Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains: Hidden Gems

Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains: Hidden Gems - OBP

Deep Creek Campground Located on the Southeastern Side of the Park

Okay, imagine this: You’ve just set up your tent at Deep Creek Campground, and you’re already feeling like a woodland pro even if this is your first foray into the Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains universe. Why? Because Deep Creek just gets beginners. Sites feel comfortably spaced, the trickling creek whispers you to sleep, and let’s be honest the real MVP here is the bathhouse that isn’t a quarter mile hike away.

What do I pack? Short answer: nothing fancy. You won’t need a truckload of gear like you’re prepping for Everest. One Coleman 3 person tent, my trusty REI camp stove ($89 on sale last spring!), and a couple of citronella candles did the trick on my last visit. In fact, I forgot my camp mug and just used a Nalgene. Nobody judged this isn’t Instagram, it’s the Smokies.

Feeling snacky? Walk (don’t run roots are tricksy) down to the Deep Creek trailhead. Three waterfalls call this place home: Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank. That last one sounds like the username of someone who’d totally beat you at Mario Kart, right? Pro tip there’s a bench at Juney Whank where you can watch the falls and eat way too many trail mix M&Ms.

What’s wild (pun intended)? Tubing is basically the unofficial pastime here. Local outfitters like Deep Creek Tube Center will rent you a fluorescent inner tube for under $10 a day. If you’ve never watched a bunch of vacationing dads shriek like banshees during the first rapid, you’re missing out. Don’t have cash? There’s an ATM at the corner store down the road, right next to the freezer full of those weirdly addictive local fudge bars. Buyer beware.

If a thunderstorm rolls in, don’t panic: Most sites have enough tree cover to keep you reasonably dry. I learned on my maiden voyage (tent stakes forgotten, rookie move) that borrowing spares from the campsite host is basically a rite of passage. That, and discovering the world’s biggest spider up by my lantern. I named her Judy. Judy’s probably still there, running her own tiny arachnid B&B.

Not just for tent campers! RV folks, you’ll fit right in though power hookups aren’t an option, so brush up on your boondocking basics. RVs under 26′ squeeze in just fine, but anything bigger means you’re trading cozy woods ambience for, well, satellite TV in town.

Last but not least: You’re just a stone’s throw from Bryson City (and the infamous Fried Green Tomato BLT at The Bistro at the Everett Hotel seriously, do it). One morning I made the quick drive in for real coffee and somehow ended up at a fly fishing shop for two hours only in the Smokies.

If you’re after one of the best campsites Great Smoky Mountains offers for chill vibes, waterfalls, beginner friendly organizing, and the kind of tubing that leaves you grinning for days, Deep Creek is your low stress, memory packed home base. Don’t overthink the packing list or the skillset and if you see Judy, tell her I send my regards.

Deep Creek Campground Located on the Southeastern Side of the Park

Smokemont Campground Situated on the Southern Side of the Park

Picture this: it’s late afternoon, you’re finally rolling into Smokemont Campground, and yep, that’s COLD mountain air tinged with wood smoke and a faint barnyard accent (it’s called authenticity, friends). Smokemont is one of the best campsites Great Smoky Mountains regulars swear by when they want that right mix of easy comforts and seriously legendary natural beauty.

You’re smack dab on the southern side of the park, a stone’s throw (or, if you’re me, a “seriously, that’s close!”) from Cherokee, NC. You get a real crossroads vibe here: busy weekenders, quiet retirees, “let’s see if glamping counts as camping” types all coexisting, probably sharing s’mores recipes and rainfly hacks.

Smokemont’s Greatest Hits (And How It Won My Heart):

Access to Mingus Mill & Oconaluftee: Your morning hike can start with the Mingus Creek Trail (just down the road), or if you’re a history buff, Oconaluftee Visitor Center is right there look for the herd of elk grazing like they own the place.
Roomy Sites and Real Bathrooms