Balsam Mountain Campsites
| 46 Sites, Elev. 5310' |
|
May 14th. - Oct. 11th. |
| Max. RV Length 30' |
|
$14 Overnight Fee |
Balsam Mountain is a highly elevated Park campground on the eastern end of the Park and features a 3/4 mile nature trail.
The Balsam Mountain Trail connects this campground with the Big Creek campground via the Gunter Fork and Camel Gap trails, and the Appalachian Trail.
Accesssible from the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina take Balsam Mountain Road to the end of the pavement.
Big Creek Campsites
| 12 Sites, Elev. 1,700' |
|
Mar. 1st. - Oct. 31st. |
| No RV's |
|
$12 Overnight Fee |
A very small campground at the eastern end of the Park, Big Creek can easily be accessed off I-40 at the Waterville exit at the border of Tennessee and N. Carolina, or reached by paved then gravel road from
TN Hwy 32 out of Cosby. It features trailheads to Big Creek Trail and the Baxter Creek Trail to the Mt. Sterling firetower.
Cades Cove Campsites
| 161 sites, Elev. 1807 |
|
Open Year Round |
| Max. RV Lenght 35' |
|
$14-$17 Overnight Fee |
Reservations are recommended for the Cades Cove campground featuring 161 sites. The Cades Cove motor loop, welcome center, and historical homes, churches, and mill from the post colonial settlement are nearby.
Trails to Abrams Falls, Cades Cove Mountain, Russell Field, Spence Field, Rocky Top, Gregory Bald, Hannah Mountain, and the Appalachian Trail are accessible from Cades Cove.
Cataloochee Campsites
| 27 Sites, Elev. 2,610' |
|
Mar. 12th. - Oct. 31st. |
| Max. RV Length 31' |
|
$12 Overnight Fee |
Known for its historic buildings, large trees, and many streams, brooks, and footbridges the Cataloochie area is located in the southeastern edge of the Park. To get to the campground from 1-40 take the Waynesville- Maggie Valley, NC exit to US 276 and turn almost immediutely on Cove Creek Rd. At 2 miles bear right to stay
on Cove Creek Road, you'll encounter a paved road at 7-8 miles, follow it 3-4 miles more to the campground. Rough Fork Trail connects to Caldwell Fork Trail
that will take you back to the Cataloochee campground. Or for a shorter (7.4 miles) loop trail take Caldwell Fork Trail to the Boogerman Trail loop and back to the campground.
Cosby Campsites
| 157 Sites, Elev. 2,459' |
|
Mar. 12th. - Oct. 11st. |
| Max. RV Length 25' |
|
$14 Overnight Fee |
Located on the eastern side of the Park, the Cosby Campground is one of the largest. Bordering Cosby Creek, you can access the trail heads to Mt. Cammera's
firetower and the Snake Ridge Den Trail to Maldron Bald and the Appalachian Trail. There is also a very nice 1 mile nature hike at the campground.
From US Hwy. 321 at the Cosby post office take TN Hwy. 32 two miles to the entrance.
Deep Creek Campsites
| 108 Sites, Elev. 1,800' |
|
April 2nd. - Oct. 31st. |
| Max. RV Length 26' |
|
$14 Overnight Fee |
Site of the first Cherokee village, you can reach the Deep Creek Campground from Bryson City, NC.
Take US 19 from Cherokee and at Bryson turn right on Everett street. Wildfloweres, waterfalls, large streams, and several connector trails highlight the Deep Creek trail.
Elkmont Campsites
| 220 Sites, Elev. 2150' |
|
Mar 12th. - Nov 30th. |
| Max. RV Length 32' |
|
$14-$20 Overnight Fee |
Take Little River Road five miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center into Elkmont. There you'll find a short nature trail
where the Little River Railroad once operated.
Look Rock Campsites
| 92 Sites, Elev. 2,600' |
|
May 14th. - Oct. 31st. |
| Max. RV Length 35' |
|
$14 Overnight Fee |
The Chilhowee Mountain lookout tower offers a splendid view of the Smokies Crest. Reach it from the Foothills Parkway on the western edge of the Park
between US 321 and US 129.
Smokemont Campsites
| 140 Sites, Elev. 2,198' |
|
Open Year Round |
| Max. RV Length 27' |
|
$14-$17 Overnight Fee |
You can reach the Smokemount campground from Newfound Gap Road (US 441) about 3 miles north of the Oconalufte
Visitors Center in North Carolina. Use the Bradley Fork trail to reach Chasteen Creek Trail, Hughes Ridge Trail, and on to the Appalachian trail.
From Chasteen Creek Trail take the Smokemont Loop trail featuring several stream crossings back to the campground.
Backcountry Campsites - Mt. LeConte
There are several trails to the summit of Mt. LeConte from Cherokee Orchard Road in Gstlinburg or take the shortest route (five miles) via the Alum Cave trail off the Newfound Gap Rd. (US 441)
about 4 miles from Newfound Gap towards Cherokee. There are campsites for public camping and a Lodge where you must make reservations.
All backcountry campers are required to have a free backcountry permit available at most ranger stations and visitor centers.
Camp 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.
A backcountry map, showing all the hiking trails, camping areas, and a list of rules, regulations, and safety concerns is available through the Great Smoky Mountains Association's online bookstore .
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. Click here for more information on bears and regulations.
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