It's no secret that without proper planning, vacations can be more expensive than you're prepared for, making what should be a fun getaway turn into something unpleasant. That's why we're helping you save money while still having fun on your next Smokies getaway by teaching you how to visit Pigeon Forge on a budget.

Identifying Your Cost-Saving Options

Our budget vacation tips for Pigeon Forge are based on ways to save on costs and taking advantage of deals where they exist to get the most bang for your vacation. Below you'll find our top tips to get you started:

Book a Cabin and Save on Lodging

Without a doubt, two of the biggest expenses travelers face when visiting Pigeon Forge or anywhere else are lodging and food. Fortunately, when you book one of our many Pigeon Forge cabins, you get accommodation that fits your group size, and you get access to amenities like a fully equipped kitchen so you can store and prepare food.

Even better, careful browsing will ensure the cabin you pick comes with all the premium features you could want, so you're guaranteed entertainment no matter what. Some standard amenities you'll find in these rentals include but aren't limited to:

• Hot tubs
• Game rooms
• Theater rooms
• Resort amenities
• And more

Make sure to get the view you want, and don't waste another second in getting the Pigeon Forge destination of your dreams.

Plan Your Trip for the Off-Season

There's no doubt there are special times of the year to visit Pigeon Forge. Whether it's the middle of summer when school's out or the Christmas season in December, there are hundreds of memories to be made. However, a getaway to Pigeon Forge at that time of year is naturally more expensive.

If sticking to a budget is essential, the best way to maximize your dollars is to plan your trip for some time in the off-season. The best months for this approach are January, February, and March.

Pick Low-Cost Activities

While this is easy to think of, it's harder to know what counts as a low-cost activity in Pigeon Forge. Fortunately, we've already started the research for you and have some options to consider below:

• Check out this post on the best free things to do on your Pigeon Forge vacation!
• Look for combo packages if there's a show or attraction you're dying to see
• Enjoy the live music at the Island

Explore the Wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains

With a reputation as the most visited national park in the country, this national park is one of the only ones with no entrance fee. While there are many things to enjoy throughout the park, some favorites we recommend trying include but aren't limited to:

• Hike the Chimney Tops Trail
• Drive To Newfound Gap and Clingman's Dome
• Explore Historic Homesteads in Cades Cove
• See Elk in Cataloochee Valley
• Explore the Roaring Fork Motor Trail
• Searching For Wildflowers at White Oak Sinks

The best part about visiting the park is that everything is accessible, ensuring that you get to do exactly what you want to do without exception, which is what vacations should always be like.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best way to keep your vacation to Pigeon Forge budget-friendly is to plan as much as possible. Do you want to see the live shows? Is a successful getaway one that lets you kick back and relax in a luxurious group-sized cabin? Once you've answered those questions, you can get started on your planning, starting with our tips on how to visit Pigeon Forge on a budget.