Campground Regulations

Valid Parking Tags Required Starting March 1, 2023

Frontcountry campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag. If parked elsewhere in the park, a parking tag is required.

 

Firewood Regulations: Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency may be brought into the park. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires.

Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season (typically March through November at Smokemont and Elkmont and through December at Cades Cove). Visit http://firewoodscout.org for a map of local stores and businesses that sell certified firewood. Additional information about this regulation.

 

The following regulations apply to camping in Frontcountry Campgrounds and Group Campgrounds.

 

Food Storage
All food and equipment used to prepare and store food (stoves, pots, coolers, etc.) must be kept sealed in a vehicle (preferably the trunk) or in a camping unit constructed of solid, non-pliable material AT ALL TIMES when not in use. All scented items (candles, soap, etc.) as well as all water containers must also be stored. If your vehicle does not have a trunk for storing food and equipment, the following campgrounds have a limited number of food storage lockers: Abrams Creek, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont.

Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. Unattended or improperly stored coolers, food, and scented items may be impounded by campground staff. This regulation will be strictly enforced and violators are subject to fines.

 

Registration
You must register and pay a fee. Check in at the campground office or follow instructions on the Pay Station sign. Checkout or re-register by noon.

Reservations
Advance reservations are required at at all campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park year-round.There are no longer any first come, first served sites. Group sites also require a reservation. Reservations can be made be calling 1-877-444-6777 or by visiting https://www.recreation.gov

Length of Stay
Your stay is limited to 14 consecutive days at a time. Longer stays require that you move to a different campground

Occupants
You may have up to six people per campsite.

Parking
No more than two motor vehicles or one vehicle with trailer are allowed per campsite. Please keep wheels, including trailer wheels and guest cars, on the pavement. Park only in designated spaces.

Tents
All tents must be pitched on the pad, where provided.

Fires and Wood Gathering
Campfires are permitted only in fire grates. You may collect wood in the park only if it is on the ground and dead. Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency may be brought into the park.

Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season (typically March through October at Smokemont and Elkmont and through November at Cades Cove). Visit http://firewoodscout.org for a map of local stores and businesses that sell certified firewood. Additional information about this regulation.

Pets
Pets are allowed in the campground but must be confined or on a leash (6' maximum). Pets are not allowed on trails and should not be left unattended in the campground or your car. Please prevent excessive barking and properly dispose of pet waste.

Waste Water
Dish water and bath water must be drained at utility sinks or dump stations, not on the ground. Do not wash or bathe in streams or at water fountains. RV sewage should be drained only at a dump station. Showers and utility hookups are not available in the park. Showers may be available in nearby towns.

Quiet Hours and Generators
Quiet hours are in effect from 10 pm to 6 am. Generator use is prohibited from 8 pm to 8 am. Generator use and battery charging by engine idling is prohibited in generator free areas. During quiet hours, noise-producing equipment should be turned off and entry to the campground is limited to registered campers.

Alcohol
Alcohol is permitted in campgrounds and picnic areas, provided the person in possession is at least 21 years old.

Bicycles, Inline Skates and Skateboards
Bicycle riders must comply with all traffic regulations and are restricted to public roads, parking areas, and designated routes. Helmets are required for anyone under the age of 16 and are recommended for bicycle riders of all ages. The use of inline skates, skateboards or scooters is prohibited.

Prohibited Items
Fireworks, traps, and the use of chainsaws are prohibited.