Known as the “Gateway to the Smokies,” Gatlinburg is one of the most scenic destinations in Tennessee and a haven for nature lovers and hikers. With the backdrop of the forested Great Smoky Mountains, it’s picture-perfect and packed with adventure.
Whether you’re visiting the Great Smoky Mountains as a pit-stop on a road trip or an extended summer retreat, figuring out where to stay in Gatlinburg is a crucial part of planning your trip.
So let’s get right into it: these are the absolute best cabins in Gatlinburg–because who doesn’t want to spend their evenings lounging in a hot tub amongst the trees?
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Gatlinburg for One Night
Little Green Cabin
This classic forest cabin is no doubt one of the best Airbnbs in Gatlinburg. The newly renovated A-frame design is filled with both modern amenities and luxury touches. Located in Chalet Village, about as close as you can get to Smoky Mountain National Park.
- WonderWorks Pigeon Forge
- Titanic Museum
- Forbidden Caverns
Is this amazing Gatlinburg cabin booked for your dates? Check out some other epic properties below!
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Staying in a Cabin in Gatlinburg
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There’s no doubt that cabins fit right in with the forested landscape of Gatlinburg. In the serene natural environment of the Great Smoky Mountains, having your own cabin is definitely preferable to staying in a cramped hotel.
If you have an image of a cozy log cabin, with a wood burning fireplace and a view of the Smokies, then you’re right on track with what you should expect from Gatlinburg cabin rentals.
In a cabin, you can enjoy your own space as well as the peace of a woodland setting, often a bit removed from the busier downtown scene. If you prefer to be closer to town amenities, there are some options available that are closer to the action.
Having your own vehicle is usually necessary when staying in Gatlinburg. Not only do cabins usually have a more remote location, but a car will also make it easier to reach hiking spots, viewpoints, and ski slopes.
What to Look for in a Cabin
Picking the best cabin in Gatlinburg does depend on what type of USA trip you’re after. Although hiking trails are never far off, some cabins are better positioned for outdoor adventures, where others are closer to Downtown Gatlinburg amenities.
Keep an eye out for luxury offerings like outdoor hot tubs, mountain views, a private deck or indoor fireplaces. All these are common in a Gatlinburg cabin rental. As for budget, most cabins come at a similar price to what you’d expect to pay at a hotel!
Since Tennessee cabins range from small single-room spaces to large multi-story properties, you can find a cabin for every group size. Just make sure to check if a cabin is child-friendly if you’re traveling with kids.
One thing to keep in mind when searching through Gatlinburg cabins is that some of the more remote properties might not have great Wi-Fi or cell reception. This is important to check before making a reservation, especially for digital nomads.
Little Green Cabin
- > $$$
- > 9 Guests
- > A-frame design
- > Outdoor hot tub
Smoky Mountain Art Loft
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Jacuzzi tub
- > Local artist designed
Spectacular Pinecrest Cabin
- > $$$
- > 10 Guests
- > Wrap-around porches
- > Huge windows and panoramic views
The Star Window
- > $$$
- > 2 guests
- > Spacious living room
- > Outdoor hot tub
Romantic Cabin in the Smokies
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Heart-shaped jacuzzi
- > DVDs for movie nights!
The Top 12 Cabins in Gatlinburg
From romantic honeymoons to adventure-packed family road trips, here are the best cabins in Gatlinburg for any occasion.
Overall Best Cabin in Gatlinburg – Little Green Cabin
This classic forest cabin is no doubt one of the best Airbnbs in Gatlinburg. The newly renovated A-frame design is filled with both modern amenities and luxury touches. Located in Chalet Village, about as close as you can get to Smoky Mountain National Park.
The private cabin features a wrap-around porch with floor to ceiling windows in the living room, and extremely high-speed wifi makes it one of the coolest places in the US to try out the digital nomad life. The cozy vibes make it a perfect place for a romantic getaway, though the Little Green Cabin has enough beds for an entire family or friend group–it could even be a cute Christmas cabin choice!
Relax in the comfy living room, take a late-night dip in the outdoor hot tub, or enjoy some crisp fall air beside the fire pit. A propane grill and a fully stocked kitchen mean all you need to bring is the ingredients!
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Best Budget Cabin in Gatlinburg – Smoky Mountain Art Loft
If you’re in search of unique accommodation not too far from both Pigeon Forge and downtown Gatlinburg that fits a backpacker’s budget, then you’re in luck with this little cabin loft.
The signature artistic charm, natural wood design, and tranquil setting make it the perfect spot for solo travelers or couples looking for a private spot in the Smokies.
Just a few minutes outside of Pigeon Forge, you can spend your days visiting downtown attractions like Dollywood or going on hiking adventures in the mountains. Whenever you’re tired out, this charming cabin is a perfect place to rest and relax with a view of the forest or sit and tell stories around an evening campfire.
Best Cabin for a Group of Friends – Spectacular Pinecrest Cabin
What’s better than a cabin? How about a cabin that feels like your own private resort! Conveniently located between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you can have a luxury mountain experience while still being close to downtown attractions.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder this is one of the best Airbnbs in the Smoky Mountains. Boasting 2,300 square feet of upper and lower deck space, you’ll have a stunning view from all angles, plus a huge outdoor hot tub to relax in at the end of the day.
