Last Updated on July 1, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
As a family travel writer, I’m constantly asked about different resorts and how they compare. The majority of readers are located in the SouthEast U.S. and the two resorts I’m asked about most often are Wilderness at the Smokies vs. Great Wolf Lodge. They’re easy to compare. Both resorts cater to families, they both offer a year-round waterpark and the entertainment options are designed with kids in mind.
I’ve stayed in multiple Great Wolf Lodge locations, especially the SouthEast GWL locations that families would compare to Wilderness at the Smokies. Let’s breakdown the two resort options, with the pros and cons of each.
They’re Both Waterpark Resorts
Waterpark thrills await guests when checking into Wilderness at the Smokies and Great Wolf Lodge. Both resorts offer a weather-proof indoor waterpark option. GWL locations are primarily indoor waterparks, but some locations offer an outdoor pool area alongside the indoor waterpark.
On the other hand, Wilderness at the Smokies has a much larger outdoor pool, with a lazy river and slides outside to enjoy (plus a splash pad area for kids). Both indoor resort waterparks are kept at a comfortable 84º and Wilderness advertises that their indoor area offers special rooftop windows for tanning.
If you enjoy an outdoor pool and you’re traveling during the summer months, you’ll find far more outdoor pool attractions at Wilderness at the Smokies. Traveling during the winter? Great Wolf Lodge is mostly all indoor waterpark fun.
Location Makes A Difference
Great Wolf Lodge operates over 23 North America locations. Their most recent locations include Florida, Texas and an upcoming opening in Connecticut. There’s only one Wilderness at the Smokies resort, in Sevierville, TN. However, the Wilderness Resort brand offers three lodging options in Wisconsin Dells: Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort, Glacier Canyon Lodge, and Wilderness on the Lake.
One of our favorite aspects of staying at Wilderness at the Smokies is the location in Sevierville. There’s of other attractions for families to enjoy. We left the resort during the day to go do other attractions in the area, but came back to enjoy the waterparks in the afternoon.
Some of the Great Wolf Lodge locations are in busting busy family-friendly cities, like the Great Wolf Lodge North Carolina location in Charlotte or the Anaheim location. That’s not the case for every location. Great Wolf Lodge Georgia is in a more rural city with far less to do. So you’re staying 24/7 at GWL to entertain the kids.
Wilderness at The Smokies vs. Great Wolf Lodge Amenities
Depending on the Great Wolf Lodge location you pick, the newer locations will have entertainment options beyond the waterpark. A ropes course, bowling alley, kids spa, and even a special Build-A-Bear location can be found inside the GWL resorts. Since some of the locations are more rural, it’s great that they offer so much to do on property. They want to keep your money on property, too.
Wilderness amenities are very comparable. The Smoky Mountain location has an arcade, bowling alley, a “stuffed animal” build shop (which is far less impressive than the Build-a-Bear brand), and laser tag. The biggest amenity to staying at Wilderness is actually across the street.
Unbelievably, the biggest perk to staying at Wilderness at the Smokies is ANOTHER waterpark. Overnight guests have full access to Soaky Mountain waterpark, which is located across the street, and guests have shuttle access to it. It’s a whopping 50 acres and offers fun for the entire family.
If you love the thrills of waterparks, you’ll find them at both resorts, but Wilderness wins with the addition of Soaky Mountain. You’re saving so waterpark admission because it’s FREE for Wilderness guests.
Wilderness at the Smokies vs. Great Wolf Lodge Size
The Anaheim location is the largest Great Wolf Lodge, but they’re constantly expanding to offer new locations. With their 23 North America locations, chances are that there is a resort within driving distance of you. Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect 1 to 2 night stay. I’ve alway felt like it’s a weekend destination and you don’t need a longer stay to experience everything the resort has to offer.
Wilderness at the Smokies is like a Great Wolf Lodge “on crack” and it’s absolutely massive in size, compared to most GWL locations. Yet, there’s only one. It’s the location in Sevierville, Tennessee.
So you have to ask yourself: “Is it worth driving further away to Wilderness at the Smokies?” As an Atlanta area resident, it’s an hour drive to GWL Georgia vs. 3 1/2 hours to Wilderness. My answer to that questions is YES.
Which Resort Will Parents Love More?
Both resorts offer the same family-friendly vibes. Both resort serve alcohol, have bars, and on-site table-service dining options. Great Wolf Lodge has MagiQuest. It’s an immersive, live-action fantasy adventure that turns the resort into a magical realm called Vellara. Kids are running around, waving wands in the air, activating stations around the resort that are interactive with guests.
Kids love it. I cannot stand it. It’s an amenity that I hate about Great Wolf Lodge. It causes the kids to run around, regardless of crowds, and the resorts tend to feel very overstimulating. Sounds, lights, screens, and music seem to be constantly playing in the resort areas.
It makes for a very overstimulating vacation experience for parents. I like to relax, even when I’m traveling with my kids. Both resorts offer family suites with separate spaces for kids, which is nice, but the common areas at Wilderness are less active. They feel more laid back. I like that I’m still able to relax at Wilderness at the Smokies. Maybe that’s why I only recommend 1-2 nights at GWL?
That’s my two cents.
Which One is More Expensive?
You’re going to spend a few thousand total, no matter which destination you pick. There are ways to save money at Great Wolf Lodge, if you plan ahead. Look for package discounts, seasonal discounts and purchasing perks ahead of time to save money on your trip.
I don’t think 1-2 days is enough time at Wilderness. I recommend 3-4 days, so you can squeeze in a full day at Soaky Mountain. Plus, the location is prime for so much family fun to do off property. That means your Wilderness vacation is probably going to be more expensive. It’s not going to be your quick weekend getaway. It’s your splurge family vacation that you plan for.
One thing is clear, whether you pick Wilderness at the Smokies vs. Great Wolf Lodge, your kids are going to have an amazing vacation. They’re perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy. It boils down to location, your budget and your sanity. I’ll pick my sanity every time and book the trip that’s more relaxing.