Best Camping in and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

98% (134 reviews)

Forest trails link campsites with waterfalls and reminders of once-bustling Appalachian communities.

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Community favorites near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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(2)

Anthony Creek Horse Campground

3 sites In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elkmont Campground // Photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Warren Bielenberg

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(35)

Elkmont Campground

210 sites · RVs, Tents In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The beginning of low gap trail just up from Cosby.

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(12)

Cosby Campground

157 sites · RVs, Tents In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Just hanging with our buds! Lots of good hammock trees in most sites.

100%

(28)

Cades Cove Campground

160 sites · RVs, Tents In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

94%

(12)

Cosby Group Campground

3 sites In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

67%

(4)

Look Rock Campground

68 sites · RVs, Tents In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cades Cove Group Campground

4 sites In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cooking while at Abrams Creek Campground

88%

(4)

Abram's Creek Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

from

$14

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

97%

(292)

Conleys Creek Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Whittier, NC

We purchased our nine-acre property a little over three years ago. It was a run down, small, manufactured home park with a farmhouse on it. It has been an ongoing labor of love to transform it into a small, unique RV and tent camping park along beautiful Conleys Creek. We only offer 4 tent spots (first come, first served), as well as 4 RV spots. We rent out our 38' RV separately. We have torn down and repurposed some of the manufactured homes on the property. We continue to create numerous gardens with veggies and herbs. We have also planted numerous fruit and flowering trees, bushes and flowers for bold color throughout the year. Our property is completely pesticide free. We currently have 11 free range chickens, known as The Dixie Chicks! Guests enjoy feeding, petting and collecting their eggs, which are delicious! We offer both RV and tent camping on both sides of Conleys Creek. Each site has a grill and fire pit. Fish or cool off in our creek, which is regularly stocked with trout. As a convenience to our guests, we sell eggs, firewood and ice. Enjoy the game room playing billiards or shooting darts. Enjoy the nice weather and play one of our numerous outdoor yard games. We have a very clean, private guest bath house, excellent WI-FI and a dump station. Hike up our mountain range to locate our second creek. Our guests love how convenient our location is to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We are nestled between Bryson City and Cherokee. Close to other charming towns, such as Dillsboro and Sylva, and many outdoor attractions. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, tubing, kayaking and whitewater rapids, all nearby our property. This is our home, business and new lifestyle. Come and enjoy it with us!

94%

(199)

Harmony hollow

9 sites · Tents80 acres · Sevierville, TN

Learn more about this land:Hi and thanks so much for checking out Harmony Farm . We are conveniently located minutes from Pigeon Forge TN. Home of and only 5 miles from Dollywood. Only a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains national park . There are too many local attractions to list from horseback riding to shopping outlet malls . Free firewood at every site upon your arrival. There is a composting potty in the barn area that has been upgraded recently as well as potable water . We are accepting tents, trucks with campers, vans and pop up campers welcomed also . We do have sites set up for you or you may prefer to pack your gear out to create your own site in a more secluded areas of the farm . There are many private areas along the creekside for your primitive camp on our 60 acre horse farm. Hike to the back of the farm to watch a sunset over the horse field or down by the stream . Lots of wildlife and scenery at the farm . Laundromat and food venues just minutes away. you can still feel off grid with just a short stroll by the stream that babbles along throughout the 60 acres you will be able to make your playground while visiting the Harmony Farm. Come stay with us as we grow our hip community. Thanks so much for your support.

99%

(1148)

Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, NC

Voted 2nd in NC!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! Check out www.smokymtnriverranch.com for more information. PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout. Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking. Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too! All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites. Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. Please review the Extras options as we offer river lifts, firewood and dog stays; thank you! Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am. Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Please contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. NO CHECK-INS AFTER DARK. We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.

92%

(305)

Indigo Eagle Sanctuary

28 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Maggie Valley, NC

Indigo Eagle Sanctuary is an incredible place to experience the abundance of nature in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our Sanctuary features two main areas: Mountain Tops, or Creekside sites. Immerse yourself in beauty and adventure, with waterfalls, a rushing creek, fishing, and camping. Our creek properties include the Creekside Cabin, and Waterfall Haven (multiple camping site options, with their own areas by the creek). Guests have room to explore the mossy wonderland along Hornbuckle Creek, take a dip in a swimming hole, take an adventure and follow a rough trail (at your own risk) to another waterfall, accessed across the creek, or just kick back and relax. (Note to guests: Trail has not been maintained since last year. Go at your own risk.) Our mountaintop options include Eagle’s Nest and Songbird Campsites. These two sites provide breathtaking, long-range mountain views and epic sunsets. They are great for quick get-aways, with ease of access to main roads/highways. Indigo Eagle Sanctuary Sites are located within a few miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee Reservation (museum, shops, dining) and Maggie Valley, a quaint mountain town with more shops, food, and entertainment. Nearest grocery stores are Ingles in Waynesville, or Food Lion in Cherokee. The popular Asheville is about a 50minute drive from our Sanctuary. Plenty to explore here, while being able to unplug and unwind.

