Camping in the Smokies
The Park has frontcountry (developed) and backcountry (backpacking) campsites. The procedures and facilities for each are different. There also are a limited number of Group Tent Camping areas.
Frontcountry Camping
Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains is primitive by design. The campsites
are nestled in the woods and along rivers. Ten campgrounds are operated
in the Park. Most are open from early spring through the first weekend
in November.
Abrams Creek Campground You don't just
stumble into this well-kept secret. For those of you who find it, it is
worth your time. Located at the western edge of the Smokies, Abrams Creek
Campground may be off the beaten path, but nearby there are plenty of
footpaths, as well as a few other activities. Located in a wooded flat
along Abrams Creek, this campground provides a relaxing setting not found
in most national park campgrounds. The 16 sites are usually filled only
on weekends and holidays. About half the sites are creekside, but all
are well shaded. Max RV length is 12'.
Balsam Mountain Campground was set up not
long after the inception of the National Park in 1934. Back then, very
few visitors drove or pulled oversized campers on the narrow winding roads.
The vast majority tent camped. So when the Balsam Mountain campground
was set up, builders had tent campers in mind. Today, we can camp in the
fine tradition of the first park visitors. There are 46 sites with max
RV length of 30'.
Big Creek Campground is the Smokies' smallest
campground and its sole tent-only campground. This walk-in campground
is set deep in the woods adjacent to the pure mountain waters of Big Creek.
A small footpath leaves the parking area and loops the 12 campsites in
the shade of tall hardwoods. Since it's a walk-in campground, you must
tote your camping supplies anywhere from 100 to 300 feet.
Cades Cove Campground has 159 sites, two
of which are wheelchair accessible. Sites can accommodate trailers up
to 35' or motorhomes up to 40'. There are no hook-ups. 13x13' tent pads
can accommodate two tents and six people. Flush toilets and cold running
water are available at comfort stations; however, there are no showers.
Sites include picnic tables, lantern hangers, and fire rings. At the Cades
Cove Campground, cables are available for hoisting food 10 feet or higher
and out of the reach of bears. Remember, there are no tame bears in the
Great Smoky Mountain
Cataloochee has a primitive campground
with 27 first-come, first-serve sites. it is open mid-March through October.
Tent or RVs up to 31 feet. Group camping is also available.
Cosby Campground is a winner. Where else
can you set up camp in the middle of history? In the summer, naturalist
programs in the campground amphitheater offer campers a chance to learn
more about the area from rangers and other park personnel. The campground's
size allows campers to set up near or away from others to achieve their
perfect degree of solitude. There are 165 site with a max RV length of
25'.
Deep Creek Campground area is celebrated
for its streams and waterfalls. Hikers can choose from several loop hikes
leading to the waterfalls. Mountain bikers can take advantage of one of
the few park trails where bicycles are permitted. The one-mile stretch
of water in the National Park set aside for tubing is divided into two
sections.The upper section is narrower and offers the most white water.
It also provides the most thrilling Deep Creek tubing. The lower section
is wider and a bit calmer. It's perfect for younger kids and less-adventurous
adults. The campground has 92 site with a max RV lenght of 26'.
Elkmont is the largest campground in the
park, spread along the banks of the Little River beneath tall woods. It
has a quieter atmosphere than Cades Cove, despite its size. It is the
nearest campground to Gatlinburg. There are 220 sites with max length
trailers 32' - Motor Homes 35'
Look Rock Campground is on the far western
edge of the park, in pine-oak woods, 2,600 feet high on Chilhowee Mountain.
It rarely fills and has no immediate nearby activities that can be engaged
in without getting in the car. It is quiet, and is a campground of last
resort if Cades Cove is full.
Smokemont Campground is attractive in itself,
with a rustic atmosphere in a heavily wooded flat beside the Oconaluftee
River. Hiking and fishing opportunities can be enjoyed from the campground
and Newfound Gap Road avails access to the tourist town of Cherokee and
the natural attractions inside the park. There are 142 sites with max
length Trailers 35'- Motor Homes 40'.
Most campground information used on this page was found at GORP.
Cades Cove and Smokemont normally remain open throughout the year. Sites at Cades Cove, Elkmont, Cosby and Smokemont may be reserved for the period May 15 to October 31 through the National Park Service Reservation Service at 1-800-365-CAMP or on-line. The remaining seven campgrounds are first-come, first-serve.
Backcountry Camping
All backcountry campers are required to have a backcountry permit. They
are available free at most ranger stations and visitor centers. Anyone
staying overnight in the backcountry must camp only in a designated sites
or shelters. Campers need reservations to stay in any shelter or the 14
tent areas. A backcountry map, showing all the hiking trails, camping
areas, and a list of rules, and regulations is available through the Great
Smoky Mountains Natural History Association's online
bookstore.
It would be a good idea to remember the Boy Scout Motto,"Be
Prepared", before heading into the backcountry! Get a local
weather forecast and be aware that the climate can change on you at any
time. Proper clothing, food, water, and equipment are all a must. If you
don't want to be sharing your food with a bear, food storage regulations
should be followed.
Check with a ranger for detailed information about camping requirements!