Many people associate Tennessee with Nashville and country music. So there’s a good chance that you know little about the awe-inspiring glamping spots within the Volunteer State.
Glamping is short for glamorous camping. As evident from the name itself, it offers the best of luxury and camping – something that traditional camping doesn’t.
It is becoming more and more popular each year. Thousands of people in pursuit of experiencing the wilderness are ditching their weekend disco plans and going glamping instead.
If you happen to be one of them, consider these ten best glamping spots in Tennessee. You can book them right away, subject to availability, and spend the weekend in tranquility, away from the chaotic urban lifestyle.
Types of Glamping in Tennessee
Before you get to know about the top glamping spots in Tennessee, it’s worth learning about the types.
Glamping spots vary by accommodation. Each accommodation type will offer a different experience. Therefore, make the decision wisely.
In Tennessee, you’re going to find the following types of glamping:
- Treehouses – Treehouses are tent-like structures perched on a tree. Located meters above the ground, they offer an excellent view of the surroundings along with a luxurious staying experience.
- Tents and domes – Tents are a minimalist approach to glamping with nothing but a sheet of fabric separating you from the wilderness. But rest assured, they offer the same amenities as a star-rated hotel room.
- Airstreams and train cars – These are trailers turned into luxury accommodation units parked in the best locations in the wild. You can rent them for cheap and experience a great outdoor experience.
- Wild stays – These types of glamping are suited for adventure seekers who want to experience the roughness of the wild. You’ll be living in ball tents, which won’t have the amenities of a boutique tent or dome.
The type of glamping you select will dictate the staying experience.
Other than type, you should also consider the location, safety, and outdoor activities available.
That being said, here are the ten best glamping options in Tennessee:
- Deer Camp – Dunlap, TN
Deer Camp is one of the highly-rated glamping sites in Tennessee. Located in the city of Dunlap (110 miles from Nashville), the 12×12 tiny treehouse is a perfect place for a romantic getaway.
You’ll find all the basic amenities within the mountain cabin like a TV, air conditioners, a greenhouse bathhouse, smart TV, chairs, tables, and a kitchen. For a good-night sleep, you have a comfy queen-size bed. The indoor fire pit makes the ambiance even more intimate.
There’s also an outdoor theater that is open from March through December.
Deer Camp also exposes you to adventurous outdoor activities. Take a trip to Fall Creek State Park, which is just 16.2 miles away. Hiking, swimming, and biking are some of the things you’d get to do.
Or, you can drive down to the Savage Gulf Nature Area, which is 9 miles away. Sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and a 15,590-acres of pristine wilderness are some things you get to see.
Best for: Couples, newlyweds, romantic getaway
- Greenbrier Beechhouse Luxury Treehouse – Greenbrier, TN
You don’t have to travel long to experience luxurious camping if you’re from Nashville. A drive of just 25 miles will take you to Greenbrier, which is where the Greenbrier Breechhouse is located.
Built on private land spanning 11 acres, there is one treehouse with a guest pod in the middle of a mini-forest. A dreamy swing bridge connects the two.
The treehouse is provided with two queen size beds and one sofa queen bed and can accommodate four people. Two more guests can stay at the pod treehouse.
In terms of amenities, you get everything from TVs to AC to gas BBQ. The treehouse is also disability-friendly as it can be accessed by wheelchair.
This is by far the best glamping in Nashville, Tennessee spot.
Best for: Family gatherings, private parties
If you happen to be near Gatlinburg, pay a visit to this luxury outdoor resort and spend a weekend. The beautifully-designed camps are sure to give you a summer camp flashback. But there are treehouses as well, along with safari tents. Lately, they’ve also been allowing RVs.
You can expect all the basic amenities inside the tents and treehouses. Not all of them are equipped with AC or ensuite bathrooms, so it’s something you have to inquire about.
The camp’s location cannot be better as it’s located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So go hiking, cycling, rafting during the day and spend the night in one of the tents.
Best for: Couples, families
- The Smoky Mountains Glamping Domes – Sevierville, TN
Spend your night in one of only two dome shelters available in the Smoky Mountains. The domes offer precious views of the forest, mountaintop, and wildlife.
