6 Tips for Saving Money When You Visit the Smoky Mountains

A vacation in the Smoky Mountains doesn’t have to break the bank! You can have a budget-friendly visit and still have plenty of fun. To help you plan an affordable vacation, we’ve put together a list of 6 tips for saving money when you visit the Smoky Mountains:

1. Visit with a Group

The first tip for saving money on vacation is to visit with a group. Staying with a group of people can help you save on a place to stay. There is a variety of gorgeous Smoky Mountain cabin rentals that provide enough space for groups both big and small. Visiting with a group allows you to split the overall cost of the cabin among everyone staying, making it more affordable for everyone. You can also enjoy group discounts at many local attractions.

2. Take Advantage of Cabin Specials

Another great way to save money is by taking advantage of cabin specials! Before deciding on a place to stay, check out our Smoky Mountain cabin specials. Our specials provide discounts on cabin rentals and guarantee you’re getting the best deal on your stay. You’ll find everything from free nights to packages, and more! Specials are updated monthly, so check back often to see what kind of deals and discounts you can take advantage of.

3. Use Coupons & Discounts

If you have plans to visit popular Smoky Mountain attractions, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of our coupons and discounts! On your vacation, we want you to be able to enjoy everything the area has to offer, which is why we have a variety of coupons and discounts for visitors. You can save money on the best shows, attractions, and restaurants in the Smoky Mountains! For those planning a day full of fun, we have discounts for Ripley’s attractions, mini golf, amusement parks, and more. We also have discounts for popular restaurants, like Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que and Hard Rock Cafe. Click here to take a look at all of our Smoky Mountain coupons and discounts.

4. Ride the Trolley

There’s one fee that’s easy to avoid when you visit the Smoky Mountains: a parking fee. Why worry about paying to park throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg when you can ride the trolley? Both the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg trolleys provide a convenient and cheap way to get around town. They’ll get you anywhere you want to go for $2.50 or less! If you plan on riding the trolley all throughout the day, you can get an all-day pass for the Gatlinburg Trolley for just $2 and an all-day pass for the Pigeon Forge Trolley for just $3. Not only does it help you save money, but it helps you save time trying to find a place to park!

5. Limit Dining Out

When you visit the Smoky Mountains, you’re going to be tempted to try all of the delicious restaurants. You’d be surprised at how quickly all the restaurant bills can add up, though! While we certainly recommend budgeting for a few meals out so you can try popular restaurants, you can save money by purchasing groceries and enjoying snacks and meals inside your cabin. Limiting dining out to just one meal a day instead of all 3 can be a big money-saver on your vacation. Luckily, all cabins come with a fully equipped kitchen that has all the same modern appliances as your kitchen back home.

6. Enjoy Free Things to Do

Another helpful tip for saving money on vacation is by enjoying free things to do in the area. Fun doesn’t have to be expensive in the Smoky Mountains! There are plenty of things you can do without spending a dime. Of course the one place you don’t want to miss when you visit is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can explore hiking trails, go for a scenic drive, have a picnic, view wildlife, and more — all for free! You can also visit The Island in Pigeon Forge and watch as the Island Show Fountain puts on a dazzling performance of water dance and light choreographed to 14 different songs. Other free things to do in the area include visiting The Old Mill, listening to live music, and visiting a moonshine distillery.

Now that you know how to save money when you visit the Smoky Mountains, it’s time to start planning your trip! Take a look at all our current Smoky Mountain cabin specials and get the best deal on your vacation.