Club Cabin # B, Spence

For Tennessee residents seeking a truly unique and memorable location for a special event, family gathering, or even just a peaceful day-use retreat, look no further than Spence Cabin in the historic Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While not a traditional overnight campground where you pitch a tent or park an RV, Spence Cabin offers a distinctive experience. It’s a beautifully restored historic structure that provides a rustic yet refined setting, perfect for bringing people together amidst the unparalleled beauty of the Smokies. It's an opportunity to create cherished memories in a place steeped in history and surrounded by nature's grandeur, offering a different kind of "camping" – one of comfort, charm, and natural elegance.

Spence Cabin stands as a testament to the rich past of the Elkmont community, once a bustling logging town and later a popular resort for wealthy vacationers seeking respite in the mountains. Today, thanks to careful preservation efforts by the National Park Service, the cabin has been meticulously restored to its historic appearance, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. This unique venue provides a welcoming atmosphere for various daytime events, from intimate family reunions to small, picturesque weddings, as evidenced by one delighted customer who celebrated their daughter's "absolutely beautiful" wedding here.

Choosing Spence Cabin for your next event or gathering means embracing the tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains without sacrificing convenience or a touch of historic charm. It allows you to immerse yourselves in the natural splendor, with the soothing sounds of the Little River nearby and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, all while having a comfortable and equipped base for your activities. It's a prime example of how the park preserves its heritage while offering modern utility for visitors seeking an authentic, yet accommodating, mountain experience.

Spence Cabin is gracefully situated at Elkmont Club Cabin # B, Spence, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More specifically, it resides within the historically significant Elkmont Historic District, an area renowned for its preserved early 20th-century vacation cottages and its natural beauty. The Elkmont area is easily accessible from Gatlinburg, one of the primary gateway towns to the national park, making it a convenient destination for both local Tennesseans and visitors from further afield.

To reach Spence Cabin, visitors typically drive from Gatlinburg, heading towards the Sugarlands Visitor Center on US-411 (also known as US-441 or Newfound Gap Road). From there, you turn onto Elkmont Road and continue into the Elkmont area. The cabin is located near the Little River Trailhead, offering a sense of peaceful seclusion away from the main park roads, yet it's still quite accessible by car. Parking is available, with designated spaces for cabin renters, ensuring a smoother arrival for your event. While the immediate vicinity of the cabin provides a tranquil, forested setting, the broader Elkmont area is well-known for its network of accessible trails, including the popular Little River Trail and Jakes Creek Trail, offering ample opportunities for pre- or post-event exploration.

It's important to note that while the park is generally well-connected, cell phone service can be limited or nonexistent in the Elkmont area due to the mountainous terrain and protected wilderness. This contributes to the cabin's secluded charm, encouraging guests to fully disconnect and immerse themselves in the experience. Despite this, its location within the national park means it benefits from well-maintained access roads, subject to park opening hours and any seasonal closures, ensuring a smooth journey for all guests.

Spence Cabin, as a day-use rental facility, offers specific amenities designed to support small gatherings and events rather than typical overnight camping services. Guests are expected to plan accordingly for their event needs, bringing in most of their supplies.

• Meeting/Event Rooms: The cabin features several indoor spaces, including four small meeting rooms (ranging from 118 to 165 square feet) and one larger room (432 square feet) equipped with a gas fireplace. These spaces are ideal for small workshops, family gatherings, or intimate receptions.
• Warming Kitchen: A functional warming kitchen is available, equipped with a refrigerator and a microwave oven. It's designed for preparing or reheating food, though a full cook stove is not provided. Electrical outlets are available for personal warming devices like slow cookers.
• Basic Furnishings: The cabin is furnished with approximately 40 folding chairs, four 6-foot diameter round tables, eight 2.5-by-6 foot rectangular tables, and six rocking chairs. Guests have the flexibility to arrange these to suit their event's configuration.
• Restroom Facilities: Two bathrooms are available within the cabin, one of which is accessible, providing essential conveniences for day visitors.
• Outdoor Spaces: Spence Cabin boasts attractive outdoor areas, including a 192-square-foot screened outdoor porch facing the Little River, a stone patio by the river, and another smaller patio. These spaces are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings.
• Limited Electricity: Electric outlets are available in the rooms, suitable for lighting and small appliances. However, the cabin does not have central heating or air conditioning, relying on ceiling fans in the main room and screened porch, and the gas fireplace in the main room for comfort.
• Parking: Dedicated parking is available for guests, with nine reserved spaces located about 100 yards from the cabin and an additional two spaces closer to the cabin. Parking tags are not required for these reserved spaces during the rental period.

