Adopt a Campsite Program

This program is a great way to enjoy the park's backcountry while helping to maintain a campsite!

Interested in becoming an Adopt a Campsite Volunteer? Here is what you should know:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides volunteers with training in campsite maintenance and inspection, Leave No Trace, and tool safety.
• Campsite maintenance includes: cleaning out fire rings, inspecting bear cable systems, removing litter, and dismantling primitive benches or tables.
• The park provides volunteers with access to the tools needed to complete the work.
• To participate in the program, volunteers must complete a VIP application and attend a one-day Adopt a Campsite orientation training session.
• If you wish to remain in the program for more than a year you must attend an annual safety meeting.
• Volunteers are expected hike out to their campsite at least 5 times a year for at least one year and submit a report after each trip.
• Volunteers must be 18 years old or work with a consenting adult at all times.

To volunteer for the Adopt a Campsite program download a VIP Application and return completed VIP applications to the park's Volunteer Coordinator at 107 Park Headquarters Drive, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

For more information about the Adopt a Campsite program contact the Backcountry Management Specialist at 865-436-1264.