Camp out at Mt. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave

At the summit of Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the lodge sits at a elevation of 6400 feet. It is the only "accommodations" inside the park boundaries. It is the highest lodge in the eastern United States. 

 Accessible only by hiking one of the five trails to the summit, one can rent a small cabin with bunk, kerosene lantern, and a small propane heater. Bedding is provided. A couple of rocking chairs under a covered porch are a added surprise after the several mile journey to the top. 

You will need to bring a hand towel and washcloth, headlamps, water, and personal items. 

At the Lodge's main building their is a check in attendant, usually a park ranger, and a large dining hall that serves a full course dinner and a breakfast in the morning. All the items brought in come by llama train up the Trillium Gap Trail. Wine is served at dinner.

Sunsets at the top of this mountain are amazing and on a clear night you can see the lights of the touristy town of Gatlinburg below.

As one could imagine, this is a popular destination in the park and reservations are required well in advance. More information on reservations can be found here.