Transportation
By Air + Shuttle:
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville is the closest airport, about a one-hour drive from Gatlinburg. Shuttle and private car services are available from the airport, though options are more limited than in larger resort destinations. Advance booking is recommended.
Additional airport options include Asheville (AVL), Nashville (BNA), and Charlotte (CLT), which may offer more flight availability depending on your origin.
By Car:
Rental cars are available at TYS and are the most flexible way to get to and around Gatlinburg. While the downtown area is walkable, a car is recommended for getting to the host hotel and for any travel outside of Camp programming.
Getting Around:
Gatlinburg’s downtown area is compact and walkable, with a high concentration of attractions, retail, and food and beverage along the main strip.
Gatlinburg also offers a free trolley system that runs through town and to some nearby areas.
Transportation will be provided for Camp activities and site visits during the program, though we will be walking to and from many of the sites.
Holiday Travel Note:
Camp concludes just ahead of Labor Day weekend. Gatlinburg is a high-traffic destination, particularly around weekends and holidays, so allow extra travel time when arriving and departing—especially if driving through Pigeon Forge or along US-441.
What to Expect
Package Details
Attendees with a single or double occupancy package will stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg (604 Airport Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738), one of the newest full-service hotels in the Smokies, convenient to Camp activities and the surrounding area.
Camp packages includes:
- Two nights of lodging
- Meals
- Classroom sessions
- Activities and site visits
- Transportation during the program
- Networking events
A non-lodging package is also available for those who prefer to arrange their own accommodations. Register here.
Single and double occupancy package holders can book up to two nights before Camp and one night after at the same discounted group rate. Please allow up to 10 business days to receive your lodging confirmation—you'll be able to book your additional nights once that's in hand.
On-site parking is available for $15 per vehicle, per night and is not included in the registration package.
Plan Ahead
Plan for a mix of indoor and outdoor programming, with time spent on your feet and moving between locations. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
September in Gatlinburg typically brings warm days and cooler evenings.
Additional Activities
Mountain Coaster Tour with Wiegand Sports USA
Thursday, Sept. 3 after 1 p.m. Pre-registration required; details coming soon.
Join Will Rockett and Jessica Wedel of Wiegand Sports USA for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of two of the most innovative mountain coasters in the United States. This tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the attractions from both the guest and operator perspectives.
Our first stop is Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster—the only racing alpine coaster of its kind. Built on some of the most challenging terrain imaginable, this attraction showcases Wiegand's engineering innovation and demonstrates what's possible when creativity meets complex mountain landscapes.
Next, we'll visit Lost Mine Coaster, featuring four lift tracks and four downhill tracks, immersive theming, and exceptional guest flow. This attraction is an outstanding example of how thoughtful design, operations, and storytelling come together to create a world-class guest experience. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy the on-site mini golf after the tour.
At each location, participants will:
- Ride the coaster.
- Tour the maintenance and back-of-house areas.
- Meet with coaster management and operations staff.
- Ask questions about design, construction, maintenance, safety, and daily operations.
- Gain valuable insights into maximizing guest experience and operational efficiency.
Whether you're considering adding a mountain coaster, expanding your resort's summer attractions, or simply looking to learn from some of the industry's best examples, this is a tour you won't want to miss.
MegaZip Adventure with ZipRider
Offered 11a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, and 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. Pre-registration required; details coming soon.
Eric Cylvick of ZipRider will offer a complimentary guided experience on America's longest zipline, the MegaZip at WildSide. More than just a thrilling ride, this exclusive experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region's premier adventure attractions and the opportunity to learn directly from the team behind its operation.
Participants will experience the MegaZip while gaining insights into the planning, design, operations, safety considerations, and guest experience that make a world-class zipline attraction successful. Whether you're exploring aerial attractions for your own resort or simply looking to experience one of the industry's standout installations, this guided tour offers a unique opportunity to learn from an industry leader. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour start time.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Highlight Tour with Smoky Mountain Guides
Offered 12-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, and 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. Pre-registration required; details coming soon.
Join the team from Smoky Mountain Guides for a complimentary, expert-led tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This guided experience offers an engaging introduction to America's most-visited national park, blending scenic overlooks, local history, and natural interpretation as you explore the landscape by executive van with short walks at select stops.
Along the way, participants will visit iconic locations such as Newfound Gap, the Rockefeller Memorial, portions of the Appalachian Trail, and historic sites including Elkmont, while learning about the region's ecology, cultural history, and the factors that make the Smokies a world-renowned destination. Whether you're experiencing the park for the first time or looking to better understand the destination that surrounds Gatlinburg's tourism economy, this tour offers a memorable and informative perspective.
Visit WildSide
The owners of Anakeesta have generously extended a 20% discount at WildSide for Summer Ops Camp attendees, where you'll find vehicle-served mountain biking, UTV tours, and the MegaZip. Email karolyn@saminfo.com for the promo code.
Explore the Smoky Mountains
Check out The Guide Room, located right in the lobby of The Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg, to connect with Smoky Mountain Guides for van tours, guided hikes, fly fishing, kayaking, backpacking, and outdoor experiences for all ages and skill levels.
Experience Gatlinburg
There's no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg, so the Visit Gatlinburg website is a great place to browse before you arrive to get a lay of the land.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change and will do our best to accommodate. However, please note that many elements of Summer Ops Camp—such as lodging, meals, and activities—require advance deposits, which limits our flexibility as the event approaches.
- Full Refunds: Available for cancellations made on or before August 1, 2026.
- Lodging-Only Partial Refunds: Available from August 2 through August 12, 2026. Registration fees are non-refundable during this period.
- No Refunds After August 12: No refunds will be issued after this date.
- Substitutions: Attendee substitutions will be accepted through August 25, 2026 with advance notice.
Refunds will be processed within two weeks of your request.
To initiate a cancellation or substitution, please contact karolyn@saminfo.com.
