Camping Inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Camping in the Smoky Mountains is a vacation your family will never forget! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is the most visited national park in the country, and the towns of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg do a fantastic job of welcoming visitors. Award-winning attractions, restaurants, and hotels await guests with the best of Southern hospitality. However, a Smoky Mountain vacation looks different for everyone. Some prefer a different vibe that includes sleeping under the stars and waking up beneath the “smoke” the mountains are famous for.
If that sounds like the vacation you’ve been looking for, start planning a camping trip to the Smoky Mountains! Let’s look at the great options available to campers in the GSMNP:
Campgrounds in the GSMNP
There are ten campgrounds within the boundaries of the GSMNP. These campgrounds allow you to drive directly to the site; no hiking is required. The GSMNP has an Cades Cove and Smokemont Campgrounds are open year-round. What is the best season to visit the Smoky Mountains? That depends on your preference; learn more here.
All the campgrounds in the national park have cold running water and restrooms with toilets, although they do not have showers or electricity. This basic type of camping will be an experience your family will never forget. Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grate for cooking over your fire. From there, your family has endless possibilities for an epic camping experience. It is an exciting opportunity to use your camping gear and supplies. You will make memories that will last a lifetime!
In 2023 the GSMNP implemented the “Park It Forward” campaign that requires motorists to purchase a parking pass. Overnight guests do not need a parking pass to park at the campground, although they will need one to park at trailheads, overlooks, or other areas for more than 15 minutes. Each site allows parking for two vehicles. Learn more about “Park It Forward” here.
Along with parking regulations, the national park has rules to keep guests safe. These rules are also in place to make sure guests have an enjoyable experience camping in the Smoky Mountains. Click here to read more about food storage, firewood, quiet hours, and other camping regulations.
Backcountry Camping in the Smoky Mountains
Hikers planning to camp in the Smoky Mountains are in for a treat! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 miles of trails in its lush, dense, and wild landscape. Camping in the backcountry can give you a deeper appreciation for the Smokies.
Reservations are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Click here to obtain a permit. Unlike parking at a front country campground, all vehicles parked at a trailhead need a parking pass. A camping permit does not exempt you from this and does not guarantee a parking spot. You can skip the stress of finding a parking spot by using a shuttle service instead.
Backcountry rules and regulations are in place for the safety of campers. It is best to research and prepare when camping in the Smoky Mountains. Fortunately, the GSMNP has curated a vast collection of tips and information for backcountry hikers. Read about hazards, risks, weather, and more here.
The Smoky Mountains are famous for our black bears, and it’s always a thrill to see them. Bear sightings are possible in and around the national park, although backcountry campers have a higher chance of encounters and human-bear conflicts. LeConte Lodge Overnight Stays
Our camping recommendations wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the LeConte Lodge. Sitting at an elevation of 6,400 feet, the multi-room lodge and individual cabins offer shelter to hikers traversing the many trails leading to the Mt. LeConte. This unique lodging option is in high demand! It is difficult to obtain a reservation and there is a waiting list, however, there is also a cancellation list. Learn more about reservations and lists here. Outside the park’s boundaries, many campgrounds offer showers, electricity, and other amenities to make your overnight stays more comfortable. RV campgrounds are plentiful, and glamping resorts are growing in popularity. Camping in the Smoky Mountains is a truly customizable experience. With so many hotels, cabins, condos, and camping options in the Smoky Mountains, finding a place to stay is easy! For balance, we recommend camping for a portion of your trip and then enjoying a few nights in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg to enjoy the area’s great shops, restaurants, and attractions. Doing this gives you the best of both worlds! Authored in Appalachia || Amy MortonPlanning your Smoky Mountain Camping Trip
Comments are closed