Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains is an adventure within itself. The area lends greatly to those wanting to view wildlife, experience outdoor adventure, relax or rough-it, while providing the backdrop of the mountains covered in their hazy namesake. Campers enjoy beautiful views year-round with activities for every season. Whether you are tent camping in a developed area, back country or RV camping, the plenitude of campgrounds allows for diverse experiences.
Front-Country Camping
Both tent and RV campers have a bounty of campgrounds to choose from, some more primitive while others possess a large variety of amenities and conveniences. Available front-country camping is often pet-friendly, as well, so you can bring your furry family members with you. There are numerous developed campsites and campgrounds located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as surrounding cities such as Gatlinburg, Townsend, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.
Backcountry Camping
For those more adventurous, the national park and other areas offer plenty of backcountry camping opportunities, available to use with a permit. Pets are not allowed in the backcountry, as dogs can attract and damage local wildlife posing a potentially dangerous environment for you and your pet. The trails to backcountry sites vary from moderate to intense. Campers must use designated sites as a safety precaution. Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are several rules that must be followed when embarking on a backcountry camping expedition.
Outdoor Activities for Campers
The Appalachian Trail is the longest marked footpath in the nation, reaching a length of 2,178 miles and runs through the park. Many of the park's recommended sites lay on the Appalachian Trail. The trails are sometimes intense and unforgiving, climbing and weaving through the mountains, across streams and various other hurdles that climbers must cross along their journey. It is not uncommon to find unexpected treasures along a lightly-marked trail, such as an old cemetery or homestead strategically placed at the top of a blood-pumping hike. The area lends to many day hikes, going to sites such as Charlies Bunion and waterfalls such as Grotto, Rainbow or Abrams falls. The waterfalls alone are worth the trip in many people's eyes, some of which you can get in and see up close. Caves are also available for exploration in cities such as Townsend and Sevierville.
Water Activities
The rivers and roughly 2,115 miles of streams in the Smoky mountains allow for rafting, fishing, swimming and other recreation. Floating lazily in a raft is often a relaxing way to wind down from a week of hardcore hiking or cycling. In the national park, since there are no showers, many campers use the rivers and streams to bathe in, without the use of soaps. This method of bathing is actually recommended by the staff within the park's visitor centers and gift shops. Anglers have a multitude of fish species available in the streams surrounding and running through the mountains. Brook trout and small mouth bass are among the more popular species found here and the area is home to one of the Eastern United States' last wild trout populations.
Other Activities
The towns located within the Great Smoky Mountains offer shopping and dining experiences along with amusement parks, aquariums, country music venues and other attractions enjoyed by campers. A favorite of many tourists in the area is to walk through some of the towns such as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Quaint shops and eateries are found throughout the mountains, many with homemade and local foods, crafts and gifts.
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