Best Cabin Camping near Knoxville, TN
Several cabin camping options near Knoxville feature comfortable accommodations within driving distance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Elkmont Campground and Cades Cove Campground both offer cabin rentals with basic amenities including electricity and drinking water. The cabins at Whispering River RV Resort provide a more developed option with electric hookups and indoor facilities. "We stayed in one of the cabins right on the river with a very nice half-mile trail nearby," noted one visitor about Whispering River's accommodations. GlampKnox features a wood-burning stove in their cabin for year-round comfort, while Little Arrow Outdoor Resort provides cabins with modern furnishings.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. KOA properties in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg and Townsend offer standardized cabin accommodations with predictable amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and electricity. Most cabin sites require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer and fall seasons. Big Ridge State Park Campground maintains cabins open year-round, while Loyston Point Campground operates cabins only from March through October. A visitor to GlampKnox mentioned that "the glamping tent has two twin beds, and they were super comfy. It has battery-powered lanterns inside for light." Pet policies vary by location, with most campgrounds allowing pets but restricting them from certain cabin areas.
Most cabin accommodations require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and personal items. Kitchenette facilities vary significantly - KOA cabins typically include microwaves and mini-refrigerators, while more rustic options may only provide outdoor cooking facilities. On-site markets at Elkmont, Cades Cove, and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA stock basic provisions, though selection is limited. Cabins at Whispering River and Little Arrow Outdoor Resort include more extensive kitchen facilities. Firewood is available for purchase at most cabin locations, eliminating the need to transport it from outside areas, which is often prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species.
