The most memorable vacations happen when your best friend is riding shotgun, and for animal lovers your “ride-or-die” traveling companion often comes in the four-legged variety. Thankfully, when you head to the Smoky Mountains, you don’t have to worry about leaving your pal behind.
While pets aren’t allowed inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the local area is still an excellent place to visit with your pet. The abundance of outdoor space offers plenty of pet friendly hiking trails just outside the park and a ton of places to stay. Bring Fido along on your vacation because these pet friendly hotels in the Smoky Mountains welcome your fur babies like family.
Meadowlark Motel
Located in the charming mountain town of Maggie Valley, NC, the Meadowlark Motel is a throwback to the classic “road-side motel” that evokes the nostalgia of an epic road trip. Set against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains this Appalachian-style pet friendly hotel offers all the contemporary conveniences that discerning guests would expect with a few delightful surprises added in. Choose from a guest room, cottage, or cabin, complete with in-room amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a complimentary Continental breakfast. The outdoor recreation area overlooking Jonathan Creek is the perfect place to relax, fish, walk your pet or have a cookout.
Any size dog is welcome, but there is a maximum of two dogs per guest room or accommodations. A non-refundable pet fee of $10 per pet / per night is required, and all dogs must be kept on a controllable leash at all times when they are outside the guest room or anywhere on the property. There is a pet waste station on the property for easy clean-up after your pet. And doggie treats are available at check-in. When you make your reservation, let them know you would like a pet friendly room so that proper accommodations can be made.
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa
One of Gatlinburg’s favorite pet friendly hotels, the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, boasts 250 rooms, including large villas to accommodate bigger groups and families. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, the cabin-style buildings immerse you in a true Smoky Mountain experience. Enjoy onsite activities like the outdoor pools of the Wild Beach Falls Water Park or relax after a fun day of adventures in the Mason Jar Lounge. The hotel allows up to two dogs per room with a pet fee of $100 per pet per night. Dogs must weigh less than 60lbs combined and be no longer or taller than 36 inches.
Twin Mountain Inn & Suites
Right in the heart of Pigeon Forge the Twin Mountain Inn & Suites gives you easy access to the restorative nature of the Great Smoky Mountains and the fun and excitement of Dolly Parton’s Stampede, complete with a live animal show and four-course dinner. Pets and humans alike are invited to relax in one of 50 rooms equipped with everything you need for a Smoky Mountain getaway. Enjoy daily complimentary continental breakfasts, an outdoor pool and room to roam for Fido and Fluffy. Pets up to 80 lbs – both dogs and cats – are welcome here. You’re allowed up to two pets per room with a fee of $15 per pet per night.
The Park Vista
This pet friendly hotel has some of the best views in all of the Smoky Mountains. With balconies perched 1,000 feet above Gatlinburg, you and your pooch can soak up the scenic panoramas amid modern cabin-style accommodations with signature amenities and easy access to the great outdoors. Take your dogs on nearby pet friendly hiking trails or leave them unattended in their crate in the room while you take the nearby trolley to explore local attractions in Downtown Gatlinburg. Up to two pets are allowed per room, weighing 75 lbs or less with a fee of $35 per night.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge
Located in Pigeon Forge, this pet friendly hotel and RV park is an ideal spot to enjoy the outdoors with your pup. RV travelers can choose from several campsites spread out across 39 acres, or you can opt for one of the lodge rooms. Either option comes with WiFi access as well as campground activities like movie night or arts and crafts.
Your four-legged friend will love the onsite Barkaritaville Dog Park, fenced in for their safety. Let them run wild and get as muddy as they want because the designated dog washing station is like a pet spa. For a pet fee of $75 per night, you can bring along up to two pets. If staying in one of the rooms at the lodge, there is a weight limit of 50 lbs.
McKinley Edwards Inn
From check in to check out, every moment in this top pet friendly hotel is a doggie dream. Upon arrival, your pet will get a complimentary water and food bowl before being swept away to one of three designated pet friendly rooms. Intentionally designed with pets in mind, there’s no carpet, which makes for easy clean-up. And with memory foam mattresses, the pet parents will enjoy a good night’s rest too after a fun day exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. For a fee of $40 per night, two pets weighing up to 75 lbs are allowed per room. Plus, you can join other pet owners in the common room or sun terrace and swap fun travel stories.
Historic Tapoco Lodge
Over in Robbinsville, NC, along the tranquil Cheoah River, sits a peaceful slice of nature just perfect for you and your pet to relax. The rustic cabin-style accommodations of the Historic Tapoco Lodge welcomes cats and dogs of all sizes. You’ll enjoy fresh air and incredible views from your cabin overlooking the lush Nantahala National Forest, or you can opt for a spot with views – and sounds – of the river below.
The grassy onsite pet relief area keeps you from having to venture out into the forest on a late-night bathroom run, and pet friendly hikes abound on the resort’s serene 120 acres. Or if you’re looking to add in a little excitement to the mix, take a heart-pumping drive with your pet on the curvy, swerving Tail of the Dragon. Bring both dogs and cats along for a fee of $75 per pet per night.
