Premier Cottage
Sun Outdoors Pigeon Forge
1004 Parkway
If you don’t own an RV, a campground might not be the first thing that pops into your head when looking for a place to stay. But there are at least 23 great reasons to consider Sun Outdoors Pigeon Forge . In addition to its 285 RV sites, it’s home to 23 vacation rentals including large cabins, a grand cabin, and 14 new deluxe and premier cottages. A lengthy rectangle resembling an RV, the premier cottage opens from the front patio into a room with a sectional sofa that faces a large TV above a counter with stools, adjacent to the full kitchen. Down the hall are two bedrooms, one with bunks and the other with a queen mattress. A bathroom at the end of the hall boasts a shower with a hand-held showerhead, a feature I rank as upscale. The space is streamlined yet functional and thoughtfully furnished. Even dogs are welcome guests (up to two for an extra $50 fee). Site amenities include fire pits, a jump pillow, pool complex, playground, dog runs, dog wash area, aerial adventure park, game room, fitness center, and golf cart rentals.

Tree Fort
Sanctuary Treehouse Resort
163 Pheasant Ridge Rd.
Every treehouse at the 40-acre Sanctuary Treehouse Resort incorporates interactive experiences like slides, bucket pulleys, escape hatches, secret ladders, swings, front doors with speakeasy windows, custom drink chutes, and several surprises. Even practical elements are beyond the norm: king beds are supported by ropes with queen trundles hidden underneath; double bunks can be cranked up to reveal a dining area; porches have swinging chairs, suspended outdoor daybeds, outdoor tubs, rope climbs, and big-screen TVs; and decks boast wood-burning fireplaces, gas grills, and spectacular views. The resort offers three types of units, all with unique names like “Squirrels Gone Wild” and “Honey Hole.” I stayed in “Tree-mendous Fun,” a dog-friendly fort, where the décor includes a painting of a sleepy bear, stuffed raccoon, and humorous signs. There’s a solid roof, but you can sleep under the stars with the flip of a switch to illuminate an electric starlight system that beams the look of a night sky onto the ceiling. This fort proves that comfort and fun can go hand in hand.

Glamping Tent
The Ridge Outdoor Resort
1250 Middle Creek Rd.
When I think of “roof,” I don’t usually think “tent,” but the glamping tents at The Ridge Outdoor Resort prove it’s worthwhile to try expanding your thinking. Glamping (glamorous camping) takes tents to a new level of luxury. There’s nothing to set up, just check in and enjoy your stay. The Ridge’s glamping tents have two bedrooms and one bathroom to accommodate up to six guests plus a kitchen. Yes, there’s electricity, running water, cushy mattresses with crisp linens, and comfortable chairs. They’re still canvas structures, so the weather outside influences the temperature, but the tents’ heat and air systems help keep things within a reasonably comfortable zone. The tents are dog-friendly; our pup gave it a ‘four paws up’ rating. Property amenities include a game room, dog park, hiking trails, pickleball court, state-of-the-art workout facility, fire pit, and a heated saltwater pool that ranks as the largest zero-entry pool in Sevier County. In addition to the glamping tents, tiny homes and full-service RV sites are available to rent.

“The Pink House”
VRBO
1712 Longview Dr.
Among the properties offered by Smoky Mountain Overnight Rentals is “The Pink House,” a Victorian-style home built in 1900 as a dairy farmhouse. Overlooking the Little Pigeon River, you can relax on the back porch to the sounds of flowing water. Linger until sunset for an even more impressive vista. At this riverfront property, “the main draw is privacy,” says Josh Norris, owner/property manager, though the two-car garage is an important amenity for some visitors. While standing in the spacious backyard you can cast a line into the river if you have a proper fishing license. The house sleeps up to 12 guests in four bedrooms and three bathrooms. I opted for the master bedroom with its attached bathroom, which has a spacious bathtub and stained glass artwork. The home’s interior décor is dominated by wood with Smoky Mountain and wildlife-themed accents. If you travel with lots of luggage, you’ll love the walk-in closet.

“Uncle Gene’s Place” Cabin
Hidden Mountain Resort
470 Apple Valley Rd.
Hidden Mountain Resort For privacy and seclusion, it’s hard to beat Uncle Gene’s Place at Hidden Mountain Resort Hidden Mountain Resort. Nestled among trees at the edge of a private pond, this one-bedroom, one-bath cabin can sleep four (there’s a sleeper sofa), but it’s a great little escape for a solo traveler or a romantic haven for a couple. Cuddle in front of the wood-burning stone fireplace. Cast a line from the private fishing deck. Sit a spell on the porch. It’s a short drive from the Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store , home to Sevierville’s oldest restaurant Applewood Farmhouse Grill, but if you feel like cooking there’s a full kitchen and cozy dining area. If mountain driving makes you a wee bit squeamish, this is the cabin for you: It’s a short drive from Hidden Mountain’s main office and the driveway is a mere hill.

Premier King with Fireplace
The Lodge at Five Oaks
1650 Parkway
Voted #1 on TripAdvisor, this farmhouse-inspired hotel is located in Sevierville’s Five Oaks District across the street from Tanger Sevierville . Each light, airy guestroom is a relaxing haven with luxurious bedding, hardwood floors, flat-screen television, custom hickory furniture, and Smoky Mountain-inspired works of art. Amenities include free parking, free breakfast buffet, and free wireless internet. A kidney-shaped outdoor pool plus a splash pad for little kids (and the young at heart) are open seasonally. Near the pool, two fire pits are lit every night all year long. A variety of different room styles are available, but my personal favorite is the premier king with fireplace; twist a knob to light it for up to 60 minutes. Step into clean, private space. Enjoy the spacious stone-tiled walk-in shower to freshen up. Sleep on a well-dressed comfortable mattress. Ahh.