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

    Great Smoky Mountains

    National Park NC,TN

How the Reservation System Works

Some campgrounds and day use facilities at the national park operate on a reservation system for at least a portion of their operating season, while others operate strictly on first come, first served basis. For reservable facilities, reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day. Reservations by phone can be made between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Advance reservations are required at Cataloochee Campground, Group Campsites, Horse Camps, and the Appalachian Clubhouse and Spence Cabin.

The facilities listed below operate on the reservation system for at least some portion of their season. Unless otherwise noted, all sites at that facility operate on the reservation system during the reservation period.

Facility

Reservation Period

Reservations
Can Be Made
Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont campgrounds

May 15-Oct 311

6 months in advance
Cataloochee Campground

Same as season dates2

6 months in advance
Cosby Campground

Same as season dates.2 Limited reservation sites; most sites are first come, first served.

6 months in advance
Group Campsites

Same as season dates2

1 year in advance
Horse Camps

Same as season dates2

1 year in advance
Picnic Pavilions

Same as season dates2

1 year in advance
Appalachian Clubhouse

Same as season dates3

1 year in advance

1 Walk-up, same day reservations may be available at the campground during the reservation period.
2 You can make a reservation on the same day as your arrival via www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Reservations are not available at the facility.
3 Minimum 2 day advance reservation.

  • Weather Forecast Weather Forecast

    Current weather forecasts are available by phone and online. Read More

  • 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

  • Black Bears Black Bears

    An estimated 1,500 black bears live in the park. Read More

  • Historic Buildings Historic Buildings

    Nearly 80 historic structures—homes, barns, churches, schools, and mills—are preserved in the park. Read More

  • Fishing in the Park Fishing in the Park

    The park offers a wide variety of angling experiences for fishermen. Read More

Did You Know?

Flame azalea can be found growing on heath balds in the park.

The park’s high elevation heath balds are treeless expanses where dense thickets of shrubs such as mountain laurel, rhododendron, and sand myrtle grow. Known as “laurel slicks” and “hells” by early settlers, heath balds were most likely created by forest fires long ago.