Staying at Roamstead Campground: Glamping in Gatlinburg!

A Cozy Mountain Getaway at Roamstead in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Last week, my best friend and I headed out on the perfect girls’ getaway to Roamstead in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and it was everything we needed to unwind. Nestled just a short drive from Charlotte, NC, Roamstead offered us a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As a mom, I needed this! We traded the unbearable summer humidity for crisp mountain air, waking up each morning to the comforting sound of a rushing stream right outside our window. Every moment felt so cozy. 

With hot coffee in hand and a good book to dive into, our mornings at Roamstead were nothing short of relaxing. If you’re looking for a serene escape in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Roamstead in Gatlinburg is the perfect destination.

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Discount Code

If this blog post inspires you to take a trip to the Smoky Mountains and stay at Roamstead in Gatlinburg, Tennesee, use the discount code TARALYNN10 for 10% off your entire stay! That is such an amazing discount, especially since this amazing spot is already super affordable. 

 

Checking In at Roamstead: A Warm Welcome in Gatlinburg

We arrived at Roamstead around 4 pm, just in time for check-in. In true Taralynn and Becca fashion, we made a few coffee stops along the way, soaking in the beautiful drive. The moment we stepped out of the car, we were pleasantly surprised by the refreshing change in weather—goodbye, humidity! The air was crisp and breathable, an absolute upgrade to the sticky summer heat we had left behind. We couldn’t wait to get settled in, grab some food, throw on our swimsuits, and spend the entire evening reading by the pool (or scrolling TikTok.)

The check-in experience at Roamstead was easy and welcoming. The man working the front desk was like a character straight out of a movie—his vibrant personality and warm hospitality made us feel instantly at home. He was incredibly kind and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Before we took off, he handed us a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies as a welcome dessert. It was such a thoughtful gesture! Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies?

With cookies in hand, we headed off to find our yurt, already feeling like we had discovered a hidden gem in the Smoky Mountains.
   

Staying in a Yurt at Roamstead in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This was our first time staying in a yurt, and we were excited about the experience. For our first night at Roamstead, we opted for a cozy yurt next to the stream before moving to a cabin. Roamstead has a wide range of accommodations for every type of traveler, and their yurts are a perfect mix of luxury and nature. I like to call it “glamping!”

Our yurt had the three C’s: comfortable, cozy, and charming. It had a soft queen-sized bed with fresh linens, a mini fridge for all the food we packed, and a private campfire ring next to the yurt where we could roast marshmallows or hot dogs. There was even a picnic table where we enjoyed our morning coffee while listening to the sounds of the stream. And let me tell you, those soothing stream sounds helped me sleep deeply that night! 

With the stream right next to us, the yurt offered extra solitude. We couldn’t hear anyone, and they couldn’t hear us—which was a relief, especially when two best friends like us get into laughing fits!

Ordering Pizza in the Roamstead Lounge

After unpacking, we put on our swimsuits and headed to the lounge to order pizza for an evening by the pool. The menu offered over six delicious pizza options: Three Cheese, Pepperoni, Hot Honey, Sicilian, White Sauce, and BBQ Chicken. We couldn’t resist the Sicilian pizza, topped with sausage, roasted red peppers, mascarpone, mozzarella, balsamic, and tomato sauce. It sounded amazing—and, honestly, pizza always tastes better by the pool!

The lounge also offers a variety of other treats, including chicken tenders, mini corn dogs, milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, s’mores pizza, cocktails, soda, beer, wine, coffee drinks, tea, and even a breakfast menu. Open from 7:30 am to around 9 pm, the lounge is a convenient spot to grab a bite or a drink any time of day. They also have a small shop where you can pick up snacks, s’mores supplies, and any last-minute necessities—perfect for avoiding a trip to the grocery store!

VIDEO CLIPS FROM OUR TRIP BELOW!

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Enjoying the Saltwater Pool at Roamstead

Look at how refreshing that pool is! Usually, when I’m at a pool near Charlotte, I’m squinting from the sun; it’s almost too hot to function, and by the time I get there, I want to go home. But as soon as we sat in our two chairs under the umbrella at Roamstead, I was in full relaxation mode. The air was crisp, the breeze was mild, the temperatures were far cooler than in Charlotte, and everything just felt so peaceful. And the water—oh, the water!—it was actually cold compared to the bath-like temps I’m used to.

The pool had a little Italian villa vibe going on, with its striped umbrellas, comfortable wooden chairs, and the stunning greenery lining the fence. I didn’t feel like I was at a campground; this felt very fancy!
We spent over three hours by the pool, reading, floating in the water, catching up, and listening to music. Sitting in such a peaceful spot was incredibly refreshing, especially as a mom who’s usually surrounded by screaming toddlers, overstimulating kids’ music, and constantly on the go with baking for work, cleaning, grocery shopping, toddler activities—the list goes on. I almost felt guilty, like I should be getting up and doing something!

Cozy Night at Roamstead

The bathrooms and showers are just a quick walk away when staying in a yurt. There are several bathroom options: a few right next to the yurts and two other locations with showers and additional facilities. Right before bed (since we were ready to fall asleep by 8 pm!), we headed over to use the bathrooms one last time, brush our teeth, and get snuggled up with a movie.

