During my five-day trip, I spent three nights in cozy cabins I found on Airbnb, and one night in a tent at a glamping resort. All of the accommodations were in the Gatlinburg area outside of the national park.
The author rests in a cabin (L) and a tent (R) during the trip.
Joey Hadden/Insider
Going into the trip, I thought I'd prefer the comforts of a cabin over a tent, but I was wrong. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the luxury camping experience, and now I can't wait to do it again.
The author stays in a cabin (L) and a glamping tent (R) during her trip.
I thought both cabins I stayed in were full of amenities to help me relax and enjoy the view, from covered patio seating to a gas fireplace that ignited with the touch of a button.
The author relaxes in the cabins.
Joey Hadden/Insider
With wood paneling and vast windows, I thought the cabin made me feel immersed in nature from the comfort of a cozy bed in a heated home.
A cozy bedroom in one of the cabins.
Joey Hadden/Insider
My glamping experience, however, was quite different — and a bit less comfy.
Tents at the Under Canvas resort's Great Smoky Mountains location.
Under Canvas is a glamping resort with a community feel. Unlike at the cabins where I spent time alone, I chatted with kind employees and other campers, which warmed my heart — especially since I was traveling alone.
A communal space at the Under Canvas glamping resort.
The tent combined some luxury amenities with the hardships of camping, from a pull-chain shower to a wood-fired oven that campers light themselves to keep warm.
The author uses a pull-chain shower (L) and makes her own fire.
Joey Hadden/Insider
Making my own fire to heat my tent was challenging, but it made me feel more connected to nature than I did in the cabins. And by the end of my stay, I felt confident in my abilities to start and maintain a fire.
The author keeps herself warm in the tent.
Joey Hadden/Insider
I loved being able to experience the outdoors as a camper without sacrificing a good night's sleep in a cozy bed. So next time I'm planning a nature trip, I'll book my entire stay in a glamping tent.
Dikla Akrat 