The Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is a popular tourist destination in the United States, and between 8 million and 10 million people visit the park annually, according to the National Park Service, or NPS. Many visitors plan to spend a couple of days taking advantage of the scenery, activities and wildlife, and camping is one way to get close to nature.
Backcountry Camping
For backpackers who want to camp in a location that is off the beaten path, then the park has many locations nestled deep in the forest, according to the NPS. You must obtain a permit to camp in the backcountry, according to the NPS, and these permits are free and can be obtained at any visitors center or ranger's station at the park. These permits cannot be obtained online. If you plan to stay at one of the reserved sites or shelters in the backcountry, then you must reserve the location one month before the camping trip by calling the Backcountry Reservation Office.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Attn: Backcountry Reservation Office
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-1297
nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm
Frontcountry Camping
If you plan to camp near your vehicle in a well-developed camping site, then a frontcounty camping experience may be most ideal. The Smoky Mountain National Park has 10 wooded and developed campgrounds, according to the NPS, and each campground destination has a restroom with running water. Keep in mind that there are no showers or water and electrical hookups in the park, according to the NPS, but there are shower facilities located outside of the park area. Most of the campgrounds are first-come and first-served, although sites at Cosby, Elkmont, Cades Cove and Smokemont must be reserved online, according to the NPS. Both recreational vehicles (RVs) and tents can be used in the campgrounds.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
877-444-6777
nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/frontcountry-camping.htm
Entrance and Activity Fees
It's free to enter the park and participate in activities such as hiking, bicyling or sightseeing, but it does cost money to camp, according to the NPS. It costs between $14 and $23 a night for campers, depending on the lodging details.
Things to Do
There are numerous things to do when camping at the Smoky Mountains National Park that are both adventurous and relaxing, according to the National Park Service. Campers can hike or bicycle along some of the park's 800 miles of trails, go horseback riding, view wildlife, bird watch or fish at one of the many creeks and streams, according to the NPS. There are about 80 historical buildings in the park, ranging from log cabins to schools to grist mills to churches, according to NPS, and visitors can view these preserved structures.
Things to Know
Before you plan your trip, there are a few things to know. Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds, but dogs are not allowed on the majority of the park's trails. According to the NPS, dogs are only allowed on the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail. Also, consider the weather when planning to hike. Summers can be hot and muggy, according to the NPS, and the spring brings weather that's not easy to predict. Dress accordingly when planning to camp, hike or participate in any of the park's activities.
Member Comments