7 Must-Visit Glamping Sites in the Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking natural beauty and a wide range of activities.
For those who appreciate the comforts of modern life but still want to experience the great outdoors, glamping (glamorous camping) is the perfect option.
Here are seven must-visit glamping sites in the Smoky Mountains area that offer a perfect blend of luxury and nature immersion.
Paint Rock Farm Glamping Retreat
Nestled in the beautiful North Carolina landscape, Paint Rock Farm Glamping Retreat offers a unique opportunity to disconnect and unwind in the comfort of a furnished cabin.
This charming retreat allows guests to enjoy easy access to electricity, water, and flushing toilets, providing a perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. Once a tobacco farm, the rich history of the farm adds to the allure of this glamping destination.
- Price: $100-$150 per night
- Top attractions: Artisun Gallery & Café, Lovers Leap Loop Trail, Laurel River Trail
Lake Powhatan Campground
Tucked away just 10 minutes from Asheville, North Carolina, Lake Powhatan Campground offers a delightful blend of traditional camping and glamping. With 12 glamping sites and 74 tent sites, guests can enjoy a range of amenities including hot showers, ADA-accessible sites, and flush toilets.
Divided into four sections near Lake Powhatan, this campground provides a serene setting for a relaxing outdoor getaway.
- Price: $32 to $130
- Things to do: fishing, swimming, sunning, hiking
Abram’s Creek Campground
Just a few minutes from Tallassee, Tennessee, Abram’s Creek Campground offers a backcountry glamping experience with access to hiking the Look Rock Tower.
The tent sites provide running and potable water, creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts. While there are no hookups for sewage or electricity, the campground’s amenities are designed to keep guests entertained and comfortable.
- Price: $17.50 per night
- Things to do: fishing, hiking, picnicking, canoeing, biking
Elkmont Campground
Situated in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is one of the best camping spots in the Smoky Mountains area, especially during the fall season. With around 220 sites for tents and RVs, this campground offers a spacious area with portable and running water. While there are no showers or electricity/sewage hookups, it provides a serene space for an authentic outdoor experience.
- Price: from $35-$75 per night
- Things to do/see: museums, galleries, restaurants and aquariums
Cataloochee Campground
Offering a serene and quieter experience away from the crowds, Cataloochee Campground is located off the beaten path on the eastern side of the Smoky Mountains. With 27 camping sites, this campground is surrounded by scenic trails that are not as widely used as other parts of the park, providing guests with a tranquil and immersive nature experience.
- Price: $25/night
- Top attractions: Caldwell Form and Rough Fork trail, Palmer House
Cosby Campground
Nestled in a forested valley on the eastern part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cosby Campground provides an ideal escape for nature lovers seeking seclusion from the busier areas of the park. With around 157 campsites and access to the Appalachian Trail and other routes, it’s perfect for those looking to explore the park’s natural wonders.
- Price: $50 per night
- Top attractions: Cosby Picnic Area, Gabes Mountain Trail, Snake Den Ridge Trail
Balsam Mountain Campground
For those seeking seclusion away from the crowds, Balsam Mountain Campground offers a quiet and secluded camping experience on the North Carolina side of the park. With 46 sites for tent and RV camping, guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing in a serene and natural setting.
- Price: $30 per night
- Top attractions: Gatlinburg Trail, Cataract Falls, Sugarlands Visitor Center and Sugarland Riding Stables