Family vacations are supposed to be fun, but so often they end up being stressful instead. The high cost of fuel and dining out combined with mom, dad and kids all sharing a pair of small, adjoining rooms quickly grates on the nerves. Here’s a better idea: rent a log cabin where you’ll have space to move around, and your family vacation will be much more enjoyable.

The Comforts of Home in a Rustic Log Cabin

Sprinkled across the hills and valleys surrounding Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN, are delightfully cozy log cabins. They create the perfect setting for fun, frolicking and family. In addition to having more privacy (that you wouldn’t get in a hotel) you'll appreciate full kitchens that offer convenience and a way to reduce the expense of eating out.

There are as many cabin styles as there are families to enjoy them. You’ll find quaint cabins with one or two bedrooms, suitable for a family of four, or larger cabins that sleep up to 10 or 12. When you consider the cost of multiple hotel rooms, it’s easy to see why renting a cabin might be the best choice for your vacation.

You’ll love the at-home entertainment options cabins offer, as well. Foosball, pool, and video game consoles are common, and are a big hit with the younger crowd. Adults will love the serenity of a wrap-around porch overlooking the stunning scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains. And everyone will enjoy relaxing at the end of the day with a dip in the hot tub.

Enjoy a Home-cooked Meal Even on Vacation

By far one of the greatest benefits of cabin rentals is the kitchen. While it can be nice to eat out, the cost sure adds up quickly – especially for a large family. Staying in a cabin, though, means having a place to cook at least some meals at home. Not only will you save money, but you’ll no doubt eat healthier as well. Most cabins feature a fully equipped kitchen, so all you need to bring is your groceries and your favorite recipes.

For desert, head out to the campfire for everyone’s favorite treat, s’mores. As the sun goes down your family will be gathered around a roaring fire, enjoying the clear mountain air and roasting marshmallows on sticks. Those are memories no hotel offers.

Family Fun is Just a Short Drive Down the Mountain

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a huge selection of family activities, sure to keep everyone entertained. Dollywood is a favorite destination for kids of all ages, and provides hours of fun for everyone. Zipline tours give you a chance to see the mountains from a whole new perspective. And if shopping is your thing, quaint storefronts filled with unique treasures line the streets.

Your next family vacation doesn’t have to include a hefty hotel bill and three fast-food meals a day. Book a cozy cabin in the woods and enjoy the relaxing views and clean mountain air, and you’ll go home much more refreshed than you thought possible.