Welcome to Checking In, a series of posts dedicated to the places we stay when we travel. Today we're checking in to Roamstead, a modern campground near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Can I share something personal with you?
I’m not exactly the outdoorsy type.
Sure, I appreciate nature—beautiful scenery, fresh air, and soaking in the sunshine (preferably with a chilled glass of rosé in hand when the weather’s nice). But if we’re talking about rugged, multi-day hikes, intense biking trails, or skiing adventures? That’s not really my scene.
You might say I’m more…indoorsy.
Still, every year since moving to North Carolina, I’ve made it a point to challenge that label. Around the end of summer, when the heat becomes unbearable, Michael and I escape to the mountains for a weekend cabin retreat. It’s my little attempt to embrace the great outdoors, even if just for a bit.
This post is written in partnership with Roamstead, but as always, all content and opinions shared here are independently created and honest to my experience. This post may contain affiliate links.
Normally, we stick to the mountains of North Carolina, Virginia, or West Virginia. But this year, we decided to head west for a stay at Roamstead in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. This unique campground offers multiple mountain getaway accommodations options, including cozy cabins, that come with all the perks of a hotel.
A note on the impacts of Hurricane Helene: While Roamstead did receive flooding and sustained water issues for several days, operations have returned to normal and the campground is ready to warmly welcome visitors once more (as are many of their neighbors). When traveling to Roamstead, please verify route information with local officials, particularly in severely impacted areas of Tennessee and North Carolina, and allow for additional travel time.
To assist with ongoing relief and restoration efforts in the region, please consider joining me in donating to the local fund in Cocke County, Tennessee, Mutual Aid, or by donating critically needed items during your stay at Roamstead.
I’m not going to bury the lede any deeper in this post: our experience at Roamstead was truly wonderful. It allowed us to enjoy the outdoors while still having access to modern comforts—the perfect way to recharge after a busy summer.
Today, I’m excited to share more about this unique getaway spot in Cosby, Tennessee, located just outside the vibrant attractions of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge—and only a few hours from Charlotte.
ABOUT ROAMSTEAD
Roamstead was inspired by a family RV trip, where glamorous camping plans often ended up in overcrowded parking lots or poorly maintained campgrounds. Seeing the lack of amenities and thoughtful design, the founders envisioned a campground experience that would be inviting to everyone—whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or someone new to the outdoors.
This vision sprung to life in the summer of 2023, and today this property in the Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee offers a mix of traditional campsite accommodations and modern lodging options. Roamstead bills itself as a modern campground, and I couldn’t have said it better myself—like contemporary boutique hotels, there is equal emphasis on common spaces as there is on the lodging options.
ACCOMMODATIONS OPTIONS AT ROAMSTEAD
Unlike traditional campgrounds which may only offer a choice between a tent or RV site, there really are an impressive number of accommodation styles at Roamstead:
Cabins for Couples
Spruce | This contemporary tiny home-esque loft features a Queen bed, full bathroom, kitchenette, and living area. The Spruce cabin is climate-controlled and sleeps 2-3.
Pine | This single-story cabin includes a Queen bed, full bathroom, kitchenette, and living area. The Pine cabin is climate-controlled and sleeps 2-3.
Save 10% on your Roamstead booking with code Wayward10
Cabins for Groups
Hemlock | This rustic retreat is a lovingly restored late-1800s cabin with a Queen bed, two Twin bunk beds, two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, a spacious living room, and a screened porch. The Hemlock cabin is climate-controlled and sleeps 6-7.
Maple | This contemporary tiny home-esque loft mirrors the Spruce cabin, but also includes a pair of twin beds in addition to the Queen bed, full bathroom, kitchenette, and living area. The Maple cabin is climate-controlled and sleeps 4-5.
Oak | This single-story cabin includes all of the amenities of the Pine cabin, but also includes a pair of twin beds in a separate bedroom. The Oak cabin is climate-controlled and sleeps 4-5.
Unique Lodging
Yurts | Roamstead’s Yurts include a Queen bed, a small seating area, a mini-fridge, and convenient access to the campground’s bathhouse facilities. The Yurts are climate-controlled and sleep 2-3.
Airstream | The renovated vintage Airstream includes a Queen bed, dining area, full kitchen, and full bathroom. The Airstream is climate-controlled and sleeps 2-3.
Traditional Lodging
Lodge Rooms | Find traditional hotel rooms in Roamstead’s Lodge, which include a Queen bed, pullout sofa, and a full bathroom. The Lodge Rooms are climate-controlled and sleep 2-3.
Campsites
RV Sites | Roamstead offers four styles of RV Sites with either full hookups or water/electric only, along with access to the bathhouse. The sites include a picnic table and a fire ring.
Tent Sites | You can find Tent Sites with privacy barriers and either water/electric or electric-only hookups (two tent sites are designated for truck tent campers), along with access to the bathhouse, in the campground area. The sites include a picnic table and a fire ring.
