New Smoky Hollow Resort Offers Glamping in Covered Wagons, Tipis in Tenn.

The road to Smoky Hollow – a new glampground located in Sevierville – was a long one … literally. 

More than four years ago, Rebecca Turner and her husband sold their Central Florida home and packed up with their kids to live life on the road full time in an RV. 

“We would not have traded it for anything,” Rebecca said. “We got to see so much of the country.”

In their journeys, however, they kept returning to the Smokies. 

They were there, in fact, when the Gatlinburg fires swept through. The fires and the community response left a big impact on the family. 

Read Also: What caused the fire in Gatlinburg in 2016? Here’s the real story

And so, after three and a half years on the road, when it was time for the kids to have their own bedrooms again, the family chose to settle down in the mountains. 

The Turners decided to buy property, build a house and settle down.

But ultimately, they did much more. 

“My father was always trying to get me to do a joint business venture with him, he saw the potential,” Rebecca explained. 

Rebecca was inspired by the plot of land, a large hollow with mountains and hills all around. Rebecca said her father thought it would be fun to do something exciting and the idea for a glampground was born. 

Read Also: Cabins in Gatlinburg TN: Top rentals, tips on renting the perfect cabin

Accomodations and ammenities at Smoky Hollow

Smoky Hollow currently offers a series of upscale camping – or glamping options. 

The glamping tipis feature a king-size bed, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee pot and more. 

The Conestoga Wagons are more family-friendly. They offer king and bunk beds as well as the other amenities found in the tipis.

Other options will include a cabin called the Honeybear Hideout which should be available to the public in February. Treehouses are scheduled to be available further down the line. 

All options come with electricity and are climate controlled. 

It’s a getaway where people can unplug and relax – though wifi internet is available for those who don’t want to fully cut themselves off.

Wildlife spotting at Smoky Hollow

The 18-acre property is chock full of wild and not so wild-life.

The Turners are raising chickens which were allowed to roam a bit until the foxes put an end to that.

A neighbor’s fainting goats are also known to make daytime visits to keep an eye on things. 

Bears and deer have been spotted on the property as well. 

How to get to Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort

One thing you won’t see on the property? Cars.

Smoky Hollow is a walk-in, walk-out resort. Cars are left at the parking area and it’s about a 100-yard walk to the tipis and another 100 yards to the wagons. 

Golf carts are available to rent for those who might have trouble managing the trails. And during office hours there is a Jeep that can be used as a shuttle service. 

Read Also: Mountain view cabins in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge; Top 9 ranked

New lodging options coming soon to Smoky Hollow

Smoky Hollow opened with a soft launch in November of 2021.

Currently, there are three tipis and four wagons as well as a two-story home. The home also doubles as Smoky Hollow’s offices for the facility.

“We’re still improving and growing,” Rebecca said. “We turned the barn into a bathhouse and rec room that we call the community corral. We’re shooting for everything to be ready for the grand opening in late March.”

The goal, ultimately, is to provide a five-star experience that is unique and memorable. 

After a bit of a rough start with county officials that saw the property landlocked from a zoning standpoint, the Turners now have been preapproved for 22 units although the exact mix is TBD.

“We went with it, did all the planning and zoning and all that,” she explained. “We want to offer something different from hotels and cabins.”

And although Smoky Hollow is a place to come to unwind and unplug, the internet has proven helpful. 

A guest’s TikTok went viral recently – jumping up to three million views.

“My phone was blowing up for days,” Rebecca said. It was fun to see so much buzz and excitement.”

How much does Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort cost?

At the time of this writing, prices are $185 per night for the tipis, $199 per night for the wagons and $205 a night for the cabin. Visit their website for reservations and details.

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort is located in the mountains behind Soaky Mountain Waterpark at 660 Gists Creek Rd in Sevierville, Tenn.

What do you think about glamping at Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort? Let us know in the comments!