Treehouse Village Gatlinburg: Treehouse Grove and Other Stays (2026)
The treehouse village most visitors mean when they search for Gatlinburg is Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek, a group of luxury treehouses designed by Pete Nelson, the "Treehouse Master" from television. Local news described it as a new treehouse village in Gatlinburg when it opened in 2020, and it has since grown to 16 treehouses with community hot tubs, firepits and a pizza oven.
This guide explains what a treehouse village Gatlinburg stay is like in the Smokies, how Treehouse Grove works, what other treehouse resorts are nearby and how to choose the right one. Rates, availability and pet rules change often, so use this guide to plan and confirm details directly before you book.
What Is the Treehouse Village in Gatlinburg?
A treehouse village Gatlinburg stay is different from a standard cabin or hotel. A treehouse village is a resort where you stay in elevated, wood-built homes among the trees instead of a standard cabin or hotel room. In Gatlinburg, the best-known one is Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek. The WVLT news station reported in August 2020 that a new treehouse village had opened in the Norton Creek area of Gatlinburg with eight different options, each with two bedrooms and one bath.
Quick facts about Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek, based on local news and listings.
According to the news report, the treehouses were designed to work with the trees on the property, with private porches overlooking the creek and screened areas to keep bugs out. By 2022, WVLT reported that eight new treehouses had been added, bringing the total to 16.
Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek: What to Expect
Location
Treehouse Grove is in the Norton Creek area of Gatlinburg, between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. According to an Expedia listing, it is less than five miles from Gatlinburg and the Parkway, and a rental host describes it as roughly 10 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The resort says it is five minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A car is required, because the treehouses are tucked into the mountains.
The Treehouses
The treehouses are designed by Pete Nelson and use natural wood, including fire-salvaged wood in some units. Sizes and layouts vary:
- Smaller treehouses. The Cedar is described as a creekside unit of about 400 square feet for up to four guests, while other two-bedroom, one-bath units, such as The Cherry, are about 850 to 900 square feet and sleep six.
- Mid-size treehouses. The Moosewood is a three-bedroom unit that sleeps eight.
- Large treehouses. Units such as The Hickory and The Mulberry have four bedrooms and two baths, sleep up to 10 and cover more than 1,200 square feet. The Green Ash is built as two separate pods, one for gathering and one for resting.
Some treehouses have lofts, outdoor showers and mountain views, while others sit by the creek or closer to neighbors.
Shared Amenities
Guests have access to community amenities, including hot tubs, firepits, grills and an outdoor pizza oven, according to the resort and rental listings. Inside, treehouses typically have a kitchen or tiny-home-style kitchenette, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a private deck or dining area. Check each listing, because not every unit has the same features.
Pets, Age Rules and Check-In
Some treehouses welcome pets and others do not. One listing showed a limit of two pets with a $100 per-pet fee, while another listing marked a unit as not pet friendly. Another listing says check-in is after 4 pm and the minimum age to rent is 21. You can reach the resort by phone at 865-409-1410, according to a listing.
How to Choose the Right Treehouse
The resort itself says treehouse features vary, from pets and hot tub access to views, size and whether a unit sits by the creek.
Six factors to compare before you book a treehouse.
- Traveling with a dog? Filter for pet-friendly units and confirm fees in advance.
- Want a hot tub? Some units list private or shared access, so check before you book.
- Prefer the creek or the views? Creekside units are quieter and close to the water, while mountain-view units offer wider scenery.
- Traveling in a group? The large four-bedroom treehouses sleep up to 10.
- Traveling as a couple? A smaller treehouse is easier to heat, cozier and often less expensive.
What Does a Treehouse Stay Cost?
Rates change by season, treehouse size and date. One Outdoorsy travel guide put Tennessee treehouse rentals at roughly $150 to $600 per night, and said the average nightly rate for the state was around $398 in 2025, citing TreehouseRentals.com. A rental listing for The Cedar showed about $400 per night, though prices vary widely, and large treehouses and holiday weekends typically cost more.
