Smokies Backcountry Camping: Things You Need To Know

Reservations and permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. To make reservations, please visit the backcountry reservation website.

To ensure your backcountry trip is safe and enjoyable, please take a few moments to read each of the sections below. If you have questions, please call the Backcountry Information Office at [phone]. Phone calls are the preferred method of contact for backcountry trip planning questions. The Backcountry Information Office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).

• Regulations
• For Your Safety
• Hazards and Risks
• Backpacking in Bear Country
• Leave No Trace
• Road, Trail and Facility Closures - closures may affect your access to trailheads
• Weather - weather may affect your access to campsites
• Maps and Books

• Hiker Shuttle Information -There are a number of hiker shuttle services in communities surrounding the national park. Information for most of these businesses may be found on the internet. Because this information changes often, the park does not maintain or publish a current listing of these businesses.