Michigan to the Carolina Coast & back with 3 kids?

Bear cove village in Pigeon Forge is nice and close by Dollywood and Dolly's Splash Country water park, but is pricey, like $50 a night. The thing is, they are all pricey in the high season. There is a trolley that covers the area very well for a reasonable fee so taking the truck everywhere is not necessary. Do a search on Cosby area camping, its more removed from the hubbub but still an easy drive to town and attractions. There are coupons online for a lot of the attractions too.