The Drop Inn is preparing to open to public guests in October, adding a new lodging option near Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness in South Knoxville, Tennessee.
Located at 3650 Bamboo Way, the retreat is positioned near the Urban Wilderness trail system and approximately four miles from downtown Knoxville. The property combines several types of cabin-like accommodations with camper van sites, fire pits, and a clubhouse, creating a mix of lodging options for visitors looking to stay near the area’s outdoor recreation opportunities.
Courtney DeLaura, who is helping lead marketing and public relations for the launch, said the property is currently hosting friends, family, and invited influencers as the team completes final preparations ahead of its public opening. The retreat’s booking calendar is already open, allowing prospective guests to plan stays for dates following the anticipated October launch.
“It’s accessibility, honestly. You’re not having to drive 45 minutes and lose cell service to feel like you’re out in the middle of nowhere,” DeLaura told 10News.
The location is also expected to make The Drop Inn relevant to visitors attending local outdoor events. AMBC’s 17th annual Fall Fest is scheduled for Nov. 6 and 7 at Baker Creek Preserve. According to event organizers, the free festival attracts more than 3,500 people from more than 25 states to Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.
AMBC will continue to provide free onsite camping during Fall Fest, with no reservation or fee required. The event’s FAQ also identifies The Drop Inn as a nearby camping and glamping option, giving attendees an alternative to camping directly at the festival site.
For outdoor hospitality operators, The Drop Inn’s development illustrates how proximity to established trail networks and recurring recreation events can shape the positioning of a lodging property. Its combination of cabin-style accommodations and camper van sites also reflects a model that can serve guests with different preferences while keeping the property closely connected to a major outdoor recreation destination.
The opening timing will place the retreat ahead of Fall Fest, potentially allowing it to establish its operations during the fall event season. The property is already accepting bookings, although its website continues to display “Coming Summer 2026.” DeLaura said the wording is outdated placeholder copy that was overlooked and that October has been the targeted opening month for some time.
Once open, The Drop Inn will provide Fall Fest visitors with another option for staying close to Knoxville’s trail network without relying on the event’s onsite camping.
For the property’s operators, the opening also comes ahead of a large regional event that draws visitors from outside Tennessee, providing an early opportunity to introduce the new accommodation concept to an audience already traveling to the area for outdoor recreation.
