short walk away. Dollywood and splash country are about 10 minute drive time," shares a visitor at Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground.
River activities: Many cabins near water access offer seasonal water recreation options included with stays. "During the summer campers get an hour of tubing or kayaking in the Little Pigeon River as part of their reservation," notes a camper who enjoyed the amenities at Buddy Bear In The Smokies Campground in late November.
Indoor alternatives: For rainy or cold days, cabin campers appreciate indoor gathering spaces. "This campground also has a 'gathering place' which provided us and others an outdoor venue to watch the very first college football game of the season. A good time was had by all," notes a visitor who appreciates having community space beyond individual cabins.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking cabins at Gateway RV Campground, consider proximity to facilities. "Very friendly (in the South we say 'neighborly') folks in the office, playground for the little ones, crystal clear swimming pool as well as kiddie pool, basketball court, laundry facility, clean bath and showers, vending machines and camp store with just about anything you would need."
Winter viability: Several private campgrounds maintain year-round cabin operations unlike national park facilities. "We stayed at Clabough's Campground for only one night. The campground sits right off the main road (Wears Valley Rd), so it is easy to find. The downside to this is traffic is easy to hear from the sites towards the entrance. The sites towards the back (section D) probably don't hear traffic at all."
Parking considerations: Most cabin areas have designated parking that may not accommodate multiple vehicles. "Ample space is provided for your car to park at the edge of your site - they are long and narrow. I'd recommend a base padding or doubled tarp under your tent if you choose to go that route. Stakes may not hold well in the gravel and somewhat better in the 'treelawn' dividers on either side."
