Smoky Mountain Camping | Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Camping in the Smoky Mountains

Back Country

Though not finalized, in 2013 the park will implement a new system for obtaining backcountry permits and will also begin charging fees for permits.The park requires that you sta Back Country Camper in the Great Smoky Mountains

y at designated campsites and shelters while camping in the backcountry. Plan your trip & determine which sites you wish to camp at. If your itinerary includes a reserved site or any shelter, you must call the Backcountry Reservation Office at (865) 436-1231 to make reservations. They are open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. daily. You may make reservations up to one month in advance of the first day of your trip. Be prepared to give your complete trip plan when calling. Keep the permit with you and drop the top copy in the registration box. If you do not plan to camp at a shelter or reserved campsite, then you only need to complete a permit. The maximum stay at a campsite is three consecutive nights, with no more than one night at any individual shelter. The use of tents at shelters is prohibited and the maximum group size is 8 persons. The park does not allow pets on backcountry trails. Please call the reservations office to cancel any nights or spaces that become available. For more information call the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. The information office is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Front Country

Campgrounds Great Smoky Mountains

Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can take visitors back to a primitive time, while still offering the amenities thatmodern life necessitates. There is a total of ten campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All of these major camping areas offer cold running water, flush toilets, fire grills and Family Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains tables. There are no showers, electrical or water hook-ups available in the park. Most of the sites are closed from the beginning of November until early Spring. Check the chart below for operation schedules. Fees for camping range from $14.00 - $23.00 per night. Spaces at Cades Cove, Elkmont, Cosby, and Smokemont must be reserved from May 15 thru October 31 through the National Park Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777. You can make reservations up to five months in advance. The remaining seven campgrounds are first-come, first-served only. Enjoy your outdoor experience in the Smokies and please remember – leave nothing behind but your footprints.

Please see Park Mapfor Map Location:

Campgrounds Great Smoky Mountains:

Campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Page Summary: Backcountry Camping rules in the Great Smoky Mountains and a list of Campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains. Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains.