A stay at Sojourn Lodging aims to feel different—by design. Located at 1685 Newport Highway in Sevierville, Tennessee, the property combines the privacy of boutique hotel-style accommodations with the communal atmosphere of a campground, offering guests a chance to explore, unplug, and connect without the hassle.
In an exclusive interview with Modern Campground, Saurav Ghosal, business strategist at Sojourn Lodging, described the concept as “a boutique hotel style concept” that merges the comforts of traditional lodging with opportunities for social interaction.
Each micro-lodge or tiny home is physically separated for privacy, yet guests share amenities such as communal fire pits and an observation deck.
“You have your privacy in your unit, but you also have access to all of these communal spaces and communal grounds,” he said.
Beyond overnight stays, Sojourn Lodging is expanding its presence as a community gathering spot. The property has begun hosting events that feature local bands, musicians, and food trucks. Ghosal said these activities foster a sense of connection not typically found in hotels.
The name “Sojourn” reflects the property’s focus on short getaways. Derived from the French word for a temporary stay, it caters primarily to weekend travelers.
Ghosal pointed to the property’s proximity to several large cities—Knoxville, Atlanta, and Charlotte—as a factor in its appeal.
Amenities extend well beyond the basics.
Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Mount LeConte from a shared observation deck, an indoor welcome center that doubles as a reception space for events, and recreational facilities including a pickleball court, walking trails, and space for lawn games.
Sojourn is also adding disc golf and plans to open a dog park to complement its pet-friendly policy. “A lot of our guests do actually end up bringing pets,” Ghosal said.
Overcoming Challenges
Building the property came with challenges.
Privately owned and self-funded, Sojourn Lodging was developed without outside investors, requiring budget-conscious decision-making throughout construction.
Unexpected obstacles included limestone and rock formations that delayed progress but also became part of the site’s natural character.
Beneath the property lies a cave network that extends four stories, a feature that, while not open to guests, adds to its uniqueness.
After opening, the team encountered a different hurdle—communicating the concept to prospective guests.
Ghosal said tiny homes are still new to many travelers, and explaining the blend of privacy and shared experiences required creative marketing.
“It was hard to kind of communicate and explain to people exactly what the product was,” he said. The property has since leaned into influencer partnerships to boost awareness.
From Live Music to Food Trucks: Building Local Connections
Occupancy patterns have shaped Sojourn’s marketing strategy. Ghosal noted that many guests are local or from neighboring Tennessee towns, with license plates from Knoxville, Maryville, and Chattanooga common in the parking lot.
This localized demand contrasts with the property’s separate cabin rental business, which draws visitors from across the Southeast.
Understanding that tiny home travelers tend to be more budget-conscious, the marketing team targets potential guests seeking the cabin feel without premium amenities such as game rooms or hot tubs.
Local influencers and TikTok creators, like a recent partner from Sevier County, have proven effective in reaching this audience.
Sustainability is another focus area. While still in its early stages, Sojourn is exploring partnerships with local environmental nonprofits, including Keep Sevier County Beautiful and Friends of the Smokies.
Ghosal said plans include inviting guests to make small donations matched by the property to support conservation efforts in the Great Smoky Mountains region.
This localized and partnership-focused approach reflects strategies outlined in the March 2024 MC Hospitality Highlights report, Untapped Potential: Leveraging Local Partnerships to Elevate the Camping Experience. The report emphasizes that collaborations with local businesses and community organizations can enhance guest experiences, increase visibility, and support regional economies.
By curating events that feature local musicians, influencers, and food vendors, and forging partnerships with area nonprofits, Sojourn Lodging is actively bringing the MC Hospitality Highlights report’s recommendations to life—highlighting its amenities and activities to boost visibility, attract new guests, and stand out in a competitive market.
Expansion Plans and a Vision for Future Destinations
The property’s grand opening took place May 29, following a soft launch in January for a limited number of guests. The phased rollout allowed staff to refine operations before full-scale marketing began.
Sojourn currently offers 26 units in its upper loop but has permits for 48.
Expansion to the lower loop is planned once operational systems are fully in place. Ghosal said the concept could also be replicated elsewhere, with land already acquired in Shenandoah and Chattanooga.
Future locations would integrate features unique to their surroundings, just as the Sevierville site aligns with the Great Smoky Mountains’ appeal.
Events are a growing part of the offering. The observation deck’s panoramic views make it a natural choice for weddings, while the indoor reception space accommodates celebrations and group gatherings. Corporate retreats and other large events are also a target market.
Ghosal emphasized that group stays benefit from Sojourn’s mix of privacy and togetherness, with individual units for guests paired with communal areas for shared experiences. The balance, he said, reflects the property’s core mission—to offer short stays that combine comfort, connection, and the natural beauty of the Smokies.