ROAMSTEAD AMENITIES AND EXTRAS
The accommodations above surround the lodge and a sprawling outdoor common area with all the amenities that travelers of our era enjoy (plus so many fun extras!):
- Free WiFi
- Lodge with lounge, workspace, and camp store with essentials and fun souvenirs
- Saltwater pool
- Board games and outdoor games
- Fire pits
- Outdoor pavilion
- Linens provided in accommodations with bed and bath
- Bath products are provided in the bathhouse and lodging options with bathrooms
- Multiple play areas (including bubbling creeks!)
- Maddron Bald Trail access
- On-site food and beverage for purchase
- Complimentary coffee and granola in the morning
MY EXPERIENCE STAYING IN A ROAMSTEAD CABIN
After several weeks of nonstop go-go-going, Michael and I both agreed that driving through the Smokies to Roamstead felt like a race to relaxation. For once, we had little in the way of what you might call plans and decided to let the weekend’s whims guide us.
Pulling into the parking lot by the lodge, we were greeted by the sights and sounds of other guests relaxing by the fire pit, splashing in the pool, and playing horseshoes. Given our past mountain cabin stays were more secluded, I kind of had momentarily forgotten there would be other people on the grounds. But it was the loveliest sight, seeing couples and families enjoying a slice of the outdoors and we were ready to do the same.
We headed into the lodge and found a helpful team member at the counter ready to check us in. After a quick introduction to the property and its amenities, we were rolling our luggage in one of the handy wagons to our cabin, 11 Spruce.
Despite the tiny home exterior, the Spruce cabins feel incredibly spacious and airy. Natural light pours across the stream and through the picture window revealing a homey living and dining room, sleek kitchenette, and cozy loft bedroom. Stepping into the oversized bathroom, I was pleased to find a set of bath products from Public Goods and all the fluffy towels we’d need for the weekend.
But what most impressed me were all the thoughtful, artful touches in the space. It would have been easy to furnish the cabin with flatpack pieces from IKEA, but you can tell a lot of love went into sourcing vintage finds and original art that reflects the region. My favorite is the tiny pig above – just look at his little face!
Eager to get out and explore the grounds, we unpacked as quickly as we could, loading clothes into the loft dresser and snacks into the mini-fridge before heading outside. Consulting the map provided at check-in, we wandered through the campground, passing tiny tents and imposing RVs.
While I like the idea of camping and it seems the team at Roamstead has made every effort to make the camping process as effortless as possible, I felt grateful for the ease of our cabin just beyond the trees. But I couldn’t help but feel a pang of missing out on the feeling of community these spaces foster, with kids meeting up at the playground or jumping from rock to rock in the creeks before heading back to their campsites.
In search of that camaraderie, we headed back to the lodge for a drink. The bar at Roamstead serves up beer, wine, cider, and cocktails, including plenty of local and locally-inspired options. Now with a pair of Tennessee Mules in hand, it was easy to slip into conversation with other families surrounding the fire pits on the lawn. We chatted with folks from as close as Asheville and as far away as Ohio, listening to their travel stories and sharing a few of our own.
While chattering away, my phone buzzed with a text from the Roamstead team, announcing a movie would begin at the pavilion shortly. It was only then that it hit me that our cabin was refreshingly screen-free (in all our excitement to get outside, I hadn’t even noticed!). It seemed only right to join in on the activity, at least, after grabbing a bite to eat.
The menu at Roamstead is pizza-forward, which absolutely made Michael’s day. The Sicilian pizza was hearty and comforting as the night began to cool, and paired perfectly with an IPA from nearby Blackberry Farm Brewery. We settled in for a showing of The Jungle Book, and eventually headed off to bed to dream about our own chance to trek through the jungle the following day.
The curtains kept our cabin nice and dark overnight, and I woke feeling rested and ready for the day ahead. I’m not a big breakfast person, but I do require a cup of coffee upon waking. Thankfully, the lodge was stocked with carafes of the good stuff all ready and waiting for me. Michael, on the other hand, is a hangry beast first thing in the morning, and I saw his eyebrow raise as if to say, “This is what I’m eating for breakfast?” at the sight of the complimentary granola and milk station.
I assured him that we could always order one of the breakfast pizzas or pastries if needed, but just two bites in he proclaimed the crunchy honey oat granola one of the best cereals he’s ever eaten. Before I knew it, he was heading back for seconds. I joined him this time, as we’d decided over coffee to head out for a hike nearby and I’d need some fuel for the trek.
There are a number of trails close to Roamstead, including one that begins on-site, but we landed on a 4.4-mile roundtrip hike to Hen Wallow Falls. The hike begins at the Gabes Mountain Trailhead about ten minutes away (note that you’ll need to purchase a parking pass from the vending machines in the park’s parking lot). It’s billed as a moderate hike, and with several steep changes in elevation and narrow water crossings, I’d say that feels accurate—even in hiking boots during a dry week, the trail was slick at times.
