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Tents have come a long way since ancient times, but today’s luxury glamping tents offer a completely new take on outdoor living. If you love the idea of being close to nature, but not so much the idea of sleeping on the ground, then luxury glamping in the Smoky Mountains might just be your dream escape.
What Are Luxury Glamping Tents?
Luxury glamping tents are designed to offer upscale accommodations while still immersing guests in the beauty of nature. These tents are spacious and thoughtfully outfitted with high-end features like real beds, plush linens, lighting, heating and air conditioning, and often private bathrooms. Unlike traditional camping, glamping doesn’t require setting up your own tent, dealing with uneven ground, or sacrificing comfort. These tents maintain the charm of a traditional camping experience while delivering the amenities of a boutique hotel, offering the best of both worlds.
Types of Glamping Tents
Safari Tents
Also known as wall tents or sheepherder tents, safari tents feature four straight vertical walls, offering more headroom and space than traditional A-frame tents. Constructed with heavy-duty canvas and a steel or wooden frame, these tents are typically four-season-ready and easy to transport. They’re a favorite for glamping resorts thanks to their versatility and classic look.
Bell Tents
Bell tents are circular, supported by a central pole, and stabilized with guy ropes. Their iconic bell shape dates back to the 9th century and was used by militaries across Europe. Made from cotton canvas, they’re naturally breathable and visually charming, creating a cozy, vintage vibe.
Dome Tents
Geodesic dome tents are the showstoppers of the glamping world. Built from steel frames and PVC-coated fabric, they have a spherical structure made up of triangles or polygons. These tents are highly durable, incredibly strong for their weight, and often include modern luxuries like kitchens, appliances, and private hot tubs. Their panoramic views and stargazing potential make them a favorite for romantic getaways.
Yurts
Yurts are circular tents with conical roofs, rooted in nomadic traditions from Central Asia. Their design makes them especially well-suited for extreme climates with heavy wind and snow. Modern yurts are strong, well-insulated, and often include full bathrooms and climate control.
What Were the First Tents?
Believe it or not, tents have been around for at least 40,000 years. Archaeological remains found in Russia suggest Ice Age humans used mammoth hides to build shelters that protected them from the elements. Modern tent structures began appearing around the Iron Age (1200 BC), often waterproofed with animal fats and constructed from leather stretched over wooden stakes. While the materials have changed, the concept of simple, portable shelter remains timeless.
What Do You Need for Traditional Tent Camping?
If you’re sticking with traditional camping, you’ll need to come prepared. Here’s a quick checklist of essentials:
Shelter & Sleep:
- Tent with footprint, stakes, and rainfly
- Sleeping bags and insulated pads
- Camping pillows
- Headlamps/flashlights and spare batteries
- Camp chairs and table
- Lanterns
Camp Kitchen:
- Stove and fuel
- Matches or firestarter
- Pots, pans, and cooking utensils
- Plates, bowls, cups
- Cooler and ice
- Water bottles
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Health & Hygiene:
- First-aid kit
- Toiletries and towel
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Menstrual products
- Prescription meds
How Do Glamping Tents Differ from Camping Tents?
Camping tents are about survival and simplicity. They’re compact, lightweight, and often require some degree of discomfort, whether it’s sleeping on the ground or braving the elements.
Glamping tents, on the other hand, are focused on ease and indulgence. Instead of a sleeping bag, you’ll find a real mattress. Instead of hauling gear, everything’s set up for you. From décor to climate control, glamping tents transform the outdoor experience into a luxury retreat.
Top Glamping Tent Locations in the Smoky Mountains
We’ve done the research, and here are some of the best luxury glamping tent experiences you can find in the Smokies:
Under Canvas – Gatlinburg, TN
Just 10 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, Under Canvas spans 182 acres of wooded terrain near the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Recognized by Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and Southern Living, this resort offers high-end safari tents furnished with West Elm decor. Tents range from cozy Stargazers to spacious Suites and Deluxes, and even family-friendly Kids tents. Amenities include high-end West Elm furnishings, on-site dining, organic bath products, and group activities, i.e. camp programming. For the on-site dining option, it is called the Embers Restaurant and they provide casual counter service dining, specialty cocktails, and outdoor dining.
Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort – Sevierville, TN
A unique stay featuring Conestoga wagons and Sioux-style tipis, each equipped with king-size beds, heating/AC, microwaves, and more. Each tipi can accommodate up to 4 guests. Set in a scenic area near Pigeon Forge, this resort offers a taste of Native American-inspired design with modern comforts. Watch for wildlife like deer, foxes, and even the occasional black bear.
GLAMP by Stay Minty – Cosby, TN
For a modern, Insta-worthy stay, GLAMP offers geodesic domes complete with hot tubs, full kitchens, fire pits, and luxurious interiors. Their large domes can sleep up to 7 people, and 2 stories spanning over 1k square feet in living space. They offer 3 domes for couples which are smaller, 415 square feet, and feature a private jacuzzi. Close to outdoor adventures like llama hikes, rafting, and ziplining.
The Ridge Outdoor Resort – Sevierville, TN
This RV and outdoor resort offers spacious luxury tents that sleep 1–6 guests and welcome pets. Each unit includes bathrooms, kitchenettes, cable TV, and streaming access. Enjoy resort perks like a zero-entry pool, lazy river, dog parks, and recreation facilities like pickleball, gagaball, and basketball.
Camp LeConte – Gatlinburg, TN
Only 5 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, Camp LeConte features European safari tents for couples and small groups. Each tent has a queen bed, temperature control, boho-styled décor, and streaming TVs. You’ll also find fire rings, grills, and a general store with charcoal and firewood. The property also includes treehouses, vintage campers, and RV hook-ups for every type of traveler.
Main Takeaway
Tents have been part of human history for tens of thousands of years, but in today’s world, they’ve gotten a serious upgrade. Luxury glamping tents invite guests to reconnect with nature without giving up the creature comforts we all love. From safari tents to geodesic domes, there’s a style and experience for every type of traveler. In the Smoky Mountains, glamping tents have found their perfect home by offering breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and an escape that’s as relaxing as it is unforgettable.
