• Approximately 1,500 black bears live in the national park.

    Great Smoky Mountains

    National Park NC,TN

Camping

Campsite in Cades Cove

Most frontcountry campsites in the park are wooded.

Amy Nichter Photo

The park offers several different types of campsites:

• Backcountry - for backpackers. Requires hiking several miles to a site located in the park's backcountry.

• Frontcountry - camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table.

• Group Campgrounds - large campsites suitable for groups of eight people or more. Located in frontcountry campgrounds.

• Horse Camps - Small campgrounds, accessible by vehicle, that offer hitch racks for horses and primitive camping facilities.

Campground facilities and the procedures for obtaining a site in each type are different. Click on the titles above for additional information about facilities, reservations, and operating seasons.

 
Campground Rules and Regulations
Includes food storage regulations, generator use and quiet hours
 

Quarantine Notice: The possession of firewood originating from a location for which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect is prohibited in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Click for additional information about this quarantine, including states affected.

  • Regulations Concerning Pets Regulations Concerning Pets

    Leashed pets are allowed in developed areas and along roads, but are not allowed on park trails. Read More

  • Download Park Maps Download Park Maps

    Maps of trails and campgrounds as well as general park maps are available. Read More

  • Hemlock Woolly Adelgids Hemlock Woolly Adelgids

    Eastern hemlock trees are under attack from a non-native insect called the hemlock woolly adelgid. Read More

Did You Know?

President Roosevelt at the park's Rockefeller Memorial.

Money to buy the land that became Great Smoky Mountains National Park was raised by individuals, private groups, and even school children who pledged their pennies. In addition, the Laura Spellman Rockefeller Memorial Fund donated $5 million to create the park.