Don't miss your opportunity to experience Under Canvas when exploring Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Under Canvas currently has 10 locations across various National Parks in America - and the Smokies version does not disappoint!  It's approachable 'glamping' even for those who don't consider themselves 'outdoorsy'.  Here's why my family (2 kids - 5 years old and 3.5 years old) loved it during the first weekend of autumn in November:

1. Beautiful setting about 20-30 minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park; 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge town

2. Stylish 'glamping' facilities - canvas tents had top-notch linens and 'West Elm' furnishings making it feel natural but refined; my kids got 2 fold-out cots with sleeping bags but they ended up not using them and just hopping in the king-sized bed with us (tents are on wood planks)

3. Bathrooms include hot water showers and they are 1st rate and clean (flushing toilets, hot waters, toiletries, and towels provided)

4. Lobby area is cozy and welcoming with space heaters, board games galore, and plenty of seating

5. Restaurant in lobby area was fantastic for both dinner (think fried pickles, bruschetta, hamburgers) and included beer / wine and a kids' menu; breakfast is burritos, eggs / bacon / hash browns, etc.

6. Outdoor area includes seating, fire pit (with smores every night), cornhole, volleyball court/sandpit, etc

7. Thoughtful details including 24-hour cider/hot chocolate/coffee

8. Rooms include wood-burning stoves, fans, USB chargers, and lamps and small seating areas (inside and out)

Tips for fall: it can get chilly!  Set your alarm for every ~4 hours to load wood on the fire.  If you keep wood burning, it is nice and toasty and comfortable!

Note: closed at end of November for the colder season; no WIFI (but who cares?!?)

Also note: this mamma loved that everything in the lobby/dining area was compostable (cutlery, cups, etc); the Under Canvas company is planning on going energy neutral by 2020.