The entire campground is well-lit and easy to navigate, which is perfect for someone like me who’s always getting lost! The campgrounds looked so beautiful at night, with twinkling string lights, the sun’s last rays reflecting on the stream, and campfires glowing all around.

Movie Night

Roamstead texted everyone’s phones, announcing a movie night on their outdoor TV near the bonbire and yard games. I thought it was such a cute idea for families, and it’s something I would have loved as a kid. I can’t wait to bring my son here because it’s the perfect family spot. But since the campground had amazing WiFi, we decided to cozy up and watch a classic, Hope Floats, on the laptop. It couldn’t have been a better night!

Coffee in the Mountains

We’re not your average friends—we somehow always manage to fall asleep by 8 pm and then wake up, wide awake, by 3:45 am. This is why we make a great travel pair. Early that morning, we quietly snuck out of the yurt to use the restroom and then returned to start on our first cup of coffee. Knowing we wake up hours before the coffee is typically served, we came prepared. I packed water bottles, a kettle, mugs, and the Chemex so we could do a pour-over while working on our laptops until the sun came up. Having good Wifi is such a plus, espeically at Campgrounds. 

Coffee & Breakfast at Roamstead

After the lounge opened around 7:30 am, we were ready for our second cup of coffee. Becca and I are absolute coffee snobs, which is why we always bring the Chemex on trips. We don’t believe in wasting sips on bad coffee. Could a campground actually offer good coffee? We headed to the lounge to find out. Did this campground prove us wrong? Yes! The free coffee in the lounge was amazing—strong, perfectly flavored, and definitely worth every sip! They offer to-go cups, creamer, and everything you need to make your coffee extra special.

You can also order an espresso or café drink. Their breakfast menu had many great options, including granola and milk, sausage and gravy pizza (what a great idea!), berry Danish pizza, bacon, egg, cheese croissants, and chocolate croissants.

Roamstead in the Fall

Whenever I saw a fall-colored leaf on the ground or watched one gently drift down, I daydreamed about staying here in the fall. Stunning trees surround the campground, and I can only imagine how gorgeous it must be with all the foliage in the mountains. If you’re looking for a fall getaway near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you should consider Roamstead! I love how affordable it is, and most of all, they work hard to make everything so convenient for travelers. Maybe I’ll bring my family back during the peak fall season. Or maybe we’ll have to come back for Christmas in Gatlinburg.

Is Roamstead Dog-Friendly?

Seeing all the sweet little pups roaming around was so cute. Roamstead is extremely dog-friendly and offers fantastic setups for your pups. You don’t have to leave your pup at home while traveling—dogs are family, too, so why not bring them along?

You can also select pet-free options!

What Type of Accommodations Does Roamstead Offer?

As I mentioned before, Roamstead has something for every type of traveler:

• Tent Sites (various sizes and views)
• Motor Home Sites (various sizes and views)
• Yurts
• Airstreams
• Cabins
• The Lodge 

I loved how this campground beautifully blended nature with modernity. It was fantastic to feel close to nature while enjoying a modern and luxurious environment.

Browse the Roamstead accommodations on their website to see what they offer!

If you are staying with a family, check out the Hemlock Cabin, built in the 1800’s, and so tastefully updated to keep it’s charm and character! That morning, we ran into the owner, Shannon, while grabbing coffee in the lounge. Meeting her and hearing about all her hopes and dreams for Roamstead’s future was inspring. You can see her passion for the place and the dedication that’s gone into making it a safe, welcoming, and memorable spot for families and single travelers. Their family has done an incredible job with Roamstead, and knowing that Shannon is also a mom makes it even more impressive that she’s doing it all! Everyone we met seemed to love their job and proudly spoke about being part of the Roamstead team.

Cozy Cabins at Roamstead in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

For the final two nights of our stay, we checked into a cabin—the Spruce Cabin. This charming retreat featured a front porch overlooking the stream, perfect for enjoying morning coffee, reading a book, or simply relaxing.

The cabin highlights:

• Stunning Bathroom: Equipped with modern amenities.
• Loft: Featuring a comfortable queen-sized bed.
• Living Space: Includes a cozy area with a kitchen.

I particularly loved the large window in the living room. It provided a beautiful view and made me feel like I was in the middle of nature, even while working inside.
   

The Painted Bear Coffee Shop

After settling into our new cabin, we left the campgrounds and drove just fifteen minutes to The Painted Bear Coffee Shop. Located at 522 Buckhorn Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, this charming spot is on the way to downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It caught our eye on Google Maps with its quaint atmosphere and sweet little resident cats. We couldn’t resist a visit! Plus, there is no such thing as too much coffee when traveling. Some people find joy in visiting breweries or wineries, but my heart belongs to coffee shops.

 

The Painted Bear Coffee Shop was a dream. Nestled near a charming garden with umbrella seating, it had views of butterflies, sunflowers, and the sweetest cats. We took a moment to soak in the tranquil surroundings; the shop’s serenity was truly calming. We didn’t want to leave. 

