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 occupancy or double occupancy package will stay at the Embassy Suites in downtown Gatlinburg, providing convenient access to Camp activities and the surrounding area.
Camp packages are all-inclusive and include:
- Two nights of lodging
- Meals
- Classroom sessions
- Activities and site visits
- Transportation during the program
- Networking events
Because Camp is designed as a fully integrated, small-group experience, attendees are expected to stay within the official lodging block. This ensures easy coordination of transportation, activities, and group programming throughout the event.
A non-lodging package will also be available for those who prefer to make alternate accommodations.
Attendees will also have the option to book up to two nights prior to Camp and one night following at the same discounted group rate. Details will be available when registration opens.
Room block and booking details will be available when registration opens in May 2026. 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
We're planning an exciting mix of activities before and after camp to round out your trip to the greater Gatlinburg region. Stay tuned.
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.
