How to: Choose the Right Cabin

With almost 300 cabin rental options ranging from 1 to 14 bedrooms, Cabins for YOU has options for almost any group size and vacation type. It’s great to have options, because then you can choose what’s just right for you, your family, and your friends. But having so many options can also make choosing difficult. You want to be sure you have everything you’ll want or need at your fingertips, while also having a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Our dedicated vacation planners are on hand night and day to help you choose the perfect fit. You can call 1.800.684.7865 to find out more about any of our cabins or the area. You can also book online any time after browsing our cabin rental options in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. But before you choose a cabin, there are some important factors to consider that should help the decision-making process much easier!

As you plan your Smoky Mountain vacation, consider…

Budget
One of the most important factors when choosing a cabin is budget. Whether you’re looking to splurge or save, consider how much you want to spend before you start looking. You can browse cabins on our site by choosing Budget-Friendly Cabins or by simply scrolling through the list of cabins to check the price. If you’re on a tight budget, be sure to check for (or ask a Vacation Specialist about) any specials we may be having.

Also consider your overall vacation budget. If you’re planning to visit a lot of attractions, but can’t spend too much, consider a more budget-friendly cabin that will give you some wiggle room. If you don’t want to spend too much on going out to eat, find a cabin with a fully equipped kitchen that will allow you to cook most meals on your own.

If you’re not watching your budget, check out the cabins with top-of-the-line amenities and extras like private indoor pools, movie theaters, luxurious kitchens, and rec rooms with tons of game tables. If you want to spend more on your cabin, try visiting the attractions in our Cabins for YOU partner program, which offer discounts to our guests!

Group Size
You’ll want plenty of room for everyone in your group to feel comfortable and not cramped, so choose a cabin that is proportionate to your group size. If you’re planning a trip for two, a 1-2 bedroom cabin will be cozy and romantic. If you’re getting away for a family retreat, church trip, or corporate weekend, then a large-group cabin would be more suitable. We also have plenty of cabins in-between, including 3-6 bedroom cabins that are perfectly sized for a family or a group of friends.

If you are traveling with a group, also consider booking 2 cabins. We have several gorgeous group cabins that are sister properties, meaning they’re next to (or very near) each other and follow the same or similar design. They’re great when you need even more space than 1 cabin provides.

Location
Are you a city slicker or a country mouse? Maybe a little bit of both? With Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cabin rental options close to town or secluded in the Smoky Mountains, we have location options for any need. A cabin just a few miles from downtown is ideal for anyone wanting to be close to the hustle and bustle of the area. If you plan to go out to eat, see the attractions, shop, or spend days exploring the area, then a cabin rental near downtown Pigeon Forge or downtown Gatlinburg would be a good fit.

If you just want to get away from it all in the peace and privacy of the mountains, we have cozy cabins tucked back in the lush woods of the Smokies. Some are set high atop the mountains, some are secluded in the trees, some rest along the riverside, and some are conveniently located in cabin communities with amenities. For the best of both worlds, look at cabins that are not only just a few miles from downtown, but also have privacy and great views.

Amenities
Whether you take them once or 10 times a year, vacations are special. When you leave home, you want to have the same conveniences, but you also want some extras you don’t get every day. All our cabins have a variety of amenities, from hot tubs and indoor jetted tubs to big screen TVs and pool tables. Check for a list of amenities on each cabin’s description or ask one of our vacation specialists what cabins are available with the amenities you’d like. Some of the amenities you’ll find in our cabins include:

• Hot tub
• Indoor jetted tub
• Wood-burning fireplace
• Indoor and outdoor pool access
• Miniature golf course access
• TVs in every bedroom
• Charcoal or gas grill
• Outdoor firepit
• High-speed internet
• Wi-Fi
• Full kitchen
• Theater room
• DVD or Blu-ray player
• Arcade game
• Pool table
• Foosball table
• Air hockey table
• Shuffleboard table
• Washer/Dryer
• Game consoles (Xbox, Wii, and more)
• Bunk beds
• King-size beds
• Saunas
• Private indoor pool

On top of all the awesome amenities, many of our cabins also have incredible mountain, valley, river, or wooded views. Scroll through the photos to see what view you want while you’re relaxing in the soothing Smoky Mountains. You can look at Mt. LeConte, have a view of a lush valley with horses, or feel tucked away with trees all around.

Romance, Fun, or Relaxation?
Also remember to consider why you’re going to the Smoky Mountains. If it’s a honeymoon or an anniversary, find a dreamy cabin with romantic touches or keep it simple with one of our Vacation Packages. We have special deals and treats for honeymoons, a romantic getaway for 2, a luxurious week away, a girlfriends’ weekend, and more! We also have great gift baskets you can surprise your special someone with and in-cabin massages for couples.

If you want an action-packed week with friends or family, pick a cabin close to everything with plenty of games to play at the cabin. Some of our cabins have rec rooms that have everything from pool tables, air hockey tables, and dart boards to arcade consoles, Jukeboxes, and game consoles — plenty to keep you entertained for hours in the cabin.

Want to sneak away and relax? Our cabins are perfect for that, too. Choose a cabin with a hot tub on the deck (beneath the stars), a sauna, a cozy king-size bed, a soothing jetted tub inside, comfy couches where you can curl up with a book and relax, a wood-burning fireplace for those cool Smoky Mountain nights, and rocking chairs where you can unwind with a glass of wine or a cup of hot cocoa on a cool night. Of course, many of our cabins offer a little bit of romance, fun, and relaxation, so you don’t have to sacrifice anything!

Time of Year
From summer splashes and fall hues to a winter wonderland and spring wildflowers, every season offers a unique experience in the Great Smoky Mountains. As individual as the seasons themselves, each cabin presents something new as the year moves forward. So, choosing the season that fits your cabin dream best can be quite helpful when selecting the perfect cabin for you.

Summertime Favorites

• Lush woodsy or shimmering river views
• Sunbathing on the back deck
• Sweet tea on the porch swing
• Pool parties & barbecue shindigs (unleash that Smoky flavor!)

Fun in Fall

• Autumn colors cascading across the landscape
• S’mores and ghost stories round the firepit
• Relaxing hot tub soaks under the stars
• Rec room tournaments — with arcade games too!

Wintry Delights

• Majestic snowy mountain peaks
• Marshmallow-filled cocoa by a toasty fire indoors
• Spa baths in the indoor jetted tub
• Movie marathons in the private home theater

Spring Leisure

• Blooming blossoms & meandering wildlife (including bear cubs!)
• Herbal tea in a rocking chair
• Tossing a ball with Fido in the front yard
• Gift baskets & wildflower bouquets delivered to you

Special Needs
At Cabins for YOU, we have cabins to accommodate the many different needs of guests. If you have a furry friend you don’t want to leave at home, check out our pet-friendly cabins. Several of our cabins feature handicap features, making unloading and moving around the cabin much easier! Any of our vacation specialists can help you find a cabin to meet your needs, so just give us a call!

No matter what you’re looking for in a Smoky Mountain vacation, we have a variety of cabin options in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Browse our cabins online, fill out our easy Options for YOU form, or call 1.800.684.7865 to let one of our vacation specialists answer any questions you may have — we’re here to help!