Camping  in the National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has frontcountry (developed) and backcountry (backpacking) campsites. There also are a limited number of group tent camping areas. The procedures and facilities for each are different.

Frontcountry Camping
The National Park Service maintains developed campgrounds at 10 locations in the park. They are Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, Look Rock, and Smokemont.

Each campground has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets, but there are no showers or electrical or water hookups in the park. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table.

During summer and fall, sites at Elkmont, Smokemont, and Cades Cove may be reserved. For reservations call 1-800-365-2267 (park code GRE. Reservations are accepted only for May 15-Oct 31. Sites may be reserved up to five months in advance. All other campgrounds are first-come, first serve.

No more than six people may occupy a campsite. Two tents or one RV and one tent are allowed per site. Maximum stay during summer and fall is seven days. Maximum stay during the off-season is 14 days. Pets are allowed in campgrounds as long as they are restrained on a leash or otherwise confined at all times. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Park campgrounds are located in areas frequented by bears and other wildlife. All food, coolers, utensils, stoves, etc, must be stored out of sight in a closed vehicle when not in use. Do not throw food scraps or packaging in fire rings. Feeding wildlife is prohibited.  

Frontcountry Campsites:

• Abrams Creek

• Balsam Mountain

• Big Creek

• Cades Cove

• Cataloochee

• Cosby

• Deep Creek

• Elkmont

• Look Rock

• Smokemont

Group Camping

The park has seven areas where groups may camp. These areas are listed below, along with the operation dates and numbers to call for information. They are open only during the months listed. You must have reservations to stay at these areas. These areas will accommodate tents only. Trailers, campers, or other wheeled units are not permitted. Also be aware that showers and electric hookups are not available.

The minimum party size is eight, and the maximum length of stay is seven nights in these areas. Check out time is noon. You are welcome to call the ranger station to obtain site-specific information, but be aware that the ranger stations are field offices and are not staffed during all hours!

All group campsites require reservations. To make reservations for any group campsite, you must call the National Park Reservation Service.

(800) 365-2267

Camping dates may be reserved up to five months in advance, and payment is required at the time the reservation is made. 

Backcountry Camping

All backcountry campers are required to have a free backcountry permit. They are available at most ranger stations and visitor centers. Anyone staying overnight in the backcountry must camp only in a designated site or shelter. Campers need reservations to stay in any shelter, and 14 tent areas also require reservations. Campers can make reservations by calling (865) 436-1231 daily during regular business hours. For questions about the backcountry (but not reservations) phone the backcountry office at (865) 436-1297.

Be prepared before heading into the backcountry! Get a local weather forecast and be aware of the local climate. Proper clothing, food, water, and equipment are all musts. Food storage regulations are in place and should be followed.