Located right on the Parkway, the country-style Inn On The River puts all of Pigeon Forge's attractions within an easy walking, driving, or trolley-riding distance (the hotel is right along the trolley route). MagiQuest is across the street, with lots of other entertainment and many restaurants within walking distance. By car, Dollywood is 12 minutes from the hotel. The budget-friendly hotel's 128 spacious rooms have maple furniture and conveniences like mini-fridges and Keurig coffeemakers. Half of the rooms feature private balconies overlooking the river. 

Like The Inn On The River, Clarion Inn Dollywood Area is off the main Parkway, putting all of Pigeon Forge's attractions within easy reach. Clarion isn't right on the trolley route like Inn On The River, but it is only a block away from a stop. The drive to Dollywood takes about 14 minutes from the hotel, and there's plenty of on-site action here for kids, including a game room and multiple pool activities (although Clarion Inn's tiny outdoor pool is no more than a landing zone for the waterslide). The large rooms are much better than others in this range, and different rooms have different color palettes; guests can make requests when booking. 

A 15-minute drive from Dollywood, Music Road Resort Hotel is conveniently located right near the main Parkway. The family-owned hotel also borders the serene Little Pigeon River, so many of its room balconies overlook the picturesque natural surroundings. The rooms are quite a bit larger and more upscale than is average for the area. Music Road's billing of its indoor and outdoor pool as a water park may be a bit of a stretch, but the two pools do have extensive features, like a 60-foot waterslide, lazy river, and a deep end with a diving board.  

Best Western Plaza Inn's spot on the Parkway is ideal for tourists visiting the area's attractions, especially Dollywood and The Dixie Stampede, which are both minutes away. The hotel doesn't have a full restaurant or bar on-site, but it does serve a free hot breakfast (with items like waffles and biscuits and gravy) and there are dining options within walking distance. The rooms are large, especially for this price range, but bland and in need of some updates. Three pools and freebies like on-site parking and HBO are popular with families and budget travelers. 

Set between Pigeon Forge's main road and the Little Pigeon River, the 201-room Econo Lodge Riverside is a value hotel within walking distance of many restaurants, shops, and attractions (some right across the road). Dollywood is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Pleasant rooms offer flat-screen TVs, microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. The heated indoor pool, children’s pool, and hot tub are a plus, as is the well-reviewed free hot breakfast. The hotel's Riverwalk is one of the nicest in the area and provides a chance to swim, fish, picnic, feed ducks and geese, or make use of the fire pits. 

Creekstone Inn is a family-run budget hotel with a fantastic riverfront location just off the main drag in Pigeon Forge. Attractions, restaurants, and convenience stores are all within a 10-minute walk, and the town's trolley stops out front. Dollywood is about a 15-minute drive away. The 112 rooms are dated, but feature mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. In addition to a decent free continental breakfast, vouchers for free pancake breakfasts at Smoky Mountain Pancake House are provided. Guests can go tubing on the river or swimming in the large seasonal outdoor pool. Free garage parking and free Wi-Fi are both on offer, but the Wi-Fi can be spotty and slow.