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Why I preferred sleeping in a glamping tent over cozy cabins during my first trip to the Great Smoky Mountains

Why I preferred sleeping in a glamping tent over cozy cabins during my first trip to the Great Smoky Mountains
Tents at the Under Canvas glamping resort in the Great Smoky Mountains.Joey Hadden/Insider
  • During my first trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I stayed in cabins and a glamping tent.
  • I was surprised to find that I preferred my stay in the tent over the cozy comforts of the cabins.

I recently left my home in NYC to visit the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee for the first time in hopes of feeling more connected to nature.

I recently left my home in NYC to visit the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee for the first time in hopes of feeling more connected to nature.
The author visits Great Smoky Mountains National Park in April 2023.      Joey Hadden/Insider

During my five-day trip, I spent three nights in cozy cabins I found on Airbnb, and one night in a tent at a glamping resort. All of the accommodations were in the Gatlinburg area outside of the national park.

During my five-day trip, I spent three nights in cozy cabins I found on Airbnb, and one night in a tent at a glamping resort. All of the accommodations were in the Gatlinburg area outside of the national park.
The author rests in a cabin (L) and a tent (R) during the trip.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Going into the trip, I thought I'd prefer the comforts of a cabin over a tent, but I was wrong. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the luxury camping experience, and now I can't wait to do it again.

Going into the trip, I thought I
The author stays in a cabin (L) and a glamping tent (R) during her trip.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I spent my first night in a one-bedroom cabin overlooking the mountains for $430.

I spent my first night in a one-bedroom cabin overlooking the mountains for $430.
The author spends her first night in a cozy cabin she found on Airbnb.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Airbnb

Then I spent one night in a luxury tent that had a $520 nightly rate at the Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains resort.

Then I spent one night in a luxury tent that had a $520 nightly rate at the Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains resort.
The author's tent at the glamping resort.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Under Canvas

Insider received a media rate for the stay at the Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains resort.

I spent my last two nights in an A-frame cabin with two bedrooms and a view of the sun setting over the mountains for about $1,000.

I spent my last two nights in an A-frame cabin with two bedrooms and a view of the sun setting over the mountains for about $1,000.
The A-frame cabin where the author spent her last two nights in Tennessee.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Airbnb

I thought both cabins I stayed in were full of amenities to help me relax and enjoy the view, from covered patio seating to a gas fireplace that ignited with the touch of a button.

I thought both cabins I stayed in were full of amenities to help me relax and enjoy the view, from covered patio seating to a gas fireplace that ignited with the touch of a button.
The author relaxes in the cabins.      Joey Hadden/Insider

With wood paneling and vast windows, I thought the cabin made me feel immersed in nature from the comfort of a cozy bed in a heated home.

With wood paneling and vast windows, I thought the cabin made me feel immersed in nature from the comfort of a cozy bed in a heated home.
A cozy bedroom in one of the cabins.      Joey Hadden/Insider

My glamping experience, however, was quite different — and a bit less comfy.

My glamping experience, however, was quite different — and a bit less comfy.
Tents at the Under Canvas resort's Great Smoky Mountains location.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Under Canvas is a glamping resort with a community feel. Unlike at the cabins where I spent time alone, I chatted with kind employees and other campers, which warmed my heart — especially since I was traveling alone.

Under Canvas is a glamping resort with a community feel. Unlike at the cabins where I spent time alone, I chatted with kind employees and other campers, which warmed my heart — especially since I was traveling alone.
A communal space at the Under Canvas glamping resort.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I booked a Stargazer tent, which included a full bathroom and a skylight above a king-sized bed that I found extremely comfortable.

I booked a Stargazer tent, which included a full bathroom and a skylight above a king-sized bed that I found extremely comfortable.
Inside the author's stargazer tent at the Under Canvas resort.      Joey Hadden/Insider

The tent combined some luxury amenities with the hardships of camping, from a pull-chain shower to a wood-fired oven that campers light themselves to keep warm.

The tent combined some luxury amenities with the hardships of camping, from a pull-chain shower to a wood-fired oven that campers light themselves to keep warm.
The author uses a pull-chain shower (L) and makes her own fire.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Making my own fire to heat my tent was challenging, but it made me feel more connected to nature than I did in the cabins. And by the end of my stay, I felt confident in my abilities to start and maintain a fire.

Making my own fire to heat my tent was challenging, but it made me feel more connected to nature than I did in the cabins. And by the end of my stay, I felt confident in my abilities to start and maintain a fire.
The author keeps herself warm in the tent.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I loved being able to experience the outdoors as a camper without sacrificing a good night's sleep in a cozy bed. So next time I'm planning a nature trip, I'll book my entire stay in a glamping tent.

I loved being able to experience the outdoors as a camper without sacrificing a good night
The author relaxes in her tent.      Joey Hadden/Insider

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