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About
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park sings the songs of country music herself with her rambling streams, ancient mountains, and remnants of true Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The park holds some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the lower 48 and endless trails in which to explore it. You can spend your days climbing through waterfalls, fishing for trout, bicycling under fall foliage, exploring historical sites, picnicking, and cabrewing (the holy union of beer and canoeing). At night you can ponder all this awesomeness under the light of southeastern stars. So pack up your guitar, strum some chords by the campfire, and maybe learn the words to "Rocky Top" while you are on top of that particular peak!
AT through-hikers will grab their backcountry passes on the route, but section hikers have a lot more work to
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park sings the songs of country music herself with her rambling streams, ancient mountains, and remnants of true Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The park holds some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the lower 48 and endless trails in which to explore it. You can spend your days climbing through waterfalls, fishing for trout, bicycling under fall foliage, exploring historical sites, picnicking, and cabrewing (the holy union of beer and canoeing). At night you can ponder all this awesomeness under the light of southeastern stars. So pack up your guitar, strum some chords by the campfire, and maybe learn the words to "Rocky Top" while you are on top of that particular peak!
AT through-hikers will grab their backcountry passes on the route, but section hikers have a lot more work to do. Camping along the Appalachian trail in the Smokies is only allowed in shelters, and the shelters must be reserved in advance. Wake up early in the morning 30 days before your trip when the calendars open up, and remember, a 20 mile day is a really long hike. At least you save the pack weight of your tent? Other lodging within the Smokies is a little easier to find in the frontcountry, where lodges, RV and car camping sites abound in the park's 8 campgrounds.
Activities in the park
Biking
Hiking
Horseback riding
Wildlife watching
8 campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Get a taste of Appalachia and the Great Smoky Mountains with most of the comforts of home when you snag a spot at Cades Cove Campground. This popular campground has pretty much all the bases covered so you can stay super cozy but have the wilderness right at your doorstep. A scenic driving loop is one way to see the Cove, but there are also lots o Read more...
Get ready for a romantic getaway. . . with your horse, that is. Anthony Creek Horse Camp is situated in a beautiful grove with blooming trees and paths made just for you and your equine pal. With access to several backcountry trails, you'll have the feeling of true seclusion in Mother Nature that every horse dreams of.
Big and busy are the two best words to describe Elkmont Campground. Located only eight miles away from the famous town of Gatlinburg, this is the number one stop at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With the Little River running through the campground, you can enjoy some waterfront camping and several nearby fishing holes. If you're craving Read more...
Take a big breath in and inhale that sweet, fresh air. Cosby Group Camp is the perfect secluded getaway with clusters of trees offering some refreshing shade. Only a few miles away, you can hike the fabled Appalachian Trail, or get in on some high-quality backcountry fishing. Whatever you choose, we have a feeling you'll feel rejuvenated by the en Read more...
With plenty of shaded and secluded sites, Cosby Campground is the place to get your Appalachian on. Hike around the glorious smokies or get fishing for your dinner, we'll let you be the judge. If you're hankerin' to stock up on some munchies, the small town of Cosby has convenience stores and gas stations located only five miles down the road.
Sometimes the urge to get out and camp hits you with no warning. For times like these, thank goodness for awesome first-come, first-served sites like Abrams Creek Campground. Here, you can pitch it or park it at a moment's notice and start to refuel with Nature’s goodness. Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this cozy campground is has Read more...
Stock up on the best ingredients for s'mores, because Cades Cove Group Campground is the perfect spot to bond over a crackling fire as chocolate melts in your mouth. Plus, the tall trees surrounding the area create an ideal setting for a leisurely, shaded stroll. If you need to stock up on more marshmallows, fret not, the Cades Cove Campground Sto Read more...
Located at the far west end of the park, Look Rock Campground is one of the closest campsites to the McGhee-Tyson Airport, meaning getting there has never been easier. With several creeks surrounding it as well, the allure of fishing has never been so strong. Crack open that beer and enjoy the nearby view of Chilhowee Mountains. You deserve it, yo Read more...
