Think a Gatlinburg getaway is way outside of your travel budget? Think again. While spending a lot here is easy, it’s just as easy to enjoy everything Gatlinburg offers without breaking the bank. With all the affordable places to stay, cheap eats, and plenty of free things to do, you can have a fantastic trip without overspending. Here’s how.
Affordable Hotels, Cabins, and Campgrounds
Finding the perfect place to stay in Gatlinburg doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You have to skip the luxury hotels in favor of:
- Campgrounds: For as little as $25 per night, you can set up a tent or park your RV at one of the many local campgrounds. Just keep in mind that most are open from March to December, so check the dates before you go.
- Inns: Budget-friendly inns start at about $40 per night and offer comfortable stays without the frills. Popular options include Gatlinburg River Inn, Brookside Lodge, and Sidney James Mountain Lodge.
- Cabins: If you’re traveling in a group or want more privacy, rent a cabin for around $100 per night. Many come equipped with kitchens and living spaces, making them an excellent value for families and friends.
Look for places to stay just outside of town for the best deals. The closer you are to the Parkway, the more you’ll pay per night.
Here are some of our favorite cabins that are affordable in the area:
Majestic View – $76/night average
Perfect for 2, Majestic View #42B is cozy, clean, and offers mountainous hot tub views while only being a short distance away from your favorite hikes and trails. This cabin is located only 18 miles from the heart of Gatlinburg and is available to rent at an affordable price! This cabin also comes with a stone-stacked fireplace, rocking chairs, and complimentary WiFi.
Gatlinburg Summit – $70/night average
Stay in a condo that overlooks Gatlinburg for under $100/night! Gatlinburg Summit is great for those who want the best amenities at a good price. There’s a community pool, a fireplace, balcony views, a convenient location, and the interior of this condo is quite clean and cozy.
Inspiration Point Cabin – $57/night average
When you have a larger party and want to keep it affordable, Inspiration Point Cabin can fit a medium to large size group for an extremely affordable price. There’s a pool table, a stone-stacked fireplace, a balcony overlooking the woods, soaking tub, and plenty of comfortable accommodations. It’s also close to Pigeon Forge and Wears Valley!
Misty View Cabin – $75/night average
Enjoy amazing views straight from the balcony or splash the day away in the community-shared pool. Misty View Cabin is great for a small family, individual, or couple who want something a bit more affordable. There’s rocking chairs, a private hot tub, a screened in balcony, and a deck on a lake. It’s truly a rare find!
Iconic Gatlinburg Eats on a Budget
Who says you have to compromise on delicious food to save money? Gatlinburg is home to several iconic eateries that serve up home-cooked goodness at a sweet, low price.
Little House of Pancakes
807 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-8784
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The Little House of Pancakes is a popular budget-friendly breakfast spot in Gatlinburg, and for good reason. You can get pretty much anything you’d want for around $10 per plate. But do yourself a favor and get the pancakes, which are always served with real butter and hot, homemade syrup.
Fannie Farkles
When nothing else will do but classic carnival fare, Fannie Farkles is the place to go, for sure. Their famous Frozen Farkles Freezy is only $5.99 and comes in amazingly delicious flavors like mandarin orange and sweet sour apple. But the real star here is their legendary foot-long Ogle Dog—a perfectly fried corn dog that’s just $10 apiece.
Trish’s Mountain Diner
656 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4057
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Trish’s Mountain Diner is the place to go when you want to get a taste of home cooking. They’ve got all your favorite diner foods for breakfast and lunch, like pancakes, burgers, and fries. And if you show up on a Friday or Saturday night, they have delicious dinners like pot roast and chicken pot pie for under $20 a plate.
Low-Cost Treasure Hunting Spots
Forget expensive souvenir shops. Gatlinburg has many affordable finds, and you don’t have to look far.
Make your first stop the Village Shops, where you can shop your heart out at a charming European-style village. The boutiques offer everything from handcrafted jewelry and locally made artwork to quirky home décor and delicious treats.
And don’t forget the Mountain Mall. This indoor mall is a haven for bargain hunters, with over 30 shops offering souvenirs, clothing, and so much more. It’s the perfect place to escape the weather and enjoy some low-cost retail therapy.
Free and Cheap Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is packed with activities that won’t leave your wallet empty. From scenic adventures to unique attractions, there’s something for everyone on a budget.
Gatlinburg Trolley Ride
Take a Gatlinburg Trolley ride for a relaxing and affordable way to explore the town. You can hop on and off at your leisure to check out the sights along the yellow, purple, and blue routes.
Start with the purple route to visit the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. This is where you can pick up maps, brochures, and information about local attractions and events. It’s a great place to start your adventures.
Then, take the yellow route to visit the historic arts and crafts community trail. On this 8-mile loop, you can check out the work of local artisans and even see them hard at work on their latest creations.
Finish with a ride to the Parkway on the blue route. From there, the sky’s the limit in what you can do. Go on a self-guided distillery tour to sample all the best drinks around town. Or simply spend some time window shopping and soaking up the sights and sounds of this bustling street.
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum Visit
461 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-5515
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If you like finding unusual things, you’ll love the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. It’s only $3 to get in, and they have over 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from all over the world. You’ll see shakers shaped like animals, famous people, and many other interesting characters. Plus, your $3 ticket can be used to buy your own shakers to take home.
Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue Visit
629 Granite Rd, Clinton, TN 37716
865-457-5536
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Want to meet some amazing animals without spending a lot of money? Simply head to Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue. For about $10 to $15 per person, you can get up close and personal with many creatures, from lions and tigers to monkeys and camels. And since it’s a rescue center, your admission payment goes toward a good cause.
Smoky Mountain Hiking Trip
The Great Smoky Mountains trails are calling, and you don’t need a big budget to go exploring. All it will cost is:
- $0 to hike the trails: That’s right, it’s completely free to walk the paths through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- $15 for parking:You’ll need to pay $15 to park your car, but that’s for the whole week, so you can go hiking as many times as you want.
- A little extra for snacks:If you want to pack a lunch, stop by Old Dad’s General Store. They have sandwiches, snacks, and drinks so that you can grab some tasty grub for your hike.
So, for just $15 (plus whatever you spend on food), you can have an awesome time exploring the Smokies. If you want to take a guided tour, however, check out Smoky Mountain Guides.
Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing Adventures
Unless you’re visiting during the winter, tubing with Smoky Mountain River Rat is a must-try experience. For $15 to $25 per person, they provide everything you need, including tubes and transportation. Just show up ready to have fun and enjoy a relaxing day floating down the Little Pigeon River.
As you can see, an affordable trip to Gatlinburg is totally within reach. With a little planning, you can have the time of your life while keeping your spending low. So, ditch the idea that this mountain town is only for big spenders and pack your bags for an unforgettable, wallet-friendly trip.
