What You Need To Know about Wilderness at the Smokies

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

Wilderness of The Smokies outdoor view of rooms

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.

Wilderness of The Smokies dining room and kitchen with table stove and refrigerator

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.

Wilderness of The Smokies room showing women unpacking suitcase

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.

Wilderness of The Smokies room murphy bed on wall family sitting in living 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.

rustic cabin room with kids and dad in living room sitting on chair and couch with new of waterpark out the window and stone fireplace
log bunk beds in rustic cabin themed roomed

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

wilderness smokies indoor waterpark kids and adults in swimsuits

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

wilderness smokies outdoor water park lazy river ladies knees sitting on chair looking at water and tubes floating with hotel and waterslides in background

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.

a couple in bathing suits sitting in beach chairs

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.

Teen boy and grandmother sitting by pool sharing a frozen drink in their swimsuits with cabanas and hotel in background

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.

indoor water park view of wave pool people swimming

Family Fun at Adventure Forest

arcade view with games and fun activities like ropes course and bowling

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.

Wilderness of The Smokies 2 teen boys Rock Climbing

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
indoor glow in the dark cabin mountain themed indoor put put golf

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.

2 teen boys standing in arcade looking at camera

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

Food Options

candy cabin sign with candy apples in food window and candy making kitchen behind the glass

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.

candy and desserts in glass case

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.

teen boy with sunglasses by pool drinking strawberry milkshake

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.

cabin themed mercantile store in resort with shirts, and swim suits and shirts hanging on rack wood floor rustic lighting
flip flops, water shoes, beach bags, custom key chains hanging on racks at waterpark store
bathing suit hanging on shelf in mercantile store

Soaky Mountain Water Park

soaky mountain waterpark sign street view

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.  

Soaky Mountain water park entrance

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!

view from water park looking over at the wilderness of the smokies resort
soaky mountain map of the resort with attractions, dining, shops listed

Soaky Surge Cabanas

cabana soaky mountain water park

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

cabana family soaky mountain water park

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

cabana view soaky mountain water park

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

Rides

Soaky Mountain water park large water slides wide shot

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.

Soaky Mountain water park rainbow water slide
wood view of wave pool with people swimming and water slides in the background and cabanas
large amount of people standing in wave pool waiting for waves to start. Blue water and sky and cabanas and water slide in the background
two teen boys in water smiling at camera in wave pool
large view of water park with colorful slides and umbrellas people eating under outside covered food court

Food

Soaky Mountain water park Food court

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.

food court inside soaky mountain water park with souvenir cup and grab and go food kitchen
Soaky Mountain water park candy shop

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

Candy kitchen desserts in glass covered case
view of the inside of a yogurt shop
Dippin' dots mobile set up shop and people walking by
double decker black bus tacolicious taco truck with black and red umbrellas with second floor seating
soaky Shake shop yellow building people in swimsuits getting ice cream

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

women in bathing suit holding a cup of ice cream with cone
teen drinking chocolate milk shake with marshmallows soaky mountain waterpark
someone holding plastic cup with milk sharer chocolate candy coating around the rim with green straw and whipped cream with m&m's

Shopping

mountain mercantile shops and table and chairs outside to sit at

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.

Soaky Mountain water park gift shop
rack of neon colored tye-dyed shirts in various sizes
rack of red and white lifeguard sweatshirts with view of table and chairs in the background

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

teenage boys and father in swim suits with water park wave pool and slide in the background

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

Be sure to follow to follow Wilderness of the Smokies and Soaky Mountain Waterpark on social media, to stay up to date on the the latest specials and events.

I would love for you to follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook! You can also join our email list so you don’t miss any fun blog posts or designing spaces.

Check out our our 7 ways to get your yard ready for summer blog!

What You Need To Know about Wilderness at the Smokies

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I love a good DIY project, and helping people create warm and cozy spaces in their homes. So if your someone who is ok with me being a hot mess express, a legging wearing, top bun sporting, kind of girl, then let's be best friends! You can never have enough friends right? I am a natural born nurturer, who always leads with my heart. I have learned it is ok to say no sometimes! My advice to you, take chances, in the end, you will regret the chances you did not take. 

my name is wendy

Hello

a few favorite posts

0 Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email