Not a faceless booking platform — a real host, backed by a local team, who stands behind every stay.
— Zane Gilbert, Founder & Host
I'm the founder behind Smokie Stays — not a call center, not a faceless booking platform. When you book one of our cabins, you're booking with someone who knows these mountains personally and stands behind every stay, backed by a trusted local team on the ground in Sevier County.
As a parent, I know what actually makes a family trip unforgettable — and it's not just a hot tub and a pool table. Every cabin in my collection is chosen and outfitted with that in mind. (More on how I got here below.)
My family has been vacationing in the Smoky Mountains for decades — it's always been the place we've had the most fun. So when I decided to build something of my own, there was no question where it would be.
As a parent, I know what actually makes or breaks a family trip: whether the kids are having a blast. When I started looking at cabins here, I kept finding the same thing — a basic house with a hot tub and a pool table, marketed as an "amenity-rich retreat." That wasn't good enough for my family, and I didn't think it should be good enough for yours.
So Smokie Stays is built around one idea: family trips should be unforgettable, not just comfortable. My team is on the ground locally, and I personally choose and outfit every property across Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville with real thought toward keeping kids entertained and parents relaxed — the kind of amenities that turn "we're staying at a cabin" into "this is the best vacation ever."
I keep my portfolio focused so I can give every property that level of care, instead of chasing scale at the expense of the guest experience. That's the whole goal: a place your family talks about long after you've driven home.
My team lives and works right here in the Smokies, and my own family has vacationed here for decades. Recommendations come from real experience, not an algorithm.
I don't just list properties — I manage them personally, backed by a trusted local team for cleaning, maintenance, and guest support.
I choose and outfit every cabin with real thought toward keeping kids entertained and parents relaxed — not just a hot tub and a pool table.
I operate exclusively in Sevier County, Tennessee — home to the most visited national park in America. My cabins span three premier mountain destinations:
Gateway to the Smokies
Nestled at the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers the perfect blend of mountain adventure and downtown charm. Our handpicked rentals put you minutes from hiking trails, the Space Needle, and the famous Gatlinburg strip.
Family Fun Capital
Home to Dollywood, The Island, and endless family attractions, Pigeon Forge is the entertainment hub of the Smokies. Stay in one of our curated rentals and enjoy easy access to shows, shopping, and adventure parks.
Quiet Mountain Escapes
For travelers seeking a quieter mountain getaway, Sevierville delivers stunning views and small-town hospitality. Our Sevierville rentals offer peaceful seclusion while keeping you close to all the Smoky Mountain action.
I personally partner with property owners who share my commitment to quality. If you own a cabin in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville and want hands-on management that maximizes your rental income, I'd love to talk.
From listing optimization and dynamic pricing to professional cleaning and guest communication — I handle it all so you don't have to.
Get in TouchSmokie Stays is a marketing and service brand operated by Sunset Housing and Rental Company (SHARC Properties LLC), a Vacation Lodging Service firm licensed by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (License #946).
Special rates, last-minute openings, and Smoky Mountain travel tips. No spam.
