Campgrounds in the
Smoky Mountains
The Choice is Yours!

Campgrounds in the Smoky Mountains might seem a bit on the rustic side, but you definitely get your money's worth. Spending $15 or $20 a night isn't bad at all if you don't mind doing without some modern conveniences.

So, what do I mean by rustic? Some of the things you won't find are showers, hot water, and electrical hook-ups.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park operates 10 frontcountry campgrounds. You'll get the basic necessities: restrooms, cold running water, and flush toilets. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.

Cades Cove
Cades Cove campground is convenient, but it can also get pretty crowded. Last time I was there, there were no mirrors in the bathrooms, but they did have automatic sinks and toilets.
- located about 9 miles from Townsend, TN near Cades Cove loop entrance
- open year-round
- has 159 sites
- reservations available
- elevation is 1,807'
- camp store, bike rentals, horse stables
- Abrams Creek nearby
- nearby hiking trails: Abrams Falls, Schoolhouse Gap, Chestnut Top, Gregory Bald

Cosby
Even though Cosby campground is kind of out of the way, it's pretty quiet and it's big.
- located at 127 Cosby Park Rd. in Cosby, TN off TN 32
- open early March- October
- has 165 sites
- reservations available
- elevation is 2459'
- Cosby Creek nearby
- nearby hiking trails: Low Gap Trail to Mount Cammerer

Smokemont
We had a pleasant experience at Smokemont. It wasn't crowded and we hiked Smokemont Loop Trail. We walked to the trailhead from our campsite.
- located off Newfound Gap Rd., 6 miles north of Cherokee, NC
- open year-round
- has 142 sites
- reservations available
- elevation is 2,198'
- swimming, fishing, and tubing in Bradley Fork River
- nearby horse stables
- nearby hiking trails: Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Chimney Tops Trail, Clingmans Dome

Elkmont
This campground is popular since it's so close to the Gatlinburg entrance. I think of guitars strumming when I think of Elkmont:) We were able to get to sleep, thankfully!
- located at 434 Elkmont Rd., Gatlinburg, TN
- open early March- October
- has 220 sites
- reservations available
- elevation is 2,150'
- popular for seeing fireflies
- swimming, fishing, and tubing in Little River
- camp store
- nearby hiking trails: Laurel Falls Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Clingmans Dome, Jakes Creek/Cucumber Gap/Little River Loop, Metcalf Bottoms/Little Brier Gap

Big Creek
When we headed to Big Creek, I was a little concerned we might not get a site. There are only 12 sites and you can't make reservations. We got lucky and there were spots still open. A drawback of Big Creek is you have to carry your supplies to your site. However, there are carts provided to do this. Still, I wouldn't bring too much stuff:)
- located off Cove Creek Rd., east of Cosby
- open early March- October
- has 12 sites for tents only, no reservations available, first-come first-served
- elevation is 1,700'
- swimming, fishing, and tubing in Big Creek
- remote, 30 minutes to nearest grocery

Cataloochee
This is one of my favorite campgrounds in the Smokies. Cataloochee is a quiet peaceful valley with lots of historic sights to see.
- from I-40 take NC exit 20, turn right on Cove Creek Rd., follow signs 11 miles to Cataloochee
- open early March- October
- has 27 sites
- reservations required
- elevation is 2,610'
- tubing in Cataloochee Creek
- popular place for spotting elk
- nearby hiking trails: Hemphill Bald Trail, Cataloochee Divide Trail, Little Cataloochee Trail

Deep Creek
I haven't camped here yet, but I've heard it's great for families. There are easy waterfall hikes nearby and it's a popular place for tubing.
- located at 1912 East Deep Creek Rd., Bryson City, NC
- open April- October
- has 92 sites
- no reservations available, first-come first-served
- elevation is 1,800'
- tubing, fishing, and swimming in Deep Creek

Abrams Creek
This campground is off the beaten path as it's on the very western side of the park, right below Look Rock. I haven't stayed there, but I hear it's a great spot for trout fishing and if you want to steer clear of the crowds.
- located off Happy Valley Rd., turn southeast onto Happy Valley Rd. from Foothills Parkway, after about 2 miles you'll see a sign for it
- open early March- October
- has 16 sites
- no reservations available, first-come first-served
- elevation is 1,125'
- fishing in Abrams Creek

Balsam Mountain
I haven't camped here yet, but this one is definitely on my list. I've heard lots of great things about it. The high elevation makes for cool weather, it doesn't get crowded, and there are great hiking trails nearby.
- located near the end of Heintooga Ridge Rd., take the Blue Ridge Parkway to get to Heintooga Ridge Rd.
- open early May- early October
- has 46 sites
- no reservations available, first-come first-served
- elevation is 5,310'

Look Rock
Like nearby Abrams Creek, Look Rock is off the beaten path. So, it's great if you want to find some solitude in the Smokies while you're camping. I haven't stayed here before, but I hear it rarely fills up.
- located off Flats Rd., turn east onto Happy Valley Rd. from Foothills Parkway to Flats Rd., after 1 mile you'll see signs
- open early May- October
- has 68 sites
- no reservations available, first-come first-served
- elevation is 2,600'
- views of the Smoky Mountains from Look Rock observation tower

Return from Campgrounds to Camping