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Indulge in Adventure at this Base Camp Near the Great Smoky Mountains

A place where adventure and relaxation mix.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

"The Place of the Blue Smoke" is what the Cherokee tribe called the mountains between Tennessee and North Carolina, thanks to the hazy mist that clings to the peaks and valleys of what is now the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

The Great Smoky Mountains see over nine million visitors per year, and they never fail to impress. Wildlife roam through the forests and along the streams, wildflowers bloom in every nook and cranny of the park, and, for those who are willing to go a bit off the beaten path (that's you, we know it), both solitude and adventure abound.

Being the most visited park in the United States does have its drawbacks, though, and one of them is dealing with crowds, especially during peak seasons. Enter Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains, a glamping retreat close enough to the park to make the most of every adventure, but far enough away to feel like you have the mountains to yourself.

Located between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains' 182-acre camp is nestled in the forest, allowing the mountain's signature haze to kiss the top of the safari-style tents each morning.

Awake to the sounds of birds in the tree canopy, and watch the sunrise from your tent flap before getting ready for a day of exploration. Each canvas tent comes with one or more beds covered in luxurious linens, a wood stove, and all the creature comforts of a comfortable hotel room.


Book a Suite, Deluxe, or "Stargazer" tent for a private bathroom with a shower, a wood deck perfect for enjoying a glass of wine in the evening, and some the best views (though, all the tents have great views!).

Plan your own adventures, or let Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains do the work by building an itinerary that could include hiking, park tours, whitewater rafting, zip lining, ATV rides, fly fishing, horseback riding, helicopter tours, mountain bike tours, and even a massage in the privacy of your tent.

Whether you book a week-long adventure retreat or simply a long weekend away in the mountains, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains is a great place to call home.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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