Top 15 Resorts in Tennessee for Unforgettable Getaways

Tennessee is a well-regarded destination for outdoor enthusiasts who seek to discover its pristine natural surroundings. A significant number of the most reputable resorts in Tennessee are situated in the eastern part of the state. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park attract a large volume of visitors, making it logical that some of the finest resorts are located in this highly frequented area.

Moreover, additional notable resorts can be found throughout the state, such as Nashville’s renowned Gaylord Opryland Resort and unique venues like the French Broad River Dude Ranch. A majority of these resorts provide access to an extensive range of recreational activities. Many are family-friendly, offering features such as on-site water parks and various amenities for both children and adults.

Let us explore the best resorts in Tennessee:

1. Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

Source: marriott

The expansive Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center stands as a noteworthy attraction in itself. This hotel is among the world’s largest, featuring nearly 3,000 guest rooms and suites, alongside almost 300,000 square feet of exhibition space.

Numerous visitors to Nashville take the opportunity to tour the premises, even if they are not staying overnight. The resort boasts 17 restaurants and cafes, an 18-hole golf course, and an atrium that creates an ambiance akin to a jungle. Inside the hotel, there are nine acres of lush gardens and an impressive indoor river with flatboats available for guest transportation.

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-rooms/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center/

2. Blackberry Farm

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Blackberry Farm is a 4,200-acre working farm and luxury resort that emphasizes the principles of traditional Southern hospitality. The resort’s restaurant, The Barn, is well-regarded for its fresh, farm-to-table dining experience. Guests consistently commend the friendliness of the staff and the meticulous attention to service details.

The resort offers a diverse array of activities, including horseback riding, archery, cycling, paddle sports, culinary classes, farm field school, and a luxury spa. Accommodation options at Blackberry Farm range from estate rooms to cottage suites. For a premier experience, consider the farm’s Hill Cottages, which feature fireplaces both inside and outside, along with vaulted ceilings.

Website: http://www.blackberryfarm.com/

3. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort

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Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is a recent addition to the resort landscape in Tennessee. Located near popular amusement parks such as Dollywood and Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, it has quickly become one of the most favored resorts for families. The resort is adorned with many of Dolly Parton’s personal artifacts and offers a variety of amenities and entertainment options.

Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a seasonal splash pad, and options for adults and children alike. There are nine different room types, with accommodations ranging from rooms with a king bed to the luxurious Dolly Parton Suite, a penthouse apartment offering remarkable views and upscale furnishings.

Website: http://www.dollywood.com/resort/

4. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa

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Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa is an ideal choice for those seeking a rustic yet luxurious mountain experience without sacrificing comfort and amenities. The accommodations consist of cabins equipped with spa bathtubs, stone fireplaces, and more.

The resort also offers suites featuring full kitchens and studio units with kitchenettes. For those who wish to dine on-site, there are restaurants offering kid-friendly options. A standout feature of the resort is the Wild Bear Falls indoor water park, which includes a heated zero-entry pool beneath a retractable roof and a treehouse.

Moreover, the resort boasts two arcades, stables for horseback riding, a fitness center, and a full-service luxury spa, alongside trails that connect to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Website: https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/tennessee/gatlinburg/westgate-smoky-mountain-resort/

5. Marriott MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center

Source: marriott

Situated in the scenic foothills of the Smokies, MeadowView Conference Resort is a sprawling facility located in Kingsport. As the sole full-service resort in the area, it provides a relaxing retreat for visitors exploring local attractions such as Bristol Motor Speedway, East Tennessee State University, and Bays Mountain Park, should they choose to venture beyond the resort’s comforts.

The resort features the Reedy Creek Winery, which includes a tasting room. With over 300 rooms, all equipped with modern luxury furnishings and stylish décor, the property offers several dining options, a golf course, an indoor swimming pool, and a gym.

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tricc-meadowview-conference-resort-and-convention-center/

6. River Terrace Resort & Convention Center

Source: westgatedestinations

River Terrace Resort and Convention Center is one of three resorts managed by Westgate in Tennessee. The property enjoys a prime location in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, providing scenic views of both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the picturesque Little Pigeon River, visible from private balconies.

Accommodations are straightforward and include options for both queen and king beds, along with the possibility of river-view rooms. Guests have the advantage of the hotel’s proximity to local shopping and attractions. Additionally, resort visitors can take a quick trolley ride to the nearby Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, which features the state-of-the-art Wild Bear Falls water park.

Website: https://www.westgatedestinations.com/tennessee/gatlinburg/river-terrace-convention-center

7. The Resort at Governor’s Crossing

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In Sevierville, The Resort at Governor’s Crossing has consistently been recognized as one of the premier family-friendly resorts in the region. The resort provides numerous amenities suitable for families, along with convenient proximity to Dollywood and Splash Country.

The inviting property features both indoor and outdoor waterslides, five swimming pools, waterslides, and two whirlpools. Further amenities include a nine-hole miniature golf course, a pirate-themed playground, and a game room to ensure the children are entertained. Accommodations are offered in a condo-style format, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, all featuring kitchen facilities and contemporary furnishings.

Website: https://resortatgovernorscrossing.com/

8. Wilderness at the Smokies Resort

Source: wildernessatthesmokies

Wilderness at the Smokies Resort is a vast, family-oriented venue that prioritizes entertainment options for both children and adults. The central attraction is the Wild WaterDome, the largest indoor water park in Tennessee.

In addition to this, there are two outdoor water parks available. The resort encompasses an indoor adventure center featuring a climbing wall and ropes course, along with an exercise facility. A variety of dining options are available, and children aged 11 and under can eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Accommodations are decorated in a rustic yet modern style and cover a spectrum from standard hotel rooms to family-sized suites.

Website: http://www.wildernessatthesmokies.com

9. French Broad River Dude Ranch

The French Broad River Dude Ranch is an excellent choice for family travelers. This all-inclusive dude ranch is ideally situated just off the interstate, covering 346 acres of woodland in the Smoky Mountains. Guests are accommodated in a replica of a 19th-century hotel framed with timber. The rooms are furnished in a rustic style, reflecting Old West decor.

Room configurations can accommodate up to four guests, with some featuring bunk beds—ideal for families. Daily meal plans include three family-style meals, included in the room rate. Various activities, such as cattle drives, horseback riding, and square dancing are offered. Other attractive features of this scenic property include a saloon, general store, individual riding lessons, and a seasonally available swimming pool.

Website: http://frenchbroadduderanch.com

10. Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

Source: deerridge

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort offers a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of accommodation options, including condos, chalets, and cabins. This resort provides scenic views of the Smoky Mountains and is conveniently located near a range of entertainment options, attractions, and the National Park.

The family-friendly environment includes a host of activities available on-site, such as tennis courts, outdoor games, and playgrounds. Adults may indulge in various amenities including the sauna, Jacuzzi, and steam room while children are engaged in play. Adventure-seeking families can explore a tailored package deal that combines hotel accommodations with horseback riding and whitewater rafting experiences.

Website: http://deerridge.com

11. Riverstone Resort

Source: riverstoneresort

Riverstone Resort is an upscale destination with rustic charm, conveniently located on the southeast side of Pigeon Forge, with close proximity to Gatlinburg Golf Course and Dollywood. The condominium options range from one to four bedrooms, all equipped with kitchens, washers and dryers, gas fireplaces, and various modern conveniences.

The property features an outdoor lazy river complete with waterfalls, as well as an indoor pool open throughout the year. On-site, guests can access a luxurious spa offering a variety of relaxation treatments. The resort is situated along the banks of the Little Pigeon River, allowing visitors to enjoy serene river views from the picnic and barbecue areas.

Website: http://www.riverstoneresort.com/

12. The Preserve Resort

Source: wyndhamvacationrentals

The Preserve Resort boasts some of the most breathtaking views among cabin resorts in the Pigeon Forge area, largely due to its high elevation. Options for rental cabins range from intimate one-bedroom retreats to larger cabins suitable for group gatherings.

The resort abuts Wears Valley, allowing guests to explore the valley’s beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities for horseback riding. Additionally, the property is conveniently located near the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, providing easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some cabins feature fitness facilities and hot tubs, while all are tastefully furnished.

Website: https://www.wyndhamvacationrentals.com/tennessee/pigeon-forge/preserve-resort

13. Gatlinburg Falls Resort

Source: cabinsofthesmokymountains

Gatlinburg Falls Resort provides inclusive packages designed to facilitate a worry-free vacation experience. For couples seeking romance, the Romantic Retreat offers a three-night stay in a one-bedroom luxury cabin, a candlelit dinner for both guests, a mountainside picnic, and tickets to popular attractions in Gatlinburg such as the Dixie Stampede or Dollywood theme park.

Additionally, the resort features a Spa Package that encompasses spa services within the cabin. Families can benefit from the 4 Family Fun Attraction Package, which includes a four-night stay in a spacious family cabin along with tickets to various local attractions. The resort itself features a heated outdoor pool with a waterfall, a hot tub, and a child-friendly shallow area, alongside a playground for kids.

Website: https://www.cabinsofthesmokymountains.com/

14. Great Smokies Lodge

Source: clubwyndham

Great Smokies Lodge, part of the Wyndham Vacation Resorts collection, is an upscale destination nestled in the Smoky Mountains. This lodge is conveniently located within a short drive from various local attractions. The resort offers two on-site restaurants serving New American cuisine, as well as a bar.

Both indoor and outdoor water parks are available, along with separate swimming pools, a hot tub, and an on-site golf course. The lodge’s condominiums are well-equipped, featuring private balconies, separate living rooms, full kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and several other amenities. Additionally, there is a shuttle service to local attractions for guests, available at an extra fee.

Website: https://www.extraholidays.com/sevierville-tennessee/wyndham-great-smokies-lodge

15. Elk Springs Resort

Source: elkspringsresort

Elk Springs Resort features opulent condominiums and rental cabins set in the breathtaking Smoky Mountains. The exclusive resort spans 68 acres and offers seclusion with its array of cabins. Elk Springs is situated within the historic Arts and Crafts Community, close to the national park and Gatlinburg attractions. The resort also has rental cabin options in nearby Pigeon Forge.

Guests are drawn to Elk Springs Resort for its serene environment, providing an ideal escape from day-to-day life. While the property lacks the entertainment and recreational features found in many other resorts, the surrounding area is rich in activities such as hiking, visiting local moonshine stills, tubing, swimming, and exploring Gatlinburg museums to keep guests engaged throughout their stay.

Website: https://www.elkspringsresort.com