But the sights we saw along the way were worth it:
Initially, I assumed we’d jump in the pool after making it back to Roamstead, but after such a challenging hike, we were ready to just relax some more. We spent our final evening playing lawn games and board games, reading by the fire, getting some knitting done, and making more friends along the way.
If you’re staying in a cabin, yurt, or lodge room, check-out is at 10 a.m., which I’m sure you’ll agree is a bit on the early side. After packing up and grabbing one more bowl of granola by the fire, we decided to use our extra time as an opportunity to explore a little more of the area, stopping at an orchard and eating lunch at a restaurant nearby before heading back to the city.
Well, we also stopped to pause for one final gorgeous view:
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is Roamstead located?
Roamstead Smoky Mountains Campground is located at 4946 Hooper Hwy, Cosby, TN 37722.
What time can I check in? And when do I have to check out?
Check-in begins at 2 p.m. for RV and tent sites and 4 p.m. for all other accommodation types. Checkout is at 10 a.m. for cabins, yurts, and lodge rooms, and at noon for RV and tent sites.
Does the hotel offer parking?
Yes, each reservation includes one car, although cabin and yurt parking is available in a lot at the entrance and not immediately adjacent to the rental. Parking tags may be assigned to the designated vehicle, and additional vehicles can be added to the reservation for $25 per night.
What is there to see and do nearby?
There’s so much to see and do on the property that you don’t really need to leave, but I also totally get it if you are on the antsy side. Luckily, you’re surrounded by a diverse range of things to do, from the kitschy attractions of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg (Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, anyone?) to excellent hiking to ziplining to Dollywood.
Talk to me about the food and drink situation.
Trust me, I’m always happy to chat food and drink. Mornings at Roamstead begin with a fresh carafe of (actually good!) coffee in the lodge, where you can also help yourself to some delicious honey granola and milk (dairy or oat). Those who need a heartier start to the day will also find a menu with pastries and breakfast pizza.
For lunch and dinner, the kitchen switches over to a well-edited menu of savory pizzas and kid-friendly items like mini corndogs and chicken tenders. A bar menu is also available, with local canned beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails. Find the latest version of the menu here.
If you’re not in the mood for pizza, you’ll find snacks and bottled drinks available for purchase in the camp store, or you can venture out to restaurants down the road. I’m partial to Greasy Spoon (burgers), Preachers Smokehouse (barbecue), and Trish’s Mountain Diner (classic diner fare). Of course, you can’t miss a stop at Carver’s Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant for a fried apple pie.
Unfortunately, local favorite Docs 321 Cafe & Marketplace was closed during my weekend at Roamstead—if you make a stop, please let me know how you like it!
Is there a grocery store nearby?
You can find a few essentials in the Lodge, and the nearest supermarket, Food City, is about a twenty-minute drive away from Roamstead. There are also a number of well-stocked convenience stores within a five-minute drive, as well as a Dollar General for other essentials.
Can I bring my pet?
Great news for Fido—Roamstead is pet-friendly! Bring up to three pets per RV site or up to two pets per cabin, yurt, and tent (plus a pet fee of $10 per night, per pet for cabins and yurts). Just make sure to include them on your reservation and keep them on a leash at all times.
Do I need to bring my own sheets and towels? What about cookware? Firewood?
Linens are provided for guests staying in cabins, yurts, and lodge rooms, and pool towels are available for use on the deck. Cookware is provided in units with a kitchen, and firewood is available for purchase in the lodge.
Are there any specials or discount codes for Roamstead?
Yes! I’m happy to share an exclusive Roamstead promo code for readers: save 10% on your next stay when you use code Wayward10 at checkout.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON STAYING AT ROAMSTEAD
As someone who loves a good fun name, Roamstead already made a positive impression long before arrival, but now that I’m back home, I can honestly say the combination of roaming and homestead is far more than just a neat play on words.
While camping and cabin stays often feel like work (all that lugging, tugging, and debugging just to sleep on the ground), most of what I felt at Roamstead was ease. I can’t emphasize enough just how wonderful it was to spend a few days in the great outdoors with someone else making the meals and tending to the fire. And it was also nice to know that if I ever had any questions or needed anything, there was a friendly face waiting in the lodge to assist.
Looking for more Tennessee guides? Find all of my coverage of The Volunteer State in one place.
Our cabin was truly lovely; it was clean, comfortable, and cozy, but the reality is we spent just as much time out on the grounds. I love how campgrounds bring people together to chat over the fire, and the entire time I kept thinking to myself how great of an option this would be for family reunions or friend groups. There is so much room for gathering to spend quality time together, but at the end of the day, everyone would have a quiet place to retreat to at every price point.
I highly recommend Roamstead for a weekend getaway for every type of traveler—and personally, I’m excited for their Chattanooga location to open, giving us all a new destination to explore.
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Questions for you
What accommodations are you most excited about?
How toasted do you like your marshmallows?
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