Best Adult Summer Camp in Smoky Mountains National Park

We may be a little biased, so we say 1000% yes! Especially this top-rated Smokies retreat. It's your chance to unplug and enjoy a relaxed schedule with no surprise add-on's.

Not at all! Our camp host and guides will do all of the heavy lifting. 

We recommend you to pack the following for this experience:

• Two 32oz water bottles (or water bladder)
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Comfortable `camp´ shoes
• Raincoat
• Day pack (21-35 Liters)
• Hiking socks (non-cotton)
• T-shirts (both casual and synthetic)
• Hiking shorts or pants (seasonal choice)
• Swimwear/lightweight towel
• Long sleeve shirt (casual and synthetic)
• Fleece/insulated jacket (High elevations and mornings and evening can be cool)
• Trekking poles
• Hat and sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent
• Personal medications
• Toiletries
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
• Duffel bag or soft sided suitcase

Below items are optional, but recommended:

• Reading and writing materials
• Energy snacks and electrolyte drink mixes
• Motion sickness remedies
• Camera
• Sunblock and lip balm

Follow the below steps to select the $100/person flat rate private lodging upgrade: 

• On the right of this experience listing, you will see checkout section. (This is where you choose the date, number of people, and the "Book Now" button.)  
• Select the "More Options" drop down directly under the "Adults" toggle where you select the number of people booking. 
• Select the number of people in your group that wish to have private lodging. 

Example 1:  There are 4 in your group, and 2 want private lodging

• In "More Options" section for Private Lodging select 2. 
• Checkout as normal. 
• This means 2 people will pay collective $200 more ($100 per person) for private lodging and the remaining 2 quests will be charged the discounted rate for shared lodging. 

Example 2:  There are 4 in your group, and all 4 want private lodging

• In "More Options" section for Private Lodging select 4. 
• Checkout as normal. 
• This means all 4 people will pay collective $400 more ($100 per person) for private lodging. 

You have the choice of private or shared glamping tents. Shared tents will include 2 people and private tents will be single occupancy. There is an additional fee of $100 per person for private accommodations as listed above. If you want a tent all to yourself, choose the private tent add-on upon booking. 

This is a shared experience and change to meet like-minded and potential life-long friends. 

The closest major airport to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Airlines like Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo, Delta, Frontier, and United fly into TYS. 

How to Get to McGhee Tyson Airport 

From North (I-75) 

• Travel southbound toward Knoxville on I-75
• Follow I-275 south at the I-640 interchange 
• After continuing 2.5 miles, take I-40 west to the 386B exit toward Alcoa Highway/ US-129
• Follow US-129 for about 12 miles. TYS will be on your right. 

Car Rentals & Ride Share

Rental cars are available at McGhee Tyson Airport and are located on the lower level near baggage claim. Rental car options include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Dollar, and Payless Car Rental. Uber and Lyft pick-up is on the lower level. 

Accommodations Near McGhee Tyson Airport

There are various hotels at the airport and a short drive away. There are 12 hotels the airport offers hotel shuttles for. Shuttle pick-up is at the north side of the terminal near baggage claim. A full list of hotel shuttles can be found here. 

Useful Links

• Terminal Map
• Parking Map
• Amenities & Accessibility
• Taxis & Charters

If you're flying, we recommend to rent a car to drive the 1-hour 9-minute drive to the meeting point. 

• Take West General Aviation Drive to US-129 North
• Follow US-129 North to TN-168 East in Knoxville. Exit to TN-168 East
• Follow TN1-68 to US-441 South
• Merge onto US-441 South
• Take River Divide Road to US-441 South/Parkway in Pigeon Forge
• Turn right onto US-441 S / Parkway 
• Turn left into The Appy Lodge

Purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your trip investment against unexpected events, including trip cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies.

While trip insurance is not included in the advertised price, you can quickly generate a quote here. Your travel experts at GuideR have chose to partner with Arch RoamRight insurance due to their highly inclusive and affordable coverage options. Many of Arch RoamRight’s travel protection plans offer the following benefits. Check your plan benefits carefully to make sure you’re getting the coverage you need:

• Trip cancellation and interruption benefits
• Lost and delayed baggage benefits
• Possible waiver of the pre-existing conditions exclusion when conditions are met
• Emergency accident and sickness medical coverage
• Medical evacuation coverage
• 24/7/365 emergency assistance (non-insurance feature)^*

*Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. In the event of any conflict between your policy terms and coverage descriptions on this website, the terms and conditions of your policy shall govern. We are proud to be an affiliate of Arch RoamRight Travel Insurance and may receive a commission if you choose to purchase coverage through our referral link. GuideR is not the provider or underwriter of any travel insurance policies, and we are not responsible for claims, coverage decisions, or policy outcomes. All questions or issues regarding travel insurance should be directed to Arch RoamRight directly.

On the tent platforms are large tents with cots, sleeping pads a light blanket, small table and lantern. Enjoy camp chairs on the desk to relax and kick your feet up. Note: sleeping bags are not included. You are welcome to bring your own or can rent one upon arrival.