During colder months, there’s a cozy indoor fireplace, and with five flat-screen TVs in the bedrooms and living areas, there’s no need to have an argument over what to watch on rainy days.
Over-the-Top-Luxury Cabin – The Star Window
This incredible, modern rental isn’t just one of the best cabins in Gatlinburg, but it’s got to be one of the overall best Airbnbs in Tennessee. A multi-jet shower, a jacuzzi hot tub, and a freestanding bath are just a few of the amenities you’ll get to take advantage of during your stay.
The spacious one bedroom, one bathroom cabin was designed with couples in mind and features an incredibly comfortable king size bed and a star window that’s ideal for taking in the night sky.
A fire pit, hanging swings, a grill and outdoor games are just few of the cabin’s entertainment offerings, though most guests head out into the forest to do some hiking. The serene location and amazing perks make this luxurious Gatlinburg cabin a fantastic choice for traveling couples.
Best Cabin for Couples – Romantic Cabin in the Smokies
You’ll certainly feel the romantic getaway vibes at this log cabin. It’s entirely private, and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains from every room (and even the heart-shaped jacuzzi).
The master bedroom has a huge king bed, and the home comes with other amenities including rocking chairs and an outdoor deck.
Downtown Gatlinburg is just three miles away, but you might want to spend all your time in the comfort of your own cabin. There’s a selection of movies for cozy nights, a charcoal grill for an evening cookout and soft leather rockers by the fireplace.
Another Great Cabin for Couples – Black Bear Cottage
The peaceful woodland setting of Black Bear Cottage makes it a perfect option for couples. Just five miles to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains and with other trails even closer, all the natural wonders of Gatlinburg will practically be at your back door.
If you just want to relax and unwind, take a dip in the hot tub on the deck with a view of the forest, this cabin is perfect. It combines a rustic charm with modern comforts, like a Smart TV and a pool table for entertainment.
Best Cabin for Families Visiting Gatlinburg – Hilltop Haven Gatlinburg Cabin
Just a mile from downtown Gatlinburg, this centrally-located log cabin is a perfect spot for a family vacation. The cabin sleeps six guests across three bedrooms and has plenty of space for kids to run around in.
You’ll feel right at home in the cabin, which offers a fully-equipped kitchen, games room, and lots of DVDs. During the summer you can explore the nearby hiking trails, and in the winter you’ll be only two miles from top ski resorts (hot tip: it’s a great time to visit Gatlinburg).
Best Cabin for Backpackers – Carr’s Northside Cottages
The lack of public transportation can make backpacking in Gatlinburg a bit challenging. But, these centrally located cabins make it a whole lot easier. The Smoky Mountain Winery is less than a mile away, and you’ll have mountain views from your private deck.
Keep your budget to a minimum by using the shared kitchen to make your own meals. The central location also means you can easily walk around without having to rely on public transport.
Best Cabin with a View – Bear’s Den View Cabin
Featuring beautiful hardwood construction and an unbeatable view of Mt. Leconte (the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains), this cabin is stunning inside and out. The huge windows and spacious covered deck ensure your epic private vista is always in sight.
Throw on your hiking boots and explore for the day, before coming back to your own hot tub and fireplace. It’s one of the best cabins in Gatlinburg for couples but is perfect for anyone looking for an exceptionally scenic spot to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains.
Best Cabin for Honeymooners – Sunset Mountain Cabin
This secluded little lodge is the ultimate honeymoon cabin in Tennessee. You’ll have lots of privacy thanks to the seven acres of woods surrounding the cabin. Plus, this cabin boasts all the luxury amenities you could hope for like a hot tub, a king sized bed, and a stone fireplace.
Gatlinburg’s top attractions are a 10-minute drive away, but I won’t blame you if you want to spend all your time at the cabin! The deck boasts both rocking chairs and a picture-perfect views of the Smokies, and there’s a BBQ for preparing your own meals.
Cabin with an Epic Location – Mountain Shadows Resort Cabin
Located on the Mountain Shadows Resort property, this cabin is right by the entrance to one of the coolest national parks in the USA. Guests have access to resort amenities like two swimming pools, a pavilion, and a clubhouse. And all this as close as you can be to the Smoky Mountains National Park.
Shopping and dining are just moments away in Gatlinburg, and there are endless adventure activities like white-water rafting, horseback riding, and skiing. If you need a break, the studio has its own private hot tub, a TV, and a full kitchen.
Most Traditional Cabin in Gatlinburg – Alone at Last Cabin
This charming studio has everything you’d expect and more from one of Gatlinburg’s best cabins. The natural hardwood design, lofted ceiling, and spacious back porch all make for the perfect vacation cabin. The wooden deck swing certainly doesn’t hurt either!
Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are just a few minutes away by car. Whenever you’re tired out from hiking, visiting museums, or exploring, you can come back to soak in the hot tub or relax on the back porch overlooking a peaceful meadow.
Don’t Forget Your Gatlinburg Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cabins in Gatlinburg
Whether you’re traveling for some rest and relaxation or you’re in search of some excitement and adventure, staying in a cabin in Gatlinburg will cover your needs on all fronts.
Now that you’ve been blown away by all the awesome possibilities for unique accommodation in Gatlinburg, it’s time to pick your favorite and get your trip on the road!
Updated September 2022 by Samantha from Intentional Detours
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