Ever been camping and just wish there were more amenities? Or that the tent was set up when you got their minus headache of it all? Shew, we get it. You have to also have or buy all the gear, pick the spot, apply for permits… the list goes on. After we learned about glamping, aka glamorous camping, we leveled up our camping game immediately. And even opened some ourselves! Introducing GLAMP by Stay Minty! Our campground features an elevated glamping experience with Stay Minty kinda amenities, like private showers, full kitchens and even HOT TUBS! So, what is else there to do in the area besides enjoy your camp site?! Check out this mock itinerary for a Glamping Weekend in the Smokies to help you plan your next mountain weekend getaway!
Day 1- Arrive in the Smokies
Our domes are located in Cosby, TN! To give you an idea of where in the Smokies that is, we are about 35-45 minutes to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Right behind our other lodge property, it is right on Dunn’s Creek. We’d recommend stopping in one of those towns for groceries for the weekend. Grab some meat for the grill and maybe some White Claws to get the juicy campfire gossip flowing.
Once you arrive, you’ll pull into GLAMP’s private drive and find your dome on the hill. Check out the photo of the grounds above. Get settled in, unpack the groceries in a bear safe way (click here for more info), and cool down/warm up your dome with the split wall unit or wood burning stove. Next, strap on your boots cause we’re going hiking.
Day 1 (cont)- Hiking
We have our own private hiking trails or there is some amazing hiking in the area. Some of our favorites are Cosby Self-Guided Nature Trail, Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls, and Sutton Ridge Overlook Trail. Click here for a list of our FAQ’s for a list of the top 10 hikes in the Cosby area! But if you are down to jump back in the car and go up into the mountains, there are some insane small hikes from the pull off vistas, waterfalls, and hikes through the woods to clearings with insane views. And don’t worry, there’s hikes for all fitness levels. The top 3 hikes in the park are Clingman’s dome, Andrew’s Bald, and Laurel Falls.
After your hike, come back to the dome and kick your shoes off. Pop on a vintage vinyl on the record player and jump in the hot tub to soak those aching paws. Spend the rest of the evening enjoying the fire and quality time with your people. There are no TVs or wifi just like regular camping! So we’ve provided all sorts of games and cards to keep the fun rolling when you get bored. Snuggle up in our epic beds and sheets and fall asleep for the night under the stars.
Day 2- White Water Rafting and Zip Lining
Goooood morning sunshine! Open the curtains of your dome to a beautiful morning without having to unzip the tent with your back twinging from sleeping on the floor all night. Pop on some coffee from the Keurig and step out onto your private deck overlooking the forest. Once everyone is up and ready to get the day going, make a decision on what you’ll do for the day! Here’s what we would do…
World class zipline tours are only 5 miles from our GLAMP Dunn creek location! Explore the treetop zipline tour or mountaintop zipline tour during your stay just 5 miles down the road from GLAMP. Tennessee also has some of the best white water rafting only 10 miles from GLAMP at Dunn’s creek. Whitewater rafting in Tennessee is one of the most exciting adventures with our class III and class IV rapids. Check out River Rat Tubing and Water Rafting, Big Bear Rafting, or Smoky Mountain Rafting for that adventure. And then for zip lining, romp around with CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains or 5 Rivers Adventures. OR EVEN A LLAMA TREK ADVENTURE (click here). We occasionally get coupons for our guests to use for these kind of activities so check our FAQ page to see our current offers!
Once you are adventured out, head back to the dome. Change your drawers and freshen up before dinner. Make an epic grill out and get the party going! Some of our favorite times camping happen because you are just chillin or are kind of bored. So don’t be afraid to just let yourself zen out with your people!
Day 3- Pack Up and Pop through Gatlinburg
On the last day of your glamping experience, shake off the night before with a greasy southern breakfast back in town. Wifi, water and waffles… perfect. Stop by Pancake Pantry for the best breakfast in Gatlinburg. Or try Mel’s Diner in Pigeon Forge for breakfast in an instagrammable, budget friendly spot away from the strip. Spend the rest of the morning walking around the shops in the downtown area. Bring donuts from The Donut Friar back to the crew who is too dead from the night before and get the crew moving. What a damn weekend!
And boom. Our Itinerary for a Glamping Weekend in the Smokies! The domes do have a three night minimum so it works best for bookings Friday-Sunday. Perfect for a girls getaway, family summer trip, or even a bachelorette party! We even host parties, large group events, elopements and any other event your heart could desire. Make sure to check out the domes here! Or email us at glamp@stayminty.com and we’ll help you curate the experience of your glamping dreams!
