The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches over 520,976 acres across western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. The area was once part of the Cherokee Nation and is still rich in Native American Heritage. There are five forest types in the Great Smoky Mountains with more than 130 species of trees. Sixty-five animal species inhabit the park, including raccoons, deer, opossums and black bears. The park has 800 miles of hiking trails and 10 campgrounds.
Frontcountry Camping
There are 10 campsites within Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are maintained by the National Park Service. They are Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, Look Rock and Smokemont Campgrounds. Cades Cove is the only campground that is open year-round. Some campgrounds are close to water and available for swimming or wading. All the campgrounds provide access to hiking trails for campers who wish to explore the woods around them.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is available to backpackers who wish to hike several miles and camp in a secluded area of the park. All campers must obtain a free backcountry camping permit from one of the park's ranger stations or visitor centers before setting up camp. Backcountry camping is restricted to designated campsites and shelters. Campers are advised to stay on designated paths and to obey all park safety rules while camping in the backcountry.
Group Camping
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has seven areas with group camping. These are Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont and Smokemont Campgrounds. Group sites are for groups of eight or more; groups can stay for a maximum of seven nights in a group campsite. These group campsites are for tent camping only; trailers and RVs are strictly forbidden. Available activities include hiking, backpacking and horseback riding.
Horse Camps
There are five drive-in horse camps within Great Smoky Mountain National Park that provide access to back country trails. Each camp has a hitch racks for horses, but horses cannot be kept at the campsite. Horse stalls are provided at the park for your convenience. Feed should be kept in airtight storage containers to keep wildlife away from campsites. All animals brought into the park must come with an official negative test for equine infectious anemia. Check with park officials for a trail map that lists the areas open to horses before beginning any trail ride.
Regulations
Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be a pleasant experience for all guests if the rules are followed. Keep tents on tent pads when provided. Pets are allowed on leashes in campgrounds but are forbidden from all trails. Keep food in airtight containers so that dangerous animals are not attracted to your campsite. Restrict campfires to designated fire grates. Only dead, fallen wood may be collected for fires. Removing all trash and leaving the campsite as you found it helps to make camping enjoyable for all.
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