by Jessica Pawl
A perfect blend of nature and nostalgia, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal destination for families looking to relax. It’s also a great way to ease into the national park system, offering plenty of easy hikes, gorgeous views, and proximity to loads of attractions, shopping, accommodations and more.
On our recent visit, we booked a three-bedroom Airbnb with an indoor pool for our family of four. That pool, paired with a hot tub and arcade room, nearly made it hard to leave. But the mountains beckoned…
Below, I’m rounding up several of my favorite vacation rental options for families with kids looking to kick back in the Smokies. Each is linked directly to its listing for easy booking – happy hiking!
Best Family Vacation Rentals in the Smokies
A playset in the yard, game room with double bunks AND this epic floor hammock that looks out over the mountains. Need I say more? There’s also a hot tub, soaking bathtub, and two master bedrooms in this vacation rental that sleeps up to 10 in two bedrooms and a loft. SEE MORE.
If you’re looking for straight-out-of-a-magazine rustic charm, this cozy cabin totally fits the bill. I’m a sucker for the eclectic but intentional design vibes throughout, and the built-in double bunks with fireside PacMan set up are perfect for kids. Plus, you’ll be equipped with fishing poles for the pond a few-minutes walk away, where everyone can try their hand at catch and release. SEE MORE.
With a backyard playhouse, putt putt, indoor swimming pool and the coolest cabin bunks I’ve seen, this is a gem for all ages. Stocked with kid conveniences, it’s also got a basketball and pickleball court, plus hot tub, fire pit, shuffle board and more. Plus, sleek design throughout. Sleeps 12 across three bedrooms. SEE MORE.
Let’s start with the outdoor bowling lanes and playset, shall we? Then we can move on to the indoor pool, hot tub, movie room and sauna. Naturally, there’s an arcade game room, too. This fun house sleeps up to 15 and also offers some seriously impressive views. SEE MORE.
When you can’t decide between resort life or a vacation rental, this luxury home will make the decision easier. It’s got an outdoor pool overlooking stunning Smokies views, a wow-worthy game room, fitness area, nursery with changing table, crib and rocker. Plus, it’s got six bedrooms and five and a half baths, which sleeps up to 12 (very well taken care of) guests. SEE MORE.
And finally, the three-bedroom cabin that we called home during our stay. It’s outfitted with an indoor pool, hot tub, arcade room, and a double bunk kids room. It also offers two master bedrooms with en suites (one on the main floor and one on the second level) that makes it a perfect stay for traveling with grandparents. We especially appreciated the two spacious decks and location that make popping into Pigeon Forge especially convenient. SEE MORE.
