The author traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains to stay at a glamping resort called Under Canvas.
Joey Hadden/Insider
Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains feels like luxury at Under Canvas, a glamping resort.
I recently booked a stay at the resort in a tent with a king-sized bed valued at $520 a night.
The tent had a full bathroom with a pull-chain shower and a wood-fired oven to keep campers warm.
When I planned a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, I wanted two things: nature and comfort. In April, when I spent a long weekend in the area, I found both while staying in a luxury tent close to the national park.
Under Canvas is a glamping resort that has locations near national parks around the country, from Zion and Moab to Glacier and Yellowstone. I spent one night at the resort's Great Smoky Mountains location and preferred it over my other stays during the trip in cozy cabins that I found on Airbnb.
I booked a Stargazer tent for $400 with a media rate. Without the rate, it was priced at $520 — making it more expensive than all of my cabin stays. But I thought it was worth it. At Under Canvas, I felt more connected to nature than I did in the cabins — all while sleeping in a king-sized bed. Here's what it was like.
I think the Great Smoky Mountains is an excellent location for a nature getaway — especially if you're glamping.
I thought I'd prefer the comforts of cabins over a tent since they were full of relaxing amenities like covered patios and gas fireplaces that ignited with the touch of a button.
I knew I wanted to go camping on this trip, but I wanted to do it comfortably with a luxury feel. That's why I chose Under Canvas, a glamping resort with locations near national parks from Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon.
Inside the communal tent, there were tables and chairs beside shelves of games and books for guests to enjoy. I thought this gave the resort a community feel.
Campers play games and chat in the communal tent.
Joey Hadden/Insider
Once I checked in, an employee invited me to hop into a golf cart and we drove to my tent.
Inside, the tent included a full bathroom and a skylight above a king-sized bed that I found extremely comfortable.
The author's bed inside the tent.
Joey Hadden/Insider
The bathroom was at the end of the tent behind a wooden wall for privacy.
The bathroom's vanity (L) and toilet (R).
Joey Hadden/Insider
While showing me around my home for the night, the employee informed me of practices in place to reduce energy consumption, including a pull-chain shower that saved water by running only while the chain was down.
They also showed me how to heat my tent with the indoor, wood-fired oven.
The author attempts to start a fire in her tent.
Joey Hadden/Insider
Making my own fire to keep warm was challenging, but it made me feel more connected to nature than I did in the cabins.
The author succeeds in starting a fire.
Joey Hadden/Insider
Walking around the campsite, I felt a sense of community among guests and employees.
Campers play on the grounds.
Joey Hadden/Insider
Like neighbors, we said hello when passing by, and I even struck up a few conversations in communal spaces like the firepit.
A communal firepit at the resort.
Joey Hadden/Insider
I stayed out exploring and socializing until the sun went down. At night, the tents glowed and walking by you could hear campers whispering inside.
The campground at night.
Joey Hadden/Insider
When I returned to my home for the night, I thought my tent felt more like a hotel room. I got cozy and fell asleep with ease.
The author's tent at the end of the evening.
Joey Hadden/Insider
In the morning I woke up cold, as my fire went out in the night. So I sparked up a couple of logs before checking out. I was surprised by how much better I was at getting the fire started than the day before.
The author warms up by the fire.
Joey Hadden/Insider
Once my feet were warm enough, I left my tent for my next Smoky Mountain adventure. I loved my Under Canvas experience so much that I want to try the locations near other national parks.
The author takes a final stroll through the campgrounds before checking out.
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