92%

(119)

Critter Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Sevierville, TN

We are in the Heart of it all. Looking for quiet nights and super starry skies? This is the place. We have 2 rescued horses and a donkey. A lynx, serval cat, sugergliders and trained rats from a movie. 6 dogs , 3 house cats We are located exactly in the middle between Pigeon Forge, with shows and go karts or Townsend.. with the quiet side of the smokies... tubing, horseback riding, hiking, Cades Cove offers biking and car tours. We are one mile from the foothills parkway entrance and less than 2 miles to a Great Smoky mountains entrance. Our sites offer toilets, potable water, wifi and trash disposal. We are pet friendly, and you are permitted to have campfires (outside of any burn ban). We offer animal encounters.

98%

(83)

Smoky Mountain Meadows

165 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Bryson City, NC

(Please Note: Hipcamp does not have an easy way to add in Pet and Child fees. You will need to go to EXTRAS and add in number of pets ($5/pet/per night) for cabins and/or number of children ($5/child/night) on all sites SEPERATE from adults when making your reservation. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $10/NIGHT FOR EACH CHILD INSTEAD OF $5. We will no longer be issuing refunds or store credits for the overcharge.) When you enter Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, you can leave all the “rush-rush” of your daily life behind. You will find yourself in a beautiful valley with quiet green meadows and a bubbling brook encompassing your surroundings. We are almost half-way between Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge. We have been host to the Carolina Canoe Club's annual Week of Rivers Event for over 25 years! Thanks everyone! 2023 Season: March 31 – Oct 31 Rules for the Campground 1. 100 % Refund less credit card processing fee if you cancel before 14 days of your arrival date. 50% Refund if you cancel between 14 and 7 days of your arrival date. No Refund if you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date. 2. CHECK OUT: Noon; CHECK IN:Cabins, Campers and Glamping Tents: 2pm All Other Sites: Noon 3. QUIET TIME. Weekdays 10pm – 8am Weekends 11pm – 8am 4. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES. Camp must be broken down by noon on departure day. If you stay past noon you could be charged for an additional day. Extension possible with pre-approval. You must inform the office when you are leaving. 5. All Overnight Guests Must Pay 6. Trash must be taken to the Green Bins located at the lower corner of the upper field 7. No washing vehicles 8. PETS.Must always be kept on a leash. Must be picked up after by the owner. Must never be left unattended (exceptions apply).

99%

(435)

Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

12 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Robbinsville, NC

Private property bordering Nantahala National Forest on Little Snowbird Creek in Robbinsville, NC. 16mi from Lake Santeelah, about 10mi from the Cherohala Skyway. MUST HAVE 4X4 OR AWD VEHICLE TO ACCESS MOUTAINTOP CAMPSITES. Property damage fee of $100 for 2WD vehicles not adhering to rule. 2WD vehicles must camp creekside, sites 1-6. NO AXES, HATCHETS, MACHETES ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. NO NAILS IN THE TREES TO HANG THINGS. It damages the tree and causes them to die. Spacious camping lots, and great trout fishing but will need a landowner permission slip as little snowbird creek is on private property. Fishing privileges are actually written into property owners' deed on the purchase of land. Amazing views and relaxing sounds of the creek can be heard from anywhere on the property. Many Hiking trails are just a short drive from the property and please be respectful of others' property and no trespassing signs. It’s a kinda bumpy mountain road to get there but the secluded, peaceful and breathtaking views make this location a must-see and adventure.

96%

(35)

RV w hookups 35 acres hike & fish

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Cherokee, NC

RV site with water hookup just outside the gate to our property. We have 35+ acres full of hiking trails, stocked pond, party barn with hot water, firepit, lawn games. Site is convienent on an almost flat gravel road and located just off Rt 441 in Whittier, NC. One mile off Cherokee reservation, 2 miles to Harrah's Casino and 5 miles from Oconaluftee Visitor Center, The entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains.

