12 Packing Essentials for a Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg Cabin Trip!

Let me tell you quick about the resort – we stayed at Gatlinburg Falls Resort – it’s just outside of Gatlinburg – maybe 5 minutes from downtown. They were kind enough to let us stay in the Panorama Cabin for the week. They have cabins ranging from 1-9 bedrooms and even the 1 bedrooms (like ours) sleeps 6-8.

The Panorama cabin had a King bedroom with a master bath, 2 pullout sofa sleepers and a set of bunk beds. It also had a hot tub, jacuzzi tub, full kitchen/dining area, multiple tvs, video games, charcoal grill and ample parking. The resort also has a swimming pool & fitness facility. It was a great spot for our first visit to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area! (more on all the fun we had in weeks to come)

But now – we must start the list! First I highly recommend a cabin over a hotel. You all know I’m a foodie and I have to say there wasn’t really any restaurant that I fell in love with – so at the end of our visit – we wish we had cooked more at the cabin. Restaurants are a little more expensive – and when they’re not amazing – it’s just not worth it. So – #1 on the list:

1. Cooler w/ Groceries 

They have a grocery store just outside of town and the prices aren’t bad but they’re higher than home and the place is a madhouse. So bring a big cooler and pack your own groceries. We brought snacks and drinks but should have brought more meals (burgers, dogs, etc). Our grocery haul that we brought included: chips, soda, juice, milk, candy, s’mores ingredients, bottled water, etc. Don’t forget the water for sure – we went through the whole 24 pack – it was 90 degrees all week – you’ll need it!

2. Pillows

The beds are ample – but the pillows aren’t – plus they’re communal pillows. We did do the obligatory check of the mattresses and all was good there – but I’m partial to my pillows – and they help in providing a good nights sleep. Pack ’em.

3. DVDs

Our cabin was awesome enough to have movie channels and a game room – complete with pool table, air hockey, pinball machine and arcade games. But just to be safe – pack some DVDs for family movie night to make sure you’re not relying on whatever is on cable.

4. Anti-Itch Cream

The view from our deck was great! All the cabins at Gatlinburg Falls Resort had a great view. The thing about a great view of nature means there are also probably mosquitos and critters nearby. Also when there are cabins – there are wasps and bees – so if you’re allergic – be mindful.

5. Phone Chargers

There are beautiful sights everywhere you turn – this was at the entrance to our resort. You’re going to want to take lots of pictures – don’t forget your chargers!

6. Laundry Soap

These cabins had a washer & dryer which came in super helpful. You see it was HOT. More like HOLYCRAPITSHOTHERE!!!! So no matter what we did – including hula hooping in the parking lot – we were sweaty! It was great to be able to do our laundry there and come home with a suitcase full of clean clothes! You can also pack less!

7. Hot Dog/Marshmallow Sticks

We had a charcoal grill and all the stuff to make smores – but none of those stick things. Don’t forget those. We ended up grilling the smores and they were still pretty great but it’s just easier with the sticks.

Bonus Tip: Matching Clothes! 

Okay – not really a tip – but it was pretty funny. This is my BFF that I’ve known since I was 3. I came out of the cabin as we were both packing up our cars and looked at her and realized we were #twinning!

8. Sneakers & Flip Flops

What you see here is an active 13 year old. What does that mean? You have no idea what you’ll be doing from one minute to the next. Hula hooping to go karts to whitewater rafting and everything in between. I hate wearing anything but flops in the summer but some places require closed toed shoes – so keep your sneaks and socks in the car at all times just in case.

Photo courtesy of Gatlinburg Falls Resort

9. Coffee  

Look at this view – it’s perfect in the morning – the only thing missing is your behind in that chair and a cup of coffee. The kitchen had a coffee maker – but you need to bring the joe.

Photo courtesy of Gatlinburg Falls Resort

10. Ziploc Bags/Tupperware

We made dinner at the cabin on the last night and purchased a watermelon for dessert. Then – we had nothing to put the leftovers in! Throw a couple of ziploc bags and/or tupperware in the bag just in case. They always come in handy.

Photo courtesy of Gatlinburg Falls Resort

11. Swimsuit

Each cabin has their own hot tub and the property has a swimming pool – so don’t forget the swimsuits and trunks!

Photo courtesy of Gatlinburg Falls Resort

12. Towels

Lastly – throw in some extra towels. The cabin provides towels but not very many and they’re not very big. Towels from home are always better.

Photo courtesy of Gatlinburg Falls Resort

The trip to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg was amazing. We had a great time and did so much! Our cabin was great as well and perfect for our group. The video games in the cabin were a great touch as well – there was always something to do – especially at night as we were winding down.

The only side note I will mention is about the sofa pull outs – in my older age I had forgotten the lack of comfort those things offer. So if you’re using those – try and save those for the kids – their backs don’t care as much as the 40+ crowd.

And here’s the list again – all together so you don’t forget!


12 Packing Essentials for a Cabin Stay in Pigeon Forge

1. Cooler w/ Groceries
2. Pillows

4. Anti-Itch Cream
5. Phone Chargers
6. Laundry Soap
7. Hot Dog/Marshmallow Sticks
8. Sneakers & Flip Flops
9. Coffee
10. Ziploc Bags/Tupperware
11. Swimsuit
12. Towels

And thanks again to Gatlinburg Falls Resort for the stay at the Panorama cabin. We thoroughly enjoyed the cabin and all that Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg had to offer! Can’t wait to return! Stay tuned as I’ll be sharing more about our trip, the food and entertainment in the weeks to come!