Bear Camp Cabins: Top Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals for Your Getaway

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.
1. Elkmont Trollbridge
Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.
2. House Of The Fairies
This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells.
3. Synchronous Fireflies
The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.
4. Elkmont Ghost Town
Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.
There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.
Looking to get away from it all and enjoy a relaxing vacation surrounded by nature? Look no further than Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains.
This charming mountain town offers plenty of scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and cozy cabins in Gatlinburg that make for the perfect home away from home.
Renting Gatlinburg cabins comes with plenty of perks and advantages. Keep reading to learn why you should book your next trip to Gatlinburg and stay in a comfy cabin rental.
Why Vacation to Gatlinburg TN?
Gatlinburg is located adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it an ideal home base for exploring the pristine wilderness and scenic hiking trails just steps from downtown.
The area also boasts many family-friendly attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Anakeesta Theme Park, and Dollywood. You can ride the scenic chairlift above town, enjoy delicious down-home cooking, and browse the many unique shops along the parkway.
At night you can see a show or simply relax by the fire and soak in those mountain views. With so much to see and do in a gorgeous natural setting, it's easy to see why Gatlinburg is one of the Southeast's favorite vacation destinations.
Why Rent a Gatlinburg Cabin?
While you can definitely stay at one of the many hotels and motels in Gatlinburg, renting a private cabin has some great advantages. Cabins provide home-like amenities and usually come with fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, cozy bedrooms, and even hot tubs.
This allows you to save money by cooking some of your own meals and provides more space to relax and spread out. Cabins also have more privacy and seclusion, with wooded settings away from downtown. You can unwind surrounded by nature without having noisy neighbors in the room next door.
Of course, cabins in Gatlinburg TN can accommodate larger groups and families more comfortably than a single hotel room. With the comforts of home surrounded by Smoky Mountain beauty, Gatlinburg cabins are an ideal retreat.
Types of Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals
Bear Camp Cabins offers a wide variety of cabin rentals to accommodate all needs and group sizes. From cozy one-bedroom options to the best luxury estates, you'll find the best fit for your vacation.
Treehouses
For a truly unique experience, book a Smoky Mountain treehouse. Nestled on wooded hillsides and offering birds-eye views, these elevated hideaways make you feel one with nature.
Unique architecture and wood details create a rustic but comfortable vibe. Treehouse rentals like the Chasing Butterflies Treehouse or the Beehive Treehouse offer fireplaces, hot tubs, and grilling patios.
1 Bedroom Cabins
1 bedroom cabins are perfect for couples and cabins like Yogi’s Lair, Jolly Jingle Cabin, or Alone At Last: provide an intimate and affordable getaway.
You can enjoy amenities like an outdoor fire pit and grill while being close to downtown or choose a cabin just outside town for more seclusion, like the Southern Serenity with breathtaking mountain views.
2 Bedroom Cabins
Whether you're vacationing with extended family, your kids, or even just another couple, 2 bedroom cabins offer flexibility.
You can really spread out in these multi-level homes like at Santa’s Lakehouse, Pandora’s Retreat, A Stone’s Throw, or Hillbilly Hideout. Many 2 bedroom rentals feature multiple bathrooms, full kitchens, and amenities like pool tables and Gatlinburg cabins with hot tubs.
3 Bedroom Cabins
3 bedroom cabins are perfect for larger families or groups of 6-8 and provide plenty of space. Choose a Gatlinburg cabin like American Honey or Smoky Mountain Summit with bunk beds for the kids and amenities like an arcade game room.
Large gathering spaces and more than three bathrooms allow everyone to spread out comfortably.
The Pine Haven Hollow cabin in Pigeon’s Forge is another great example of somewhere that the whole family can enjoy, as the cabin includes arcade games, board games, a foosball table, pool table, and a gorgeous view.
4 Bedroom Cabins
Spacious 4-bedroom rentals like Majestic Highbearnation in Waldens Creek offer room for the whole extended family or a group of friends. If you're looking to bring your pet on your vacation, pet-friendly cabins like Appalachian Lookout and Timeless View are perfect fits.
With sleeping space for 10+ and amenities like a pool table, air hockey, board games, and arcade games these multi-level cabins make escaping to the Smokies easy and convenient. Many feature large yard space and hot tubs perfect for group getaways.
5 Bedroom Cabins
For even bigger gatherings and retreats, book a roomy 5-bedroom cabin like North Woods Haven. These rentals easily sleep 12+ guests, with oversized gathering spaces and entertainment options.
Find cabins close to downtown like Pine Mountain Retreat or secluded in the hills surrounding Gatlinburg, like Mountain Lake Lodge. With room for everyone, these large cabins encourage quality time together.
Large Cabins
Some cabins in Gatlinburg Tennessee accommodate groups of up to 36 with amenities like private home theaters, pool tables, hot tubs, and more.
The Majestic in Sevierville has 8 bedrooms, a massive kitchen, a hot tub, fireplace, and more. It’s ideal for events like family reunions or youth group retreats. You can enjoy some of the most top-notch amenities along with peace and privacy.
Hotel Efficiency Suites
For a cozy and super affordable experience, book a hotel efficiency suite. You can enjoy a blend of apartment-style amenities for living and cooking along with typical hotel perks like daily cleaning service and an indoor pool.
This option is best for smaller groups or couples who still want flexibility and convenience.
Gatlinburg Cabins: FAQs
Rates vary by season and size. Small 1 bedroom cabins average $100-$200 per night while larger luxury options run $300-$600 per night during peak seasons. You can expect lower rates in the winter and fall.
Is it cheaper to stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Gatlinburg tends to offer more budget-friendly rates on average compared to larger Pigeon Forge but both destinations offer affordable cabins if you compare the two. Gatlinburg's smaller-town vibe also comes with fewer crowds and traffic.
What is the cheapest month to go to Gatlinburg?
For the most affordable rates, visit during January through March when lower demand makes prices dip. Late fall rates in November are also budget-friendly. The summer months through October tend to be peak travel seasons.
Is it better to stay in a hotel or cabin in Gatlinburg?
This is really a personal choice based on your ideal vacation vibe. Lots of folks love cabins for the extra space, privacy, and amenities you get compared to a hotel room.
Being nestled in the woods is so peaceful but hotels can be a good option if you really want to stay right downtown within walking distance of everything.
Final Thoughts
Gatlinburg cabins offer gorgeous Smoky Mountain scenery no matter where you stay and you've got cabins ranging from cozy couples' escapes to big reunions with the whole extended family.
Whether you're on vacation with your significant other, your kids, extended family, or your friends.