96%

(470)

Low Meadow Farms

19 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Knoxville, TN

Low Meadow Farms (formerly Brown Bike Farms) is a serene four-acre meadow bordered by Burnett Creek. The campground is an easy distance to Downtown Knoxville and an even easier access to all that South Knox's Urban Wilderness has to offer. It uniquely offers a hint of backcountry camping without the 25-mile hike in. It is a great way to test the waters for primitive camping or an easy stop close to the city for a seasoned traveler. It is best suited for car camping, RVs, tent, and hammock camping. There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site with enough room for tents and RVs. Most sites have trees suitable for hammock camping all along the creek. There is potable water, firewood for sale, solar showers, and a bike wash stand all next to the covered communal area. Each standard site can accommodate 2 people to keep space between groups and lessen the impact on the land. Sites 10 and 13 can each accommodate 6 guests. If you have more in your group, we recommend reserving an adjoining campsite. Sites 1, 2 and 3 are off the main path to the left of the property, and still by the creek. Sites 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are all along the creek and gravel drive Site 10 is very private with creek access on three sides. Site 11 is private with creek access all along the front. Site 12 is up high on a hill, and Site 13 is open in the middle of the meadow.

99%

(100)

The Enchanted Forest

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Hayesville, NC

Five gravel, flat RV sites with electric and water, by a trout creek and dump site on property! Tiny homes on property, hammocks, fire pit and more. 30 minutes away from Lake Chatuge, local brewing companies, local shopping, wine tasting, local artist displays and Marinas on the lake. Hiking, fishing

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(108)

Cherokee Waterfall Campground

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Cherokee, NC

Please read the entire description because I have updated the site! I am doing renovations to the campground and there is a big chance that this will no longer be a 1 site campground. I am adding another campsite around 100 yards away from the "Waterfall" site. I will call this site "Creekside". The people that book the "Creekside" site will not be allowed to go to the waterfall or enter the "Waterfall" site and it will be clearly marked where one site ends and the other begins. There is a chance the the renovations to the new "Creekside" site will not be finished this year but if you book the "Waterfall" site just know that there will be a chance that there will be another site on the property. When I finish with the renovations I will contact all the people that booked the "Waterfall" site and ask them if they want to reserve the other site (Creekside) on the days they have booked. If I don't contact you then you will know that the "Creekside" site is not finished. There has been some confusion so I thought I would clear things up. The listing is for 2 guests. Anyone or any pets after the initial 2 guests there is an extra charge for. So if you book the site that's for you and one other person and if you want to bring a pet then you will add them as an extra guest. The "Waterfall" site has a full hookup pull-through with a 30 amp electric connection. There is also a full size flushing toilet and hot shower in the bath house. I'm going to say for now that the max size of camper will be 25 foot with a max height of 12 foot because you will be pulling under a power line. The "Creekside" site will be full hookup pull-through with 30 amp power. This site is still under construction. More details to come! We're 2.5 miles from the Cherokee Casino and 3.5 miles from down town Cherokee We now offer full hookup camping but tents are also still welcome! There is very limited cell service with no wifi. This campground is not really suitable for children but children are welcome. If you want to camp and bring children message me first before you book the site. Large groups are welcome. I've had a group of 17 and there was room for more! We are located in the Great Smokey Mountains on the Eastern Band Cherokee Reservation in Cherokee North Carolina. This may no longer be a 1 site campground so please read everything on this page because the rules and details have changed. Please do not just show up at the campground without a reservation. Most likely the campground will be reserved and guests will be camping. There is no on-site staff and there's a gate that either the guests or myself will keep locked. You will not be able to just drive up and view the waterfall. We are a no frills campground, but I just renovated and I'm pretty proud of that because I did everything myself! I now have a pull-through site with electric, water and sewer hookups. What this campground lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in beauty and privacy. I feel this is one of the most unique campsites in the world! Check in is at 2pm and check out is at 12pm. There is a house and a church on the same road so please drive slowly. No shooting firearms, (although you may hear people shooting firearms because you will be camping in the mountains) but your more than welcome to bring your firearms. Its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. No fireworks. Since this may no longer be a "1 site" campground if you want to bring your dog it will need to be with you and leashed. If you know your dog is a "barker" meaning you know your dog will constantly bark at other campers then do not book the site. If that happens you will be asked to quiet your dog then if it doesn't stop you will be made to leave with no refund. There will now be "quiet hours" since you maybe sharing the property with other campers. It will be after 11pm. One campsites guests will not be allowed to enter the other site. The sites will be clearly marked. If this happens you will be made to leave with no refund. The gate will need to be closed at all times No making trails or collecting firewood (This is not because I want to sell you firewood, its because I want to have the property remain as pristine as possible) Do not cut down trees alive or dead If you move picnic tables please move them back, there's only one of me and I cant move them back alone The water and toilet maybe frozen in freezing weather and the hot water shower will be uninstalled during freezing weather Dogs are permitted but contact before you book the site to confirm if your dog will be allowed. I charge for dogs the same as I do for extra guests. BY BOOKING THE SITE YOU AGREE TO ALL THESE TERMS There is a small Church around 200 yards from the campground. They hold services every Wednesday and Sunday. They generally start around 5pm and it lasts around a hour. If your into that they would love to have you come down. Please don't hesitate to call me or text with any questions you might have

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(219)

Mountain Soul

3 sites · RVs, Tents87 acres · Sevierville, TN

Want to relax near a crystal clear stream or lay in a hammock next to a waterfall? Hike in the mountains where you are the only one on the trail, build your own shelter or pitch a tent. Mountain Soul can accommodate all this and more. The property is 84 beautiful acres with 3 private campsites 20 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore creeks, waterfalls and mountain views and travel only 5 minutes to a beautiful clear river. We are located only minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountain's and Cherokee National Forest where outdoor adventure surrounds you. If it's Whitewater Rafting or Dollywood or many other attractions you maybe interested in, it's near by. We have plenty of information for attractions and hiking on site. If you want to do the moonshine or wine trail it's all close by. Live music in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, we love musicians and encourage you to bring your instrument. For a vacation you won't soon forget, join us at Mountain Soul!

The best camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park guide

Overview

About

Campers converge on this park to soak up the lush scenery. But it’s the festive sense of community that makes camping in the Great Smokies so memorable. The busiest campgrounds border some of the prettiest natural attractions in the park, from creeks tumbling over mossy rocks to meadows teeming with wildlife. Tranquility reigns supreme in the remote campgrounds, where nature immersion begins the moment you step from your car. Backcountry tent sites hug far-flung trails while wooden shelters dot the Appalachian Trail (AT), which tracks the lofty spine of the park between Tennessee and North Carolina and passes Clingmans Dome.

Great Smoky Mountains RV Camping

The Great Smoky Mountains stretch from North Carolina to Tennessee, so RVers have their choice of state, site, and scenery. Within the national park itself, RV campers can pick between frontcountry campsites with running water and toilets to RV lots with picnic tables and firepits. Yet for even more variety, check in to an RV campsite in Gatlinburg, Bryson City, or the area's other charming towns. To conserve your energy for hiking, opt for an RV site with full hookups and dump stations that make your camping trip as easy as possible. Or, for a more communal camping experience, try an RV resort with picnic areas, a pool table, and ample opportunities to mingle with fellow campers. No matter where you stay, take the Smoky Mountains to heart by creating smoke in your firepit. With a s'more in hand and mountains in view, you’ll experience the beauty of the forest in full force.

Notable campgrounds

Best for wildlife watching: Elk and turkey roam meadows near Cataloochee Campground.
Best for hiking: Several good trails link to Cosby Campground.
Best for history buffs: Abandoned cabins and churches border the scenic loop road beside the year-round Cades Cove Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The national park service manages nine developed frontcountry campgrounds. Reservations are required for all frontcountry campgrounds and are available up to six months in advance. Walk-up reservations may occasionally be available at larger campgrounds, but don’t count on it.
Campsite reservations can be made online or by phone.
A permit and advance reservations are required for backcountry camping, including at the park’s 15 AT shelters. Reservations and permits may be obtained up to 30 days in advance. AT hikers with special thru-hike permits do not need shelter reservations.

When to go

Campgrounds reach peak capacity from late June through August. The Wildflower Pilgrimage in late April and the synchronous firefly display in late May and early June also draw crowds. Flame azaleas bloom on Andrews and Gregory Balds in June. The park is busy again in autumn when the leaves begin changing color, which is typically in October. Fall weekends are particularly busy. For pleasant weather and lighter crowds, visit in early June and in September. Snow and ice arrive in January and February.

Know before you go

The park sprawls across two states: Tennessee and North Carolina. Newfound Gap Rd/Hwy 441 is the only paved road within the park that links the two states.
There are no restaurants in the park, but snacks and limited groceries are available at concession areas at Cade Cove and Elkmont campgrounds.
Campgrounds have restrooms with toilets and cold running water but no showers. RVs are allowed at all campgrounds except tent-only Big Creek. There are no electrical or water hook-ups.