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
From fireflies in the summer to cozy cabins in the winter. The Smokies are a 4-season paradise.
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park sings the songs of country music herself with her rambling streams, ancient mountains, and remnants of true Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The park holds some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the lower 48 and endless trails in which to explore it. You can spend your days climbing through waterfalls, fishing for trout, bicycling under fall foliage, exploring historical sites, picnicking, and cabrewing (the holy union of beer and canoeing). At night you can ponder all this awesomeness under the light of southeastern stars. So pack up your guitar, strum some chords by the campfire, and maybe learn the words to "Rocky Top" while you are on top of that particular peak!
AT through-hikers will grab their backcountry passes on the route, but section hikers have a lot more work to
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park sings the songs of country music herself with her rambling streams, ancient mountains, and remnants of true Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The park holds some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the lower 48 and endless trails in which to explore it. You can spend your days climbing through waterfalls, fishing for trout, bicycling under fall foliage, exploring historical sites, picnicking, and cabrewing (the holy union of beer and canoeing). At night you can ponder all this awesomeness under the light of southeastern stars. So pack up your guitar, strum some chords by the campfire, and maybe learn the words to "Rocky Top" while you are on top of that particular peak!
AT through-hikers will grab their backcountry passes on the route, but section hikers have a lot more work to do. Camping along the Appalachian trail in the Smokies is only allowed in shelters, and the shelters must be reserved in advance. Wake up early in the morning 30 days before your trip when the calendars open up, and remember, a 20 mile day is a really long hike. At least you save the pack weight of your tent? Other lodging within the Smokies is a little easier to find in the frontcountry, where lodges, RV and car camping sites abound in the park's 8 campgrounds.
Activities in the park
8 campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Get a taste of Appalachia and the Great Smoky Mountains with most of the comforts of home when you snag a spot at Cades Cove Campground. This popular campground has pretty much all the bases covered so you can stay super cozy but have the wilderness right at your doorstep. A scenic driving loop is one way to see the Cove, but there are also lots o Read more...
Get ready for a romantic getaway. . . with your horse, that is. Anthony Creek Horse Camp is situated in a beautiful grove with blooming trees and paths made just for you and your equine pal. With access to several backcountry trails, you'll have the feeling of true seclusion in Mother Nature that every horse dreams of.
Big and busy are the two best words to describe Elkmont Campground. Located only eight miles away from the famous town of Gatlinburg, this is the number one stop at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With the Little River running through the campground, you can enjoy some waterfront camping and several nearby fishing holes. If you're craving Read more...
Take a big breath in and inhale that sweet, fresh air. Cosby Group Camp is the perfect secluded getaway with clusters of trees offering some refreshing shade. Only a few miles away, you can hike the fabled Appalachian Trail, or get in on some high-quality backcountry fishing. Whatever you choose, we have a feeling you'll feel rejuvenated by the en Read more...
With plenty of shaded and secluded sites, Cosby Campground is the place to get your Appalachian on. Hike around the glorious smokies or get fishing for your dinner, we'll let you be the judge. If you're hankerin' to stock up on some munchies, the small town of Cosby has convenience stores and gas stations located only five miles down the road.
Sometimes the urge to get out and camp hits you with no warning. For times like these, thank goodness for awesome first-come, first-served sites like Abrams Creek Campground. Here, you can pitch it or park it at a moment's notice and start to refuel with Nature’s goodness. Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this cozy campground is has Read more...
Stock up on the best ingredients for s'mores, because Cades Cove Group Campground is the perfect spot to bond over a crackling fire as chocolate melts in your mouth. Plus, the tall trees surrounding the area create an ideal setting for a leisurely, shaded stroll. If you need to stock up on more marshmallows, fret not, the Cades Cove Campground Sto Read more...
Located at the far west end of the park, Look Rock Campground is one of the closest campsites to the McGhee-Tyson Airport, meaning getting there has never been easier. With several creeks surrounding it as well, the allure of fishing has never been so strong. Crack open that beer and enjoy the nearby view of Chilhowee Mountains. You deserve it, yo Read more...
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