Roamstead Review: Cabins In Tennessee Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains sure are a national treasure. We love them year round but autumn sure is a popular season because of the gorgeous changing fall foliage. It is always a great time for a getaway to the mountains. When it comes to visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, we tend to love camping out in nature. However for our quick fall getaway, a cabin with all the comforts of heat and running water sounded more suitable for our needs. In looking for cabins in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains, I came across Roamstead Smoky Mountain cabins near Gatlinburg, Tn. I was provided with lodging in a 4 person cabin in order to facilitate my review.

About Roamstead

Roamstead Smoky Mountains just celebrated their Grand Opening in July of 2023 so everything is fresh and new! Roamstead is a modernized campground brand that “offers an enhanced camping experience in an effort to welcome all adventurers to encounter the magic of the outdoors through genuine hospitality and elevated design.” I would say it basically an upscale KOA with modern design aesthetic and hipster vibe. They aim to making getting out into nature accessible to everyone.

If you are looking for Smoky Mountain Campgrounds, Roamstead offer campsites, RV/camper hookups, yurts, and cabins rentals. All of this on one cozy piece of property that is adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). They also provide a lodge with amenities such as a coffee shop and bar that offers regional beers and drinks as well as a small but tasty menu. There is an outdoor heated pool, a large pavilion with fireplace and large screen for movie nights, a social activity yard, and a playground. There are also several on-site streams that are beautiful and so pleasant to listen too. If you forgot a basic item or want some souvenirs, they have a small camp store.

Roamstead, is located right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the TN/NC border in Cosby, Tennnessee. This Smoky Mountains cabin rental spot is about 25 minutes from the main Gatlinburg, Tennessee, entrance. This makes it an ideal fall vacation spot to explore the wilderness and as well enjoy mountain towns and local shops. The cabins are about 1 hour from UTK. Here is the exact location on Google Maps.

I loved the sound of all those luxury amenities but their cabins in Tennessee Smoky Mountains are what really hooked me.

Cabin Rentals Smoky Mountains, TN

The Roamstead cabins are available in various designs and styles that can sleep between 2-7 people. The Hemlock traditional log cabin was built in the late 1800s, is fully renovated and sleeps up to 7. The Oak and Maple modern cabins are perfect for a family vacation. The Spruce and Pine modern cabins are just right for a couples’ romantic getaway. There are a total of 17 modern cabins on the property in 4 different styles. All of these cabins face the stream so you have a fabulous front porch view.

The Roamstead cabins are pet-friendly accommodations however, they do ask that you let them know you will be bringing a pet when you reserve the cabin because some cabins are kept pet-free.

Roamstead Maple Cabin Review

My family had pleasure of staying at a Maple Cabin for 4. (If you have another family member, you can request a cot rental to make it accommodate 5.)

The Maple Cabin features a modern loft design which means the space that you walk into has high ceilings and a very spacious feel. There is a huge glass window for a view of the stream and lovely natural light. The open design is very inviting and leaves room for families to congregate together around couch which is nicely located by the large picture window in the open-concept living space.

Word of advice: If you prefer more privacy than the loft provides, select the Oak cabin which offer two separate bedrooms with doors.

All of the design elements are quite nice starting with the exterior. I loved the big sturdy front porch with effective railings that are handy for small children and pets. There were two chairs and a side table- perfect for enjoying the fresh mountain air and a relaxing coffee by the stream. There was also a nice fire ring with grill which was lovely for grilling some bratwurst in the evening and making s’mores. If you aren’t the type to want to have to make a fire yourself, they have a communal fire pit over by the lodge.

The cabin interior was also very pretty from the decor to high quality bedding. There was a queen bed on the main level and two twin beds upstairs. They were all very comfortable.

The fancy bathroom featured a large tiled walk-in shower with plush towels and provided hand soap, bath gel, and hair care.

The kitchenette was very useful. Here are the details offered on the website: “The kitchenette is equipped with an electric cooktop, small refrigerator, and all the essential cookware and utensils you need to prepare quick meals during your stay.” I would say that is accurate and that the kitchenette is probably adequate for 90% of the guests. However, if you are a picky foodie that likes to cook their own meals, I want to give you a few more details so you will come prepared. 

Here is exactly what is in the kitchenette:

• 2 burner electric cooktop
• an under the counter fridge
• a pot and a pan
• a spatula and a wooden spoon
• dinner plates
• small plates
• bowls
• cups
• silverware
• 2 mugs
• sponge
• dish soap
• paper towels

So while most people who don’t plan to cook will have more than what they need, I did want to give you a heads up so you didn’t show up with a cooler full of food that you are planning to prepare. Oh, and there is no oven. Just so you know. But they do have that handy coffee shop and bar with everything from granola to fancy pizzas. And they do have some amazing local goodies for you like Kyle Carver Orchards honey and Appalachian Sippin’ Cream.

The website shows the layout and has tons of great accurate photos so you can visit roamstead.com to learn more or book your stay.

So we absolutely enjoyed our stay at this cabin in Smoky Mountains TN. My family of 4, plus one large dog were quite happy with all comforts of home. We also loved the location of these cabins because they are right on the border with the National Park and there are so many hiking trails and swimming holes to explore nearby.

Things To Do Near The Roamstead Smoky Mountains Cabins

There are way too many Smoky Mountain attractions to list here but I will share with you what we did during our short stay at the Smoky Mountain cabin rentals.

We took the 4.4 mile roundtrip hike to Hen Wallow Falls. It is accessed through the Gabes Mountain Trailhead. There is a parking lot at the Cosby Picnic Area which is just a short walk to the trailhead. A parking permit is required to park anywhere within the Smokies. It is a moderate high with some steep switchbacks and then you reach the 90ft waterfall. We spotted countless salamanders at the base of the waterfall.

We stopped at Carver’s Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant. They had a large market, a candy store, and the Applehouse Restaurant which serves up Southern down-home cooking. They market was in itself worth the trip loaded with fresh apples from the orchard and fresh apple pies not to mention tons of other great local products.

We also enjoyed the spectacular mountain views and natural beauty on the drive in and out the Smokies taking a different scenic route both ways.

Q&A

Does Roamstead allow dogs?

Yes, with a max of 2 pets per cabin, yurt, and tent site, and 3 pets on RV sites. Pets must be leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after potty breaks. There is a pet fee of $10 per night, per pet for our rental cabins and yurts. It is important to note that only two GSMNP trails (Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail) are dog-friendly just so you know before you go!

What time is check-in?

Check in is 2PM for RV and tent sites, 4PM for cabins, yurts, and lodge rooms. And the lodge closes at 9pm so you will want to check-in before then.

Are you in the process of planning an unforgettable vacation to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? I hope you found this Roamstead review helpful. They are an excellent choice when looking for Smoky Mountain cabins near gatlinburg TN. Let me know if you have any questions or share your photos on social media @familyfocusblog and @roamstead.

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