Smoky Mountain Luxury Glamping

Smoky Mountain Luxury Glamping. Camping in luxury, Glamping, comes to the Smokies

Glamping (short for glamorous camping) is the latest trend in the Smokies. Brought to you by Under the Canvas Great Smoky Mountains, this new experience, slated to open Sept. 20 and run through Nov. 19, features luxury safari-inspired tents tricked out with king-sized beds dressed with upscale linens. A variety of tents (that sleep from four to seven people) are available with amenities that include private or communal baths. If you opt for the more upscale tents, you can enjoy ensuite bathrooms that include a shower, sink and flushing toilets; wood stoves, guaranteed to keep you toasty on cool mountain evenings, and a private deck that provides a great place to gather for early morning Yoga or evening drinks and meals. The Stargazer tent comes with a unique ceiling window allowing guests to view celestial sites from the comfort of their bed. While all the tents feature king-sized bed and luxurious linens, the Suite tent also boasts a lounge area with a leather queen-sized sofa-bed, and a more secluded and sheltered location with premium views. All 40 tent sites offer convenient access to more than 800 square miles of forests, amazing mountain views and the famed Appalachian Trail. Embers, an on-site restaurant, will offer breakfast and dinners. Lunches, pre-ordered the night before, are available on a get-to-go basis. According to company spokesperson, Matt Thomas, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains is also working with local vendors to enhance the camping experience. “Guests can not only stay with us, they can also enjoy activities (led by local guides, such as hiking, horseback riding, etc.)” said Thomas. Tent prices range from $189 – $499 per night “depending on day of the week, holidays and other variables,” said Thomas. The venue is located on a 182-acre camp.

Company CEO Sarah Dusek was inspired by her own safari experiences while living in Africa during her 20’s and decided that the luxury tent concept would work elsewhere. And work it has, the company’s additional camps include seasonal sites near Zion National Park, Glacier National Park , Yellowstone National Park and Under Canvas Rushmore in South Dakota. A camp  located near the South border of the Grand Canyon is also set to open in September.  “We look for places of outstanding natural beauty, where people can get outside and have fantastic outdoor adventures,” said Dusek.

I once had a friend that said she would camp “when stumps flush.” Well they still don’t but now they don’t need to.  If you want to step off the beaten track and still enjoy luxury accommodations while sleeping under the stars just think back to the old Tarzan movies where big game hunters retired to comfy beds, thick rugs and afternoon aperitifs. The newest camping is glamping.

Planning a destination wedding, family reunion or a company retreat near Gatlinburg? Rent the entire camp for two nights (required), which can sleep up to 200 or host gatherings up to 800. Reserving the whole camp will ensure privacy and allow you to enjoy your party well into the evening. This unique venue also offers large tents to accommodate group dining, dancing and receptions.