Can you camp anywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains?

Hipcamp staff
A scenic view of 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.

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