Start Planning Your Trip
Start planning your trip to camp inside the park and prep for your stay with these quick links.
Campground basics, tips, and what to expect.
Camp in the heart of the park near trails and rivers.
Our favorite must-haves. (Coming soon!)
Other Places to Camp Inside the Park
Most campgrounds inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer both tent sites and RV sites for camping. Generator use varies by campground and loop, with some areas designated as generator-friendly and others generator-free, so checking details before reserving is helpful.
- Cosby Campground — Quieter, great trail access.
- Deep Creek Campground — Waterfalls and tubing nearby.
- Smokemont Campground — Convenient to Cherokee and Newfound Gap Road.
- Cataloochee Campground — Remote area with frequent elk sightings.
- Look Rock Campground — Limited electric hookups.
- Big Creek Campground — Tent-only camping.
- Abrams Creek Campground — More primitive campground.
- Balsam Mountain Campground — Seasonal, higher-elevation camping.
For up-to-date campground availability and reservations at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, check the official National Park Service campground page.
Backcountry Camping & Backpacking Shelters
Backcountry campsites and backpacking shelters are also available throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park for visitors hiking in. These sites require permits, have no vehicle access, and do not offer campground-style amenities.
For backpacking trips, you’ll need a permit—check Backcountry Permits & Reservations before you plan your route.
Campground Amenities at a Glance
- Tent and RV sites are available at most campgrounds (Big Creek is tent-only).
- No electric hookups at most park campgrounds (Look Rock has limited electric).
- No showers are available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds.
- Flush toilets and drinking water are available at many campgrounds (availability can vary by season).
CPAP & Accessible Campsites
- CPAP planning — Since most campgrounds do not have electric hookups, campers using CPAP machines should plan on battery or portable power options.
- Accessible sites — Select campgrounds offer accessible campsites, including Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Some may require calling Recreation.gov or the park to reserve.
Reservations & Permits
Camping inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires advance planning.
- Campground Reservations — All park campgrounds must be reserved through Recreation.gov.
- Backcountry Permits — Required for backcountry campsites and backpacking shelters.
- Seasonal Closures — Some campgrounds close seasonally due to weather or road access.
Book your campsite early through Recreation.gov, since all campgrounds inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park require reservations.
Horse Camps Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Horse camping is also available at designated horse camps in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Anthony Creek Horse Camp
- Big Creek Horse Camp
- Cataloochee Horse Camp
- Round Bottom Horse Camp
- Towstring Horse Camp
For horse camping, check Horse Camps & Reservations for rules, availability, and booking details.
Camping Safety inside the Smoky Mountains National Park
These quick reads cover the most important safety basics for camping inside the park.
Smoky Mountains Wildlife Awareness
Tips for camping in bear country and exploring safely.
Leave No Trace for the Smokies
Protect campsites, trails, and natural areas by following simple Leave No Trace practices.
Smoky Mountain Campfire Safety
Important fire safety tips, rules, and what to know about fire restrictions when camping.
Happy Camping!
Camping inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is such a special experience, and a little planning makes everything smoother. I hope this guide helps you narrow down the best places to camp in the Smokies and feel ready for your trip.
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