The best camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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.

• 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.

1. 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.
2. Campsite reservations can be made online or by phone.
3. 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.

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.

• 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.