Seven-Day Smokies Glamping Escape.
A full week to actually see the park, without giving up a real bed or a hot shower. Tow your teardrop into an upscale RV resort near Gatlinburg or Wears Valley, hook up for the week, and day-trip to every corner of the Smokies — Cades Cove, Elkmont, Newfound Gap, and the elk herds of Cataloochee — with a different elevated dinner waiting most nights.
The Plan
Day 1 — Arrive & Settle In
Pull into your site, hook up to full power and water, and dress the trailer for the week — string lights, a camp rug, real bedding. Take an easy evening stroll before a low-key welcome dinner. No agenda — this day is for arriving unrushed.
Day 2 — Cades Cove
A full day in the cove: the Loop Road for wildlife, the historic cabins and churches, and the Abrams Falls hike if you want to earn lunch.
Day 3 — Elkmont & Little River
Walk the Elkmont Historic District and hike Laurel Falls or the Cucumber Gap Loop, then head into Gatlinburg for dinner and an evening downtown.
Day 4 — Newfound Gap & Kuwohi
Drive the ridge road to Newfound Gap and climb the short, steep trail to the Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) tower — the highest point in the park. Ambitious hikers can add the walk out to Charlies Bunion.
Day 5 — Cataloochee Elk Watch
A longer drive (worth it) out to Cataloochee Valley ↗ for one of the best elk-viewing spots in the East, plus a quiet historic district with almost no crowds. Aim to arrive near dawn or dusk when elk are most active.
Day 6 — Rest, Recharge, or Go Again
An open day — sleep in and enjoy resort amenities, browse Gatlinburg's shops and the aerial tramway, or squeeze in one more hike at Greenbrier's Porters Creek Trail if you're not ready to stop moving.
Day 7 — Easy Morning & Home
A relaxed final morning, maybe a cave tour at Tuckaleechee Caverns ↗ on the way out, then the short drive back to Knoxville.
Hikes For the Week
Abrams Falls
A rolling trail in Cades Cove to a wide waterfall with a swimming hole below.
Laurel Falls
Paved and gently graded — an accessible waterfall hike near Elkmont and Sugarlands.
Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)
Short but steep, ending at an observation tower with 360-degree views from the highest point in the park.
Porters Creek Trail (Greenbrier)
A quiet, wildflower-rich trail through an old homestead area to Fern Branch Falls.
Cooler Camp Menu
A week is long enough to actually plan a rotation — mix nights in with nights out.
🛒 Jump to the printable shopping list
Dine Out Nights
Blackberry Farm
The splurge night of the week — a Relais & Chateaux farm-to-table property known for its refined "Foothills Cuisine." Book well ahead. Highlight: the multi-course tasting menu built around what's grown on the farm.
The Peddler Steakhouse
Hand-cut steaks grilled over an open flame, with an extensive salad bar to start. Highlight: the ribeye, cooked to order.
Wild Plum Tea Room
A lighter, garden-style lunch stop known for gourmet soups, quiche, and specialty teas — a good midday break on a town day. Highlight: the seasonal quiche and soup pairing.
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
Set on a working apple orchard, famous for warm apple fritters and apple butter served with every meal. Highlight: the fried chicken plate with fritters on the side.
Around Camp
Resort Amenities
Most upscale RV resorts in the area offer a pool, hot tub, or spa services on top of your full-hookup site — build a full rest day around them.
Lawn Games
Cornhole, giant Jenga, and bocce are common at resort common areas — a relaxed way to spend a warm evening.
Private Fire Pits
Most sites include one — pack a proper s'mores kit and marshmallow-roasting sticks.
Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
A scenic ride up to Ober Gatlinburg for mountain views without any hiking required.
Seasonal Events
Synchronous Fireflies
Elkmont's famous firefly display runs a lottery for viewing access during the peak window — apply in advance at the NPS fireflies page ↗.
Gatlinburg Oktoberfest
A long-running fall festival in Gatlinburg with live music and food, easy to fold into a rest-day evening. Event details ↗
Fall Color
Peak leaf season across the park — book your glamping stay early, as this is the busiest stretch of the year.
Winter Lights
Gatlinburg runs an extensive holiday lights display through the winter months — a good evening outing on a shorter-daylight trip. Gatlinburg Winter Magic ↗
Glamping, Already Built In.
This whole week runs out of your own teardrop — a real bed, a full kitchen, parked at a resort with power and water waiting for you. Nothing to rent, nothing to leave behind.
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Everything for the week's Cooler Camp Menu above — plan on one big shop plus a mid-week top-up.
Produce
- Fresh fruit (assorted)
- Lemon
- Fresh herbs
Meat, Fish & Dairy
- Trout fillets
- Ribeye or tenderloin steaks
- Greek yogurt
- Butter
- Assorted cheeses
- Cured meats (for charcuterie)
Pantry & Dry Goods
- Cold brew coffee or espresso pods
- Rolled oats
- Honey
- Granola
- Crackers
Other
- Pastries (bakery)
- Olives (for charcuterie board)