I hate giving up my secrets, but theres a AirBnB cabin thats ON the Tennessee side of the dragon just before you get to the Foothills Pkwy that goes by the name "Away from it all in the smokies." Goes for about $110/night and it has a beautiful view with no one around you. Sleeps a lot of people, four single beds up top and a master twin or queen bed, with a couch and floor space for sleeping bags if needed. I've stayed there a few times, and will definitely be going back.
Also, the driveway is dirt/gravel mix and steep, but I've driven cars, trucks with trailers, and motorcycles up and down it. As long as there's no snow/ice out anyway. All bets are off on anything if that's the case.