Share This Post
Family Fun Guaranteed: Gatlinburg's Top 12 Hotels with Lazy Rivers
This is a full list of the 12 best hotels with lazy rivers in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. It will help families find the perfect mix of comfort, fun, and value for their Smoky Mountains vacation.
Lee esta publicación en español
Key Points
- The best Gatlinburg hotels for families with lazy rivers
- Choices in Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge
- Resorts range from cheap to very nice.
- Spas, water slides, kids' clubs, and more are some of the amenities.
- Helpful advice on how to pick the right hotel and when to go
Choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference in how much fun your family has on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. A lazy river is one of the most fun and relaxing things to do at a hotel, whether you're winding down after a beautiful hike or just spending time with the kids. The Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville areas have a lot of places to stay that combine natural beauty with water activities. These places have everything from indoor rivers to huge outdoor water parks. These Gatlinburg, TN hotels with lazy river amenities aren't just convenient; they make travel fun for people of all ages.
These 12 top-rated places to stay in the Smokies will make your trip as relaxing or exciting as you want it to be. They range from cozy inns by the river to big family resorts with water slides and spas.Our team is wholeheartedly dedicated in find you the best vacation deals in Gatlinburg Tennessee. So, here is our list of the best Gatlinburg hotels with lazy rivers, taking into account price, amenities, and family fun.
1. Bearskin Lodge on the River
Bearskin Lodge is located along the Little Pigeon River in downtown Gatlinburg. It combines rustic charm with relaxing water activities in a way that is easy to see. The Smokies' beauty is enhanced by its winding lazy river, which is perfect for both adults and kids.
The lodge's location is a big plus. Bearskin is a peaceful place to stay that is also close to Gatlinburg's busy downtown area and the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The rooms have private balconies with views of the river or the city and handcrafted hickory furniture. It's one of the best Gatlinburg water park hotels because it has seasonal outdoor pools and rates that range from $120 to $200 per night.
WHERE: 840 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 430 4330
2. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is the best place to go if you want to have the most fun in the water. The best part? Wild Bear Falls Water Park is a huge indoor water park with the Cades Cove lazy river. This river is 900 feet long and flows through a beautiful Smoky Mountains landscape.
Families can float all year long because the roof can be opened and closed. The resort has a spa, restaurants, and different types of rooms beyond the river. Westgate is the best place to stay if you want a resort with lazy rivers and full-service amenities. It's only a few minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, so it's easy to get to.
WHERE: 915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865)430 4800
3. Pigeon Forge Courtyard by Marriott
This new Marriott hotel offers a better family experience with a heated outdoor pool and a beautiful lazy river system. With sliding doors, the indoor pool becomes an outdoor pool. The river itself has a fun bridge that kids love.
The Rockbot app by the pool lets guests choose the music, which music lovers will love. Courtyard is located in the center of Pigeon Forge, just off the strip. It gives you quick access to The Island, dinner shows, mini golf, and more. This resort is a stylish choice for families looking for both comfort and adventure in a hotel with a lazy river near Gatlinburg. Rates range from $150 to $250, and guests can enjoy free parking and dining at The Bistro.
WHERE: 120 Community Center Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: (865) 366 3201
4. RiverStone Resort & Spa
RiverStone Resort is often thought of as one of the most luxurious family hotels in the Smoky Mountains. It has a great mix of space, style, and fun amenities. The resort-style lazy river is popular with people of all ages. It lets you float in peace while surrounded by beautiful landscaping.
There are condo-style suites with one to four bedrooms, full kitchens, and laundry in the room. These are great for families or people who need to stay for a long time. Parents can relax at the spa on site while the kids have fun in the lazy river. This high-end property is next to Gatlinburg Golf Course and close to trolleys that take you to Dollywood. Prices range from $200 to $500 per night, depending on the season and unit size.
WHERE: 212 Dollywood Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868 | WHO: (866) 908 0660
5. Music Road Resort Hotel & Inn
Two hotels and two lazy rivers mean twice the fun. Music Road Resort has a hotel and an inn. Guests at either place can use all of the waterpark-style amenities at both places. Imagine slides that twist like corkscrews, fountains that look like mushrooms, and shallow areas where toddlers can wade.
This family-friendly place also has a one-of-a-kind bridge over its lazy river that younger guests love to play on. It is in the center of Pigeon Forge, which makes it easy to get to attractions. Prices range from $100 to $200 per night, and the southern hospitality that keeps families coming back year after year is legendary.
WHERE: 303 Henderson Chapel Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: (844) 993 9644
6. Sleep Inn & Suites Near Sports World Blvd
Want a cheaper option that still has the magic of the lazy river? Sleep Inn & Suites is the place to go because it is cheap and has fun things to do in the water. The saltwater lazy river and indoor pool are the best things about this place. They are easier on the skin and eyes, which is great for families with small kids.
Guests can skip the car and walk to major downtown attractions because the Parkway is right next to the hotel. A free breakfast every day and free Wi-Fi make the deal even better. If you're looking for hotels with a lazy river in Gatlinburg, this is one of the best deals you can find. Room rates range from $80 to $150.
WHERE: 335 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 277 6187
7. LeConte Hotel & Convention Center
This Ascend Hotel Collection property in Pigeon Forge has a lot of space and features, which makes it popular with groups and big families. There are both indoor and outdoor pools that are connected by a lazy river that flows through them and is surrounded by bubbling hot tubs. This makes it a great place to relax all year long.
Kids will love the playground and mini golf on site, and adults will appreciate how close they are to shopping and entertainment. Prices start at $120 and go up to $220 per night, and the breakfast that comes with the room is a nice touch. Compared to more expensive options in downtown, this is a great balance between comfort and cost.
WHERE: 410 Pine Mountain Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: (865) 366 9001
8. The Resort at Governor's Crossing
The Resort at Governor's Crossing is a real hidden gem in Sevierville, which is close by. The water park is free to enter and has a strong lazy river, slides on multiple levels, and splash zones for kids of all ages.
Families love the free kids' club and activities, like movie nights and mini golf. It's about a 15-minute drive to downtown Gatlinburg, but the quiet surroundings and less traffic often make it worth it. This family resort is a great deal for people looking for lazy river hotels with extra fun. Prices range from $130 to $250.
WHERE: 225 Collier Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862 | WHO: (800) 497 5749
9. Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort
This new hotel in Gatlinburg has Embassy Suites' famous two-room suites and lots of great extras, like a full breakfast and a nightly reception with drinks and snacks. The lazy river, on the other hand, is what really stands out.
It connects the indoor and outdoor pools and has a water slide and poolside bar service, so you can always get to the water. It is close to the entrance to Smoky Mountains National Park and offers a mix of natural beauty and family-friendly luxury. Prices are usually between $200 and $350, especially during the busy season.
WHERE: 604 Airport Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 WHO: (865) 436 2095
10. Wilderness at the Smokies – Stone Hill Lodge
Want to experience a lazy river like never before? The Kaleidoscope Kavern at Wilderness in the Smokies is not your average float. This lazy river was made with Moment Factory and has lighting displays, nature-inspired projections, and ambient soundscapes that make it feel like a different world at every turn.
This resort is in Sevierville and is part of Tennessee's biggest indoor water park complex. There are nine different zones for themed water play, which is great for kids who are curious and imaginative. You should expect to pay between $200 and $400 per night, depending on the type of room and the time of year. This includes access to the water park.
WHERE: 190 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 WHO: (865) 429 0625
11. Clarion Inn Willow River
Clarion Inn Willow River feels like a warm welcome home. It's a simple, dependable place to stay. This hotel is in Sevierville, which is close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It has both indoor and outdoor pools that are connected to a winding lazy river.
Families love the big pool area with lots of seating and towel service. Budget-conscious travelers like the free breakfast and friendly service. Prices range from $90 to $170 per night, making it one of the best family hotels in the Smoky Mountains for people on a budget.
WHERE: 1990 Gov, Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876 WHO: (865) 280 0338
12. Park Tower Inn
A late-night indoor lazy river that stays open until 2 a.m. is a unique feature of this Pigeon Forge mainstay. This hotel really stands out because you can relax after a show or take a quiet soak while the kids are sleeping.
Park Tower Inn has a nostalgic charm that makes it great for families with kids of all ages. It also has a retro-style arcade room and game area. Because it's close to 70 attractions, it's a good place to stay. Rooms are currently being renovated and cost between $80 and $140, which is great for travelers who want a cheap hotel in Gatlinburg, TN, that is easy to walk to.
WHERE: 201 Sharon Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 WHO: (865) 453 8605
How to Pick the Best Lazy River Hotel
When picking one of these great Gatlinburg hotels with lazy rivers, there are a few important things to think about. Think about where you want to live. Downtown Gatlinburg is walkable and has a lot of mountain charm, but it can be expensive. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville properties, on the other hand, usually have more space, better amenities, and better parking, but you may have to drive a short distance to get to major attractions.
Consider what your travel group needs. Families with younger kids might like places with splash pads, kiddie pools, or shallow lazy rivers. Older guests might like resorts with spas, restaurants, or quiet indoor pools. Please keep in mind the hours of the water park and the seasons when you can go. Not all lazy rivers are open all year.
Timing Your Visit
If you want to have fun in the sun and warm weather, plan your trip between April and October to fully enjoy the outdoor lazy rivers. During the busiest summer months, prices go up and there are more people, but you get to enjoy the whole experience, from the best slides to the best splash zones.
Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons, which means they have mild weather and fewer visitors. These are good times to stay if you want a quieter stay and better value. Indoor lazy rivers and water parks, like the ones at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort or Wilderness at the Smokies, are open all year, so people who want to float even in the winter can do so.
These twelve places offer the best lazy river experiences in the Smoky Mountains. They range from beautiful resorts with spa treatments to cheap hotels that are close to the action. There is a hotel that can be your home base for unforgettable adventures, whether you're looking for thrills, relaxation, or just some time with your family.
FAQ
The Embassy Suites by Hilton, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, and Wilderness at the Smokies all have indoor lazy rivers that are open all year.
What is the best cheap hotel with a lazy river in Gatlinburg? Sleep Inn & Suites and Clarion Inn Willow River are two of the best places to stay if you want to have a lazy river experience without spending a lot of money.
The best times to go are in the spring and fall, when prices are low, the weather is nice, and there aren't as many people. In the summer, you can enjoy the whole outdoor water park experience.
Some do, but not all of them. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park and Wilderness at the Smokies are two hotels that have indoor rivers that are open all year.
Not always. Some resorts, like Wilderness at the Smokies, include access, but others may charge extra or have limited hours. Always check ahead of time.
You May Also Be Interested In:
13 Ideas for Romantic Getaways in Gatlinburg, TN
October 24, 2025The 12 Best Hotels With Indoor Swimming Pools in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
October 24, 2025The 12 Best Gatlinburg Hotels with Lazy Rivers for the Whole Family
October 24, 2025The Official Guide to Gatlinburg in the Fall
October 14, 2025Ready to plan your Smoky Mountains getaway? Book your stay at one of these fantastic lazy river hotels today and make unforgettable family memories!
Share This Post