I ordered an oat milk cappuccino, which was perfectly smooth, flavorful, and exactly how I like my café drinks. If you’re heading to Gatlinburg, put this spot in your GPS—it’s a must-visit. This spot is a true gem. I’d love to sit here with a pumpkin spice latte while visiting Gatlinburg in the Fall.

“Family-owned and featuring an art gallery, The Painted Bear offers locally roasted coffee, pastries, handcrafted gifts, and artisan herbal products. Don’t miss the classical realism Biblical and Mountain Art by artist Daniel Wornicov.”

Just look at how serene Honey the cat is on the porch! That’s exactly how we felt during our visit. It has taken me so much self-control not to adopt a cat after spending my coffee hour with Honey. I’m still working with my husband on getting a cat!   

Downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee

It had been a while since my last visit to Gatlinburg. Our previous trip with the dogs at Lindsey Mill was during winter, so there wasn’t much to do. But Gatlinburg truly comes alive in the warmer months! It’s fantastic that Roamstead is so conveniently close to this vibrant town and its many attractions.

We spent nearly the entire afternoon exploring the shops, sampling cookies, picking up souvenirs, and soaking in all the Gatlinburg lore. The town is bustling with activity and offers a wide mix of experiences. I cannot wait to take my son here!

Lunch in Downtown Gatlinburg

Plan your lunch or make a reservation before you head to Gatlinburg. We wandered into Jason Aldean’s restaurant because the menu outside looked good, but the food didn’t wow us. To avoid any food letdowns, take a minute to check out reviews on Google before picking a place!

We should’ve stuck to our original plan: a light lunch at Tennessee Jedd’s and a bigger dinner at Five Oaks Farm Kitchen in Pigeon Forge. They had an enormous menu, and cinnamon rolls the size of my head! Next time, I’m getting on one of those cinnamon rolls! 

Pigeon Forge, Tennesee

After our fill of downtown Gatlinburg, we headed to Pigeon Forge for some shopping at the Tanger Outlets Sevierville. Driving through Pigeon Forge is quite an experience—it’s hard to take it all in because it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen. There are so many museums, attractions, Dollywood, fun restaurants, and it’s bustling with people! This would’ve been the absolute best place to visit as a kid. If you’re from the Midwest, the best way to describe it is like Branson, Missouri, but way bigger.

Dinner at the cabin

We swung by Publix Grocery Store in Pigeon Forge on our way back to grab some quick dinner ingredients. The plan was to cozy up in the cabin’s living room, watch a movie, and chill for the rest of the night!

Since our cabin had burners to cook, we could pretty much make anything we wanted! We were saving the hard cooking work for our campfire breakfast in the morning! 

Making Campground Breakfast

At Publix the night before, we picked up all the ingredients to make a delicious campfire breakfast. You could also pick up some firewood and firestarter supplies at the lodge. We finally got the fire going and put our cast iron pot over to get it nice and hot for bacon!

After the bacon was perfectly burnt and crispy (how we like it!), we whipped up some blueberry pancakes, sliced fresh fruit, and brewed extra coffee in the Chemex. The breakfast turned out great, and I was pretty proud of us for showing off our outdoor cooking skills.

Things To-Do Nearby Roamstead Campgrounds!

After breakfast, we found a nearby trail to disconnect and enjoy a walk. Then, we headed to the pool to lounge under the umbrellas, read books, catch up on emails, and spend the day doing pretty much nothing. We considered white water rafting, but since Becca had hurt her back before the trip, we decided to save that adventure for the next time. Roamstead is surrounded by summer activities for adventure lovers, like:

• Horseback riding
• Hiking
• Sky diving
• Rafting
• Tubing
• Swimming

And so much more! You better believe we’ll be going to Dollywood next time. 

After another peaceful sleep, we headed to the lounge to grab a coffee and packed up the cabin for our trip home. We had the BEST time, and I can’t wait to return—hopefully sometime in the Fall!


Our trip to Roamstead Campgrounds in Gatlinburg was just what we needed—a perfect mix of chill vibes, fun, and cozy comfort. From hanging out in the adorable yurts and comfy cabins to lounging by the saltwater pool with some tasty pizza, everything about our stay was spot-on. The friendly staff, beautiful scenery, and awesome amenities made Roamstead a fantastic spot for our girls’ getaway. We left feeling totally refreshed and already dreaming about our next visit. Huge thanks to Roamstead for making our stay so special. We’re definitely coming back—hopefully in the fall to see the place in all its autumn glory! Thank you so much, Roamstead, for inviting us to experience your beautiful slice of paradise in the Smoky Mountains!

If this blog post inspires you to take a trip to the Smoky Mountains and stay at Roamstead in Gatlinburg, Tennesee, use the discount code TARALYNN10 for 10% off your entire stay! That is an amazing discount, especially since this amazing spot is already super affordable. 

Qusestions for you!

1. Have you ever been to Gatlinburg, Tennessee?
2. What kind of camper are you? Yurts, Hotel, Cabin, Tent?
3. When was the last time you stayed at a campground?