The domes are small but equipped with a cozy queen-size bed. Along with that, you have AC, a mini-fridge, a microwave, and a coffee maker. Outdoor amenities include an outdoor shower and a propane fireplace to enjoy the natural view with your favorite food.
The domes are pet-friendly, and you can bring your pooch or kitty along with you. If you’re concerned about the Tennessee Glamping dome prices, rest assured this is affordable for most people.
Best for: Couples, solo retreats
- Forest Gully Farms – Santa Fe, TN
The farm located on the outskirts of Santa Fe is the best option to experience a countryside lifestyle.
Started as a mission to create a sustainable food forest, the 13-acre farm is where you get to raise chickens and grow vegetables. Almost all food cooked at this place comes from the farm.
To accommodate the guests, there are houses that are half under the surface (which is why it is also referred to as The Hobbit farm). This offers excellent insulation in both summer and winter.
The amenities in each hut include air conditioning, microwave, refrigerator, and BBQ grill, among others. There are separate bathrooms for every hut, and you can expect hot running water.
The views, especially in the evening and night, are as pretty as a picture.
Best for: Family, groups
- Serenity by the Falls – Monteagle, TN
If you want to spend your weekend near the Deer Lick Falls, this mountain cabin is the ideal spot. Deer Licks is one of the tallest mountains in Tennessee. It’s known for the rewarding hiking trails and a small waterfall.
It’s built with a minimalist design approach and can accommodate six people. There are two double beds and one bunk bed. Also, there’s a bathroom, kitchen, microwave, refrigerator, BBQ grill, and an indoor fireplace to make the stay more comfortable.
There are other cabins in the vicinity, but this happens to be one of the most affordable.
Best for: Family, group hikers
- Stamish Castle Treehouse – Copperhill, TN
Stamish Castle is an inviting treehouse located in the secluded area of the dense forest. Built on a single tree, the two-story treehouse offers an overlooking view of the entire forest in all directions. If you’re looking for a treehouse glamping Tennessee option, this is it.
A suspension bridge connects the treehouse to the rest of the area. Once you’re inside the treehouse, you’d have to admire the luxuries. There’s a queen-sized bed and a full-sized futon to accommodate four people. But there are arrangements for up to eleven people.
Air conditioning, heater, toaster, and refrigerator are all provided to make your stay comfortable. Spend the evening outdoors on the porch cooking your favorite BBQ dish.
For adventure seekers, they can take a walk into the forest to a pond which is a short walk away from the treehouse.
Best for: Large groups, mid-size and large family
- Evins Mill – Smithville, TN
Evins Mills is big on both luxury and nature. The rustic resort is located deep inside the Smithville woods that allow you to experience tranquility like never before,
The views of the surrounding forest and a clear pond are breathtaking. Sit on the private decks inside the property and take in the picturesque views and clean air.
The resort has facilities for meetings, weddings, reunions, and just about any type of gathering. The chefs are highly skilled and prepare food from locally-sourced ingredients.
The rooms are equipped with large beds, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. A great option for luxury glamping in Tennessee.
Best for: Large family, meetings, weddings
- Getaway Dale Hollow – Celina, TN
The Getaway House is the perfect spot to enjoy a few nights in nature away from the bustling lifestyle of Nashville. Located in the historic city of Celina, the small cabins offer views of the forest right from the bed.
Each cabin is sequestered from others, so it will just be you and your loved ones. Make use of the fire pit, picnic table, and grill gate to spend some quality time together. Or take a walking trip to the nearby Dale Hollow Lake.
Best for: Couples, small family
- Converted WWII Train Car with Patio – Maryville, TN
Entrepreneurial spirit can create value out of anything. And this train car from WWII is an example.
It is a renovated troop train now equipped with beds, sofas, tables, TVs, and a plank wood floor. The cabin can accommodate up to four people along with pets. There’s one murphy bed, one queen bed, and a sofa bed. Also, there’s a kitchen, a small living area, and an outdoor garden with seating facilities.
Best for: Couples, Small families, small groups
Want to check out other glamping options? Another great glamping offering is to rent a luxury RV and explore nature in Tennessee.