Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains: A Family Retreat

Gourmet s’mores are involved.

If there was ever an appropriate moment to spend quality time with the ones you love most, it’s right now. And Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains is here to deliver the location to do just that.

Over a balmy weekend in June, I drove up to the camp’s location, which sits just 10 miles outside of Gatlinburg and just minutes from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its location is convenient, lying just outside of the hustle and bustle amidst its own 182 acres of woodland terrain.

Arriving just as the sun was setting behind the hills allowed me to take in the true majesty of the location. The sky turned a burned orange and pink, while the hills appeared as a mesmerizing mix of blue and green. The air was thick with humidity and the sound of laughter emanating from behind the main tent.

After checking in, I followed the giggles to the camp’s outdoor patio, where every guest gathered with their family and friends around tables. In teams, families were engaged in a “guess that tune” style game.

“Oh, that’s Taylor Swift,” I replied, not knowing the rules, only to be met with laughter and playful jeers of “Hey, that’s cheating!” Consequently, I decided to sit quietly and watch rather than participate. The teams reconciled their scores before mingling again around fire pits, indulging in marshmallows while watching children play in the grass. In that moment, everything felt right with the world.

Before the last glimmers of sunlight faded, my travel companion, pup, and I made our way to our safari-style tent, tucked behind trees for a sense of ultra-privacy. However, we were greeted by an unexpected guest—a four-foot snake lounging on our steps. It slowly slithered away as we scurried inside.

“Don’t worry,” an Under Canvas employee reassured us, “He’s just hunting mice. We can relocate it if it bothers you.” This statement humorously implied there was only one snake residing in the entirety of the Smoky Mountains.

Before tucking in for the night in our safari-inspired tent, equipped with a king-sized bed, wood stove, and full bathroom, we took the dog out for one last walk—a decision that turned out to be perfect.

While walking past the entryway to the camp, illuminated only by the moonlight, we noticed flashes along the treeline above the babbling creek. Upon closer inspection, it revealed a glowing group of fireflies (fun fact: a group of fireflies is known as a “sparkle”) lighting up in synchrony. Although bright, no photograph could capture the beauty of the moment; it’s something you must see for yourself.

Like all Under Canvas locations, this one offers an array of camp activities, including yoga, trivia nights, painting, guided hikes, and more. It also offers thrilling adventure packages such as white-water rafting and driving tours.

Additionally, this spot boasts a masterful culinary scene, allowing guests to savor delicious dishes like tavern-style pot roast, charcuterie boards, steak burgers, and more.

Every Under Canvas location provides a unique experience worth the journey; however, this spot felt like a home away from home for families to reconnect and celebrate together once more. Perhaps it was the warm air, the dazzling fireflies, or simply the joy of togetherness, but this place enveloped us, evoking feelings of youth and assurance that everything would be alright. That’s a vacation feeling everyone deserves to cherish.

Under Canvas tents begin at $329/night. Explore your stay here.