Tips for Planning a Large Tennessee Family Vacation

It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!
Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.
1. Dollywood Harvest Festival
If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.
2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.
3. Wears Valley Fall Festival
The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.
No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!
One of the best ways to create lifelong memories with loved ones is on a vacation. If it’s been a while since you’ve gotten the whole family together, now’s the perfect time to plan a family vacation to Tennessee, specifically the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge region. Not only is this area filled with adventures suited for all ages, but there are also several incredible large cabin rentals to choose from, courtesy of Bear Camp Cabin Rentals.
Planning a vacation for a large group can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep reading to learn more tips and things to remember to help you have the best family vacation possible.
Tip 1: Find a Large Cabin Rental That’s the Right Fit
The last thing you want is to arrive at your rental and realize it’s not quite the right size. The perfect Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin will have enough space for everyone to sleep and hang out comfortably. Our inventory of large group cabins consists of rentals ranging from five and up. Offering these types of properties means when we say we can host groups of all sizes, we truly mean it. The right cabin for you will be large enough to give everyone plenty of breathing room but not so large that it feels like a game of hide and seek trying to find someone.
Tip 2: Pre-book Your Adventures When Possible
When vacationing with a large group, pre-booking or pre-purchasing as many activities as possible is always a good idea. Certain attractions or things to do may offer discounted rates for groups over a certain number. If there are more than 15 of you and you plan on visiting Dollywood, we recommend looking into their general group booking information. Groups of 20 or more can enjoy a special discount at Gatlinburg SkyPark. At Smoky Mountain Jeep Tours, the outings for family reunions can accommodate up to 50 people. Don’t forget to check out our Xplore ticket offers! Groups can get multiple tickets depending on how large of a cabin they reserve and may also be eligible for discounted tickets.
Tip 3: Look for Ways to Have Fun at Your Rental

There are plenty of fun things to do at your Smoky Mountains cabin. Break up into teams and compete in a series of games like corn hole and water balloon toss; the losing team has to do dishes that night. Bring a portable projector or reserve a rental with a media room, and gather everyone for a movie night. Relax around the fire as you make s’mores and swap your favorite memories.
Turn to Bear Camp Cabin Rentals for Your Next Family Vacation
At Bear Camp Cabin Rentals, we work to provide incredible vacation and cabin rentals for groups of all sizes. This includes large family vacations to the Smoky Mountains region of Tennessee. If your next family reunion is taking place in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or the surrounding area, we have the ideal large cabin rental in the Smokies for you. To learn more about a specific vacation rental, call 1-800-705-6346.