Free: Contests & Raffles.
probably a little late to get a reservationbetter not be picky or you'll be tenting
I was up in Republic for work this summer, and spent two nights at the Northern Inn. Great place, very woodsy feel, very nice owner/manager. But yes, they might be filling up. Might be worth a try to look at AirBnB or something. Good luck to you and your dad, trophyhunt.
Good luck hunting. Unless things have changed in the past few years beware of the local police force in Republic. Don't ever call them for assistance. These boys are straight out of the police force in "The Dukes of Hazzard" and I suspect somewhere there is a Boss Hogg running their pathetic show. My experience and impression was later verified by several of the local residents. Be careful.