Attractions March 2026 3 min read

3 Tips for Spending Thanksgiving in a Gatlinburg Cabin

There is nothing like spending Thanksgiving in a Gatlinburg cabin! When you stay at Bear Camp, you will have all of the comforts of home in a spectacular mountain setting. The Smokies are absolutely b

3 Tips for Spending Thanksgiving in a Gatlinburg Cabin

3 Tips for Spending Thanksgiving in a Gatlinburg Cabin

There is nothing like spending Thanksgiving in a Gatlinburg cabin! When you stay at Bear Camp, you will have all of the comforts of home in a spectacular mountain setting. The Smokies are absolutely breathtaking during November, making Gatlinburg the perfect meeting spot for your whole family. To help you make the most of your holiday in East Tennessee, we've put together a few tips for an incredible Thanksgiving in the Great Smoky Mountains:

(See Also: 6 Ways to Enjoy Fall in Your Gatlinburg Cabin)

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1. Decide what type of Thanksgiving you want to have.

Before you book your cabin, you will need to decide what type of holiday you want to have. Are you looking for an intimate getaway with just your immediate family? Or do you want to combine your Thanksgiving with a family reunion and invite all of your relatives? Both are great options, and Bear Camp has accommodations for any group size.

2. Choose the right cabin for your Thanksgiving vacation.

Once you've figured out how many people will be joining you for Thanksgiving, it's time to pick a cabin! If you are looking for a quiet week with just a few family members, we recommend staying at one of our two bedroom cabins in Gatlinburg. These cosy cabins have space for up to six people and most of them come with two bathrooms. Tucked away in secluded areas, our cabins offer families the privacy they desire for a special Thanksgiving in the mountains.

Guests who want to spend Thanksgiving with their extended family should consider staying atone of our five bedroom cabins in Gatlinburg. With accommodations for up to 14 people, these enormous cabins have enough room for your aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents! Located within a day's drive from over 60% of the nation's population, the Great Smoky Mountains are ideal for a Thanksgiving get together with the whole clan.

3. Prepare for a home cooked meal or make reservations at a great Gatlinburg restaurant.

When you stay with Bear Camp, you will have the option of making a delicious home cooked Thanksgiving dinner in your cabin's fully furnished kitchen. Just stop by one of the area's many grocery stores to get ingredients, and you'll find everything you need to whip up a mouthwatering feast right in your cabin.

Grey Goose

If you would rather take the day off from cooking, Gatlinburg has got you covered! There are a number of excellent Smoky Mountains restaurants that are open for Thanksgiving. Eating out for the holiday is a very popular option, so be sure to make your reservations as early as possible. Here are just a few of our favorite places to eat on Turkey Day:

Seasons of Ober Loft & Lounge

Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que

Legend Crest Lodge

Smoky Mountain Brewery

If you're looking for something to do with your family after your big meal, check out our Smoky Mountain Information page. Here you'll find great advice on the best entertainment, attractions, and shopping in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.

What will you explore on your next trip to the Eastern Tennessee mountains? Discover what to do in Gatlinburg while you're here for a visit!

Insider Tip: For the best experience at 3 Tips for Spending Thanksgiving in a Gatlinburg Cabin, try visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds. The Smoky Mountains area gets especially busy during fall foliage season and summer holidays.

Where to Stay

The best way to experience Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains is from the comfort of a private cabin. Our cabin communities offer everything from cozy couples retreats to large family lodges, all with stunning mountain views, hot tubs, and full kitchens. Browse our community guides to find the perfect base for your Gatlinburg adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gatlinburg offers an incredible variety of activities including world-class attractions, outdoor adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, excellent dining, shopping, and family entertainment. Popular activities include hiking, visiting Dollywood, exploring the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, and enjoying scenic mountain drives.

Cabin rentals are the most popular and authentic accommodation choice in the Smoky Mountains. Cabin communities in Gatlinburg and surrounding areas offer everything from cozy couples retreats to large group lodges with hot tubs, mountain views, and full kitchens. Browse our cabin communities guide for detailed options.

The Smoky Mountains are beautiful year-round. Fall (October-November) brings spectacular foliage, spring (April-May) features wildflower blooms, summer offers the most activities and longest days, and winter provides peaceful solitude with occasional snow. Each season has its own charm and events.

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