To keep costs down, travel midweek, avoid peak summer and fall-color weekends, and compare the resort's official site with rental platforms. Always check the cancellation policy and any pet or cleaning fees.
Other Treehouse Village Gatlinburg Options
Sanctuary Treehouse Resort (Sevierville)
Sanctuary Treehouse Resort is another large treehouse destination in the Smokies area, in Sevierville rather than Gatlinburg. Founded by Brian and Amanda Jensen, it sits on about 40 acres, and its stated goal is to grow to 130 treehouses. According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, it opened with seven units that sleep four, six or 12 people, and it offers interactive features such as slides, drawbridges and scavenger hunts.
Travel reports say it is around 30 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and about 45 minutes by car from Knoxville's airport. A nightly rate range of $275 to $692 was reported for one unit, called Chasing Fireflies, when the resort opened. Check the current listings for pets and prices.
Two treehouse resorts near Gatlinburg, compared.
Private Treehouse Rentals
Beyond the two resorts, many private treehouses and cabin-style treehouse rentals appear across Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Rentals vary a lot in quality and rules, so read reviews carefully and confirm the exact location before you book.
Things to Do Near a Treehouse Village Gatlinburg Stay
A treehouse village Gatlinburg location puts you close to the main Smoky Mountain attractions:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiking, waterfalls and scenic drives are minutes away. Check the National Park Service website for current road, parking and trail information.
- Anakeesta. This mountaintop adventure park in downtown Gatlinburg has the longest tree-based skywalk in North America, at 880 feet, and it has been expanding in 2026. Some attractions have been closed during construction, so check what is open before you buy tickets.
- Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. Dollywood, The Island and other attractions are a short drive away.
- Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. A rental host lists it as one of the local favorites near Treehouse Grove.
If you are building a bigger trip, see our guide to the best things to do in the USA for a family vacation. Couples can browse the 10 most romantic destinations in the US, and anyone who likes unusual stays may enjoy our guide to Navarre Beach Camping Resort.
Tips Before You Book
Six tips before you book a treehouse stay.
- Read each listing closely. Pets, hot tubs and sleeping arrangements differ by treehouse.
- Check stairs and access. Treehouses involve steps, so plan for any mobility needs.
- Pack for the mountains. Evenings can be cool, and weather can change quickly.
- Have a car. The resorts are secluded, so you will drive to attractions.
- Book early for holidays. Popular dates and fall color weeks fill up.
- Confirm the age rule. Some listings require the main renter to be 21 or older.
You can also browse all of our USA travel guides for more ideas.
Is there a treehouse village in Gatlinburg?
Yes. Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek is a treehouse village in the Gatlinburg area. It opened in 2020 with eight treehouses designed by Pete Nelson and now has 16.
Who designed the treehouses at Treehouse Grove?
Pete Nelson, known as the "Treehouse Master" from television, designed them. He has said the designs were built to work with the trees on the property.
How far is Treehouse Grove from downtown Gatlinburg?
Listings describe it as less than five miles from Gatlinburg and the Parkway, or about 10 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You will need a car.
Are treehouses in Gatlinburg pet friendly?
Some are and some are not. At Treehouse Grove, the resort says pet policies vary by treehouse, and one listing showed a $100 per-pet fee. Check the specific treehouse you want.
Do the treehouses have hot tubs?
Many guests have access to community hot tubs, and some units list hot tub access. The resort notes that hot tub access varies by treehouse, so confirm before you book.
How much does a treehouse stay in Gatlinburg cost?
Tennessee treehouse rentals have been reported at roughly $150 to $600 per night, with an average around $398 in 2025. Prices vary by treehouse and date, so check current rates.
What other treehouse resorts are near Gatlinburg?
Sanctuary Treehouse Resort in Sevierville is another large option, about 30 minutes from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. There are also many private treehouse rentals in the area.
Can you visit Treehouse Grove without staying there?
Treehouse Grove is a rental resort, so access is generally for guests with reservations. Contact the resort if you have questions about visiting.
A treehouse village Gatlinburg stay turns a standard Smokies trip into something more memorable. Compare the treehouses, confirm pet and hot tub details, book early and plan on driving to the area's attractions.
