Is there anything better than hiking through the mountains, swimming in a lazy river, or smelling the woodsy aroma of the forest? Imagine yourself camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park — all of those things can be yours!
Camping in the Smokies is the ideal setting to connect yourself with the beauty of its ancient mountains.
This guide is all about the frontcountry camping possibilities within the national park. It is designed to help you decide which campground is perfect for your needs!
What You Need to Know About Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Reservations are accepted up to 6 months in advance. If your desired dates are already full, check back often because people cancel!
- Because of the devastating non-native pests that firewood can contain, bringing your own firewood for campfires is highly discouraged. Heat-treated wood can be purchased in the campgrounds and the towns outside the park.
- A maximum of 2 vehicles is allowed at each campsite (RVs, 5th Wheels, and trailers count as vehicles).
- There is a 14-day stay limit during the summer months, and Senior/Access Pass holders can get 50% off of the camping fee (this does NOT include the Annual America the Beautiful Pass).
- Each standard individual campsite only accommodates six people. If you have a larger group, you will need to book two campsites or look for a campground that offers double sites or a group campground.
- Great Smoky Mountains is black bear country! Learn about bear safety and proper food storage practices before you go.
- As in the majority of National Park Service campgrounds, there are no electrical or water hookups available (with the exception of a few 5 amp sites for medical use) in the Smokies. You will find potable water (seasonally), a picnic table, and fire rings at each site. See the detailed listings below for additional information about each campground.
This article contains information on the frontcountry campgrounds that are available within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In other words, it covers places you can get to with your car! If you’re interested in hike-in backcountry camping options, click here.
Getting to the Campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains
Take a look at the park map for Great Smoky Mountains National Park to plan your trip. For your convenience, you can click on the name of a campground in the list below to read more about it.
How to Get a Campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains
All campgrounds in the park accept advance reservations. If you’re hoping to reserve something, click over to Recreation.gov to find a site. Reservations can be made six months in advance.
To choose your ideal campground, take a look at the in-park options below:
Camping Along the Interior Roads
If you’re hoping to be near the main points of interest in the Smokies, you’ll want to be in a campground that’s located along one of the two main roads through the park. The Newfound Gap Road connects downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge at the north end of the park to Cherokee at the south end. The Little River Road connects Gatlinburg to the popular Cades Cove area.
Any of these three campgrounds will make a fabulous base camp for exploring the best parts of the park!
Smokemont Campground
This popular campground is located on the North Carolina side of the park near Cherokee. Here you’ll enjoy gorgeous mountain views, a nice grassy area for activities, and a nature trail happily situated along the Oconaluftee River.
Be advised that there are no tent sites in Loop F.
Open Season: Year-round.
Max RV Length: 35 feet (trailer) and 40 feet (RV).
Hookups: No, but there are several sites with 5 amp electricity service for those with medical needs.
Dump Station: Yes.
Generators: Seasonal restrictions. Not permitted in Loops A, B, and C, except when Loops D and F are closed (Nov-Mid May). Allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations Required: Yes, click here to check availability.
Fee: $30
Number of Sites: 142
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Great Smokies’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets with running water
Wheelchair Accessibility: 7 sites
Elkmont Campground
This campground is in a fabulous central location and conveniently close to Gatlinburg, making it the park’s most popular campground. Many people come here to enjoy the lovely forest and the sparkling Little Pigeon River! Riverside sites are available.
Open Season: Middle of March – Middle of November.
Max RV Length: 32 feet (trailer) and 35 feet (RV).
Hookups: No, but there are several sites with 5 amp electricity service for those with medical needs.
Dump Station: No, but there is one nearby across from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Generators: Seasonal restrictions. Not permitted in Loops A, B, L, M, and N from May-Oct. Allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations Required: Yes, click here to check availability.
Fee: $30
Number of Sites: 220
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Great Smokies’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets with running water
Wheelchair Accessibility: 10 sites
Cades Cove Campground
This spectacular valley is bursting with historic structures, adventurous trails, and fabulous wildlife viewing opportunities! Activities such as biking, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing will be more than enough to keep you busy.
Open Season: Year-round.
Max RV Length: 35 feet (trailer) and 40 feet (RV).
Hookups: No, but there are several sites with 5 amp electricity service for those with medical needs.
Dump Station: Yes.
Generators: Seasonal restrictions. Not permitted in Loop C, except when Loop B is closed (Dec-Mid Apr). Allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations Required: Yes, click here to check availability.
