At Margaritaville Resort, you'll feel more like you're at the beach than near the mountains. 

Family-Friendly Hotels in Gatlinburg, TN

1. Margaritaville Resort

Even though its located in the heart of Gatlinburg near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this resort's tropical-themed rooms make visitors feel like they are at the beach. Kids love the big outdoor pool and its water slide, and parents appreciate the on-site bars and restaurants. (Margaritaville also has a Pigeon Forge location, which offers the option of a lodge or an RV resort.)

2. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort

Families that stay at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort may not even need to leave the grounds! The resort offers several dining options, an indoor water park, a zip line, mini golf, and a spa.

3. River Terrace Resort and Conference Center

River Terrace may not have all the bells and whistles of its sister property, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, but it does offer guests a trolley service over to Westgate's indoor water park. Plus, it has two heated pools, an on-site restaurant, and affordable prices.

4. Bearskin Lodge on the River Hotel

Super close to an entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park but also near Gatlinburg dining and attractions, Bearskin offers the best of both worlds. The hotel also provides guests a grab-and-go style breakfast and a pool with a lazy river.

5. Baymont by Wyndham on the River

With great balcony views, a river running below, and cozy cabin decor, this Gatlinburg hotel gives families all the mountain vibes. Kids appreciate the heated indoor pool and game room.

6. Glenstone Lodge

Families like this Gatlinburg hotel for its awesome indoor pool with two levels and a cool waterfall. They also enjoy the lodge-like feel, friendly staff, and affordable rates.

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Appy Lodge perks include free breakfasts, indoor and outdoor pools, and free downtown Gatlinburg parking passes.

7. The Appy Lodge

A family favorite, The Appy Lodge offers clean, updated rooms and a free breakfast. Guests can use the indoor pool all year long. In the warmer months, they can play in the outdoor pool with its fun, twisty slide. Perk: Hotel guests receive a free parking pass to all downtown Gatlinburg parking lots and garages.

8. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountains Resort

Unlike a regular Holiday Inn (which we love, btw!), this property offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens. That, plus a prime downtown Gatlinburg location, an indoor mini water park, and an outdoor pool make this a great choice for families.

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Country Cascades has a giant outdoor pool with fun water slides and a splash zone.

Best Hotels near Pigeon Forge, TN for Families

9. Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa

If you plan to spend most of your time at Dollywood (and who could blame you?), your best bet is the DreamMore. Think of it like staying on property at Disney. Here families can opt for a "stay and play" package which combines lodging with discount park tickets. Besides proximity to Dollywood, this Pigeon Forge hotel has all the things families love: a fun pool, bunk beds, and kids' activities like storytime and a game room. (Teaser: The much-anticipated new Dollywood's Heartsong Resort and Lodge is set to open in Fall 2023, adding to the selection of great Pigeon Forge hotels.)

10. Country Cascades

This is one of those Pigeon Forge hotels that kids may not want to leave. It has a mega outdoor pool with big slides and a splash zone, kids' activities (like s'mores nights), and a free hot breakfast. 

11. Oak Haven Resort

Oak Haven Resort has luxury cabin rentals in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The on-site facilities include an outdoor pool, a catch-and-release fishing lake, a playground, basketball courts, hiking trails, and a game room.

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Kids can never get bored at the Resort at Governor's Crossing.

12. The Resort at Governor's Crossing

The Resort at Governor's Crossing offers condo lodging with amenities like indoor and outdoor water parks, a pirate playground, movie nights, and mini golf.

13. Parkside Resort

The pretty Parkside Resort offers Pigeon Forge cabins with top-notch amenities like an outdoor pool with a 60-foot water slide, putt-putt golf, two playground areas, and hiking and biking trails.

14. Wilderness at the Smokies

Wilderness at the Smokies is a water-park resort complete with an indoor adventure center, indoor and outdoor water parks, and a mega arcade.

15. Little Valley Mountain Resort

The Pigeon Forge cabins at Little Valley Mountain Resort come with plenty of family-friendly amenities on-site, including a swimming pool, mini golf, playgrounds, hiking trails, stocked fishing ponds, and more.

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Enjoy river views from your private balcony at Creekstone Inn.

16. Creekstone Inn

Every room at this quaint Pigeon Forge hotel has a private balcony overlooking the Little Pigeon River. Families can fish (with a license), tube, and wade in the river. Bonus: Your stay includes a free breakfast buffet.

17. Club Wyndham Smoky Mountain Resort

At this property, which is super convenient to Dollywood, families can choose from one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom condos with living rooms, kitchens, and, often, nice views. The resort also has indoor and outdoor pools, a game room, and a mini golf course. Tip: Since the website just lets you book as an owner, just go through VRBO to find your preferred room.

Photos courtesy of the resorts/hotels