After spending our summer vacation in Tennessee, I wanted to share what you need to know about Wilderness at the Smokies. We were so excited to spend 4 nights and 5 days at the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort & Water Park, located in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Instead of heading to the beach this year, we decided to make a break for the Smoky Mountain area instead. I wanted to make sure we could relax, and have plenty of fun options to keep the kids busy.

Wilderness at the Smokies is a family-friendly resort and water park, a match made in heaven.

Disclaimer: My stay at Wilderness of the Smokies and tickets to Soaky Mountain were comped but all of my opinions on the blog are my own.

Lodging

We stayed in a one-bedroom deluxe condo suite at the River Lodge, which is connected to both the Wild WaterDome Indoor Park and the Lake Wilderness Outdoor Park.

I just love the rustic cabin feels of the room, with all the modern amenities of course. We had two rooms, two bathrooms, 3 television’s, full kitchen, dining room table, fireplace, and a balcony.

The sleeping arrangements were amazing, with one Queen bed, one twin/Queen bunk bed, one twin sofa sleeper in one room, and one Queen Murphy bed & one Queen sofa sleeper in the second room.

We had 5 of us in the room and we could have had two more and everyone still would have had their own beds.

It was nice to cook some meals ourselves in our room, and great if you are trying to stay on budget. Sometimes you can get tired of eating out, and it is nice to have some home cooked meals while on vacation.

Wilderness at the Smokies Water Parks

As far as waterparks go, you have a ton of options at this resort. We split our time between the Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark and the Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark. Both are very family-friendly, and there is something for everyone.

Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark

Lake Wilderness outdoor waterpark is connected to River Lodge, where our room was. We love the beach-like area, the lazy river, and the slides. You can also rent a cabana if you want the privacy. We were on the second floor so it was nice to sit on the balcony and see everything the kids were up to.

My youngest child Konner and husband love the Cataloochee Creek Adventure River, they tend to like the slower pace of vacation. My middle child Kaiden loved the Wild Vortex or Cyclone Racer slides. I spent my time in the Washout Wilderness Rapids outdoor wave pool.

Each area offered adventure, or places to relax, at any age. My mother came with us and she had just an amazing time as the kids did!

Wild WaterDome

The Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark, was perfect for the rainy day we had while on vacation. We also spent time here when the outdoor waterpark closed for the day. I was a little sunburned towards the end of the trip, so it was nice to swim and stay out of the sun. From the inroad wave pool, slides, to the Smoky Surf Rider, the kids had so much fun.

Family Fun at Adventure Forest

The Adventure Forest is a 25,000 sq. ft. dry family adventure area. There a huge arcade, mini golf, laser tag, bowling, a playground, rock climbing wall, and rides.

This has to be one of my favorite places hands-down. This was an amazing break from the water when we needed it. When we checked in I purchased the ALL STAY adventure passes for the kids.

The pass gave them unlimited admission to:

• Tree Top Towers
• Mount Wild
• Frog Hopper
• Moonshine Run
• Copperhead
• Cubs Climbing Den
• Howlin’ Hound Dog Alley

The only thing not included during the entire stay was the Forest Laser Tag & Adventure Forest Mega Arcade. The pass was $32 and worth every penny.

The kids played everything multiple times, we enjoyed bowling and golfing, and the Tree-top course.

Food Options

You will definitely not go hungry at Wilderness at the Smokies. Tons of dining and snack options. I would highly recommend paying for the drink bracelet. For only $10 you get unlimited soft drinks during your entire stay.

From burgers, pizza, flapjacks, fudge, Starbucks coffee, shaved ice, assorted candies, to adult beverages they have you covered. You can grab a coffee or pastry from Starbucks, frozen yogurt from Yukon yogurt, some tasty treats from the Candy Cabin, and even a buffet breakfast or dinner from Thirsty Miner’s restaurant.

Whether you are 2 or 23, you are sure to enjoy all the amenities Wilderness of the Smokies has to offer!

Shopping at Resort

Don’t worry if you forgot to pack something. there are plenty of stores on site that you can grab anything from a new bathing suit, shirts, shirts, gifts, to sunblock.

Soaky Mountain Water Park

This had to be the best part of the trip, let me tell y’all about Soaky Mountain Waterpark. The newest neighbors to the Wilderness at the Smokies, is located right across the street from the resort.  

We went over our second day of the trip, and it was more fun then we could have imagined. They offer daily tickets and season passes and Wilderness guests receive discounted tickets!

Soaky Surge Cabanas

My family loves wave pools, so these cabanas border the massive wave pool, Soaky Surge.

I loved that we had a place to meet, relax, and regroup throughout the day.

The snacks and refreshments are delivered right to the cabana, so no standing in lines.

Rides

There are so many slides and attractions at Soaky Mountain. No matter the age of your guests there is truly so much fun for everyone to take part in.

Food

If you come with an appetite don’t worry they have you covered. Everything from meals to sweets, you can find whatever you are craving. I loved all of the covered food court sitting areas. This was great if anyone is looking to escape the sun and cool off while grabbing a bite to eat.

The Candy Cabin had everything from sweet treats to frozen yogurt.

Soaky Shake Shoppe was our favorite snack of the day. They make the yummiest ice cream treats and shakes.

Shopping

The Mountain mercantile has everything you need to start or finish off your trip. From fun in the sun in the sun items, to gifts to take home to family and friends, they have it all.

We had so much fun, and so many great memories to take home with us.

We had such an amazing time on this family trip, we cannot wait to come back next year.

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