It's important to note that while the cabin provides a foundation for events, guests are encouraged to bring additional items such as portable gas barbecue grills, additional slow cookers, and lawn chairs to further enhance their experience. There is no cell phone service in the immediate area, fostering a true unplugged environment.

• Historic Significance: Spence Cabin is part of the Elkmont Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Its restoration maintains its early 20th-century charm, offering a unique historical backdrop for any event or visit.
• Picturesque Riverside Setting: Nestled along the Little River, the cabin provides stunning natural views and the soothing sounds of flowing water, particularly enjoyable from its screened porch and stone patios. This tranquil setting is highly appealing for relaxation and photography.
• Ideal for Small Gatherings and Weddings: As highlighted by a customer review, Spence Cabin is an "absolutely beautiful" location for small family gatherings, reunions, meetings, or intimate weddings (accommodating up to 40 people). Its layout and amenities are well-suited for such purposes.
• Seclusion and Natural Immersion: Despite being accessible by car, the cabin's location deep within the national park offers a sense of seclusion, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, away from the typical tourist crowds.
• Access to Hiking Trails: The cabin’s proximity to popular hiking trails like the Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and the accessible Laurel Falls Trail provides excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation before or after your event.
• Architectural Charm: The cabin itself, with its rustic yet elegant design and features like a gas fireplace, contributes significantly to the unique ambiance and overall experience.

For reservations and detailed information regarding Spence Cabin, inquiries are typically directed to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official channels.

Address: Elkmont Club Cabin # B, Spence, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Phone: (865) 436-1297 (This is the general Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office number, which can direct inquiries or assist with reservations for park facilities.)

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1297

Reservations for Spence Cabin are typically made through recreation.gov, the official platform for booking federal recreation sites. It is advisable to check the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or recreation.gov for the most current booking availability, fees, and regulations, as reservations can be made up to one year in advance and the cabin is generally available for daily use from April 1 to October 31.

For residents of Tennessee, Spence Cabin offers a remarkable local gem for those seeking a distinctive venue or a peaceful day retreat within the unparalleled beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Instead of traveling far, Tennesseans have access to a truly unique, historic, and naturally stunning location right in their own backyard, providing an experience that transcends a typical hotel or event hall.

This locale is particularly well-suited for locals who:

• Desire a unique event venue: Whether it's a small family wedding, a significant anniversary, a reunion, or a community gathering, Spence Cabin provides an intimate and picturesque setting that's far more memorable than a conventional space. Its historic charm adds a layer of character that modern venues simply cannot replicate.
• Appreciate history and natural beauty: For those who love the rich history of Tennessee and the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains, holding an event or spending a day at Spence Cabin offers a direct connection to both. It allows guests to immerse themselves in the stories of the past while being surrounded by lush forests and the serene Little River.
• Seek a convenient escape: Located within easy driving distance from many parts of Tennessee, particularly Knoxville and surrounding areas, Spence Cabin offers a convenient "staycation" option. It provides a sense of being miles away from the everyday hustle without the need for extensive travel planning.
• Enjoy outdoor activities: With direct access to some of the park's most popular and scenic hiking trails, it’s an ideal base for groups who wish to combine their gathering with outdoor adventures. Guests can enjoy a hike before their event or simply relax by the river.

While Spence Cabin functions as a day-use rental rather than a traditional campground, its serene environment, historic significance, and excellent facilities for gatherings make it an invaluable resource for locals. It provides a peaceful, private, and utterly charming setting for creating cherished memories, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences are found closest to home.

Club Cabin # B, Spence

Elkmont Club Cabin # B, Spence, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA