Great Smoky Mountains National Park

No, you cannot camp anywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and backcountry campsites. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of camping options, including frontcountry campgrounds, backcountry campsites, and group campgrounds. Some popular frontcountry campgrounds include Elkmont Campground, Cades Cove Campground, and Cosby Campground. To camp in the backcountry, you must obtain a permit and reserve a site in advance. You can find more information about camping in the Great Smoky Mountains and make reservations on the National Park Service website.

While there are some free camping options in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, most campgrounds require a fee. The park has several frontcountry campgrounds, backcountry campsites, and horse camps, each with varying fees and reservation requirements. Backcountry camping requires a permit and a small fee, but some dispersed camping areas in the surrounding national forests may be free. It's essential to check the specific location and regulations before planning your trip. You can learn more about camping in the Great Smoky Mountains here.

Camping fees at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park vary based on the campground and type of site. Prices for frontcountry campgrounds range from $17.50 to $25 per night, while backcountry campsites require a $4 per person, per night fee. Group camping fees range from $26 to $65 per night, depending on the size of the group. For more information on camping options in the Great Smoky Mountains, visit Hipcamp.

One of the most scenic campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Elkmont Campground. It is the largest campground in the park and is located in a beautiful setting surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests. The nearby Little River provides a soothing ambiance, and there are numerous hiking trails in the area, including the popular Laurel Falls Trail and the Elkmont Nature Trail.

Yes, you can camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park offers a variety of camping options, including frontcountry campgrounds, backcountry campsites, and horse camps. There are 10 developed frontcountry campgrounds within the park, which provide a range of amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, fire grates, and tent pads. To explore the available campgrounds and make a reservation, visit the Hipcamp Great Smoky Mountains page. For a more remote experience, you can camp at one of the park's backcountry campsites or shelters. However, you will need a permit for backcountry camping, and reservations are required for all shelters and some backcountry campsites. You can obtain a permit and make reservations through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Backcountry Permit System. If you're traveling with horses, the park also offers five horse camps. Reservations for horse camps can be made through Recreation.gov.

Yes, you can camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers a variety of camping options. There are 10 developed campgrounds within the park, including Cades Cove Campground and Elkmont Campground. These campgrounds provide basic amenities such as restrooms, potable water, and picnic tables. For a more primitive experience, you can also try backcountry camping. The park has over 100 backcountry campsites and shelters, but you will need a permit for overnight stays. You can learn more about these sites and obtain a permit at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's backcountry camping page. In addition to camping within the park, there are private campgrounds and cabins located near the park, such as Tennessee Wilderwood and Peaceful Smokey Mountain Camping. These options provide a range of amenities and experiences, depending on your preferences.

Securing a Great Smoky Mountains National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Great Smokies campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Great Smoky Mountains campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

Most Great Smoky Mountains National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Great Smokies reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Great Smoky Mountains campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

The best time to go camping in the Great Smoky Mountains to see fall foliage is typically from mid-October to mid-November. However, the exact timing of peak fall colors can vary depending on the week and elevation. Higher elevations tend to see fall colors earlier. Use a fall foliage prediction map like Hipcamp's to find the best time for peak foliage.

Some of the best national parks to visit during autumn include Acadia National Park (Maine), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina), Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado), and Shenandoah National Park (Virginia). Use Hipcamp's fall foliage prediction map to know exactly when to plan your trip for peak foliage.

Yes, you can go camping in many national parks during the fall. Acadia National Park, Yosemite National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Shenandoah National Park are some of the best national parks for fall camping. Just check the specific park's regulations, availability, and weather conditions before planning your trip.