Fee: $30
Number of Sites: 159
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Great Smokies’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets with running water
Wheelchair Accessibility: 11 sites
Planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the park before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Camping Along the Perimeter Roads
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is unique because it has many small roads along the perimeter of its boundaries — and most of these roads don’t connect to the main roads through the park.
So what does that mean for you?
If you choose to stay in one of the campgrounds listed below (these are the ones found along the perimeter roads), understand that you will not be able to access the main points of interest in the park easily. You’ll have to drive around the outside of the park until you reach a larger entrance that connects to one of the main roads.
These campgrounds are less crowded and offer more solitude than the campgrounds listed above. If that’s what you’re hoping for, you will find some fabulous options listed below!
Cosby Campground
This campground is located in the Northeast section of the park. It is primarily a tent campground, but there are a few good RV sites available as well. If you’re looking for a traditional camping experience without the crowds, this may be the perfect place for your next family adventure!
Open Season: April – October.
Max RV Length: 25 feet.
Hookups: No.
Dump Station: Yes.
Generators: Allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations Required: Yes, click here to check availability.
Fee: $30
Number of Sites: 157
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Great Smokies’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets and running water
Wheelchair Accessibility: 2 sites
Big Creek Campground
This campground is located near Cosby but is much smaller and more remote. Creekside camping in this quaint area will provide you with a fabulous wilderness experience.
Open Season: April – October.
Max RV Length: Not permitted.
Hookups: No.
Dump Station: No.
Generators: No.
Reservations Required: Yes, click here to check availability.
Fee: $30
Number of Sites: 12
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Great Smokies’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets with running water.
Wheelchair Accessibility: No.
Cataloochee Campground
This campground is located on the east side of the park in the spectacular Cataloochee Valley, which is rich in history and wildlife. Be advised that the road into the valley is gravel, quite steep, narrow with blind curves, and has no guardrails. For this reason, if you are not comfortable driving an RV or trailer or have something longer than 25 feet, you may want to consider camping elsewhere.
Open Season: April – October.
Max RV Length: 31 feet.
Hookups: No.
Dump Station: No.
Generators: Allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations Required: Yes, click here to check availability.
Fee: $30
Number of Sites: 27
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Great Smokies’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets with running water.
Wheelchair Accessibility: No.
Balsam Mountain Campground
If mild temperatures, plentiful wildlife, and solitude sound appealing, head to this campground located high in the mountains at 5,310 feet. From here, you’ll have easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Oconaluftee area of the park.
Open Season: Middle of May – Middle of October
Max RV Length: 24 feet.
Hookups: No.
Dump Station: No.
Generators: Allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations Required: Yes, click here to check availability.
Fee: $30
Number of Sites: 42
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Great Smokies’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets with running water.
Wheelchair Accessibility: 1 site.
Deep Creek Campground
This campground is located on the south side of the park, just a short drive from Cherokee. The Deep Creek area has trails that lead to several stunning waterfalls and lovely mountain views. The quaint town of Bryson City is nearby, with a train museum, river tubing, restaurants, and lodging.
Open Season: April – October.
Max RV Length: 26 feet.
Hookups: No.
Dump Station: Yes.
Generators: Allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations Required: Yes, click here to check availability.
Fee: $30
Number of Sites: 92
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Great Smokies’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets with running water.
Wheelchair Accessibility: 1 site.
Abrams Creek Campground
This secluded campground on the park’s west side is tucked into the forest and sits nicely next to Abrams Creek. Creekside sites are available {if this interests you, try for sites A1-A9}.
Open Season: May – October.
Max RV Length: 12 feet.
Hookups: No.
Dump Station: No.
Generators: Allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations Required: Yes, click here to check availability.
Fee: $30
Number of Sites: 16
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Great Smokies’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets and running water.
Wheelchair Accessibility: No.
Look Rock Campground
The Look Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Foothills Parkway. You’ll be tucked into the trees while being just a few steps away from amazing Smoky Mountain views!
Open Season: May – October.
Max RV Length: 48 feet but sites vary wildly. Check individual site descriptions before booking.
Hookups: Yes, some sites have electric and water.
Dump Station: Yes.
Generators: Allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations Required: Yes, click here to check availability.
Fee: $30
Number of Sites: 69
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Great Smokies’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets and running water.
Wheelchair Accessibility: No.
Now that you’ve seen your options for camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are you ready to make sure you don’t miss out on the best sights?
Click NEXT to see the 12 things you can’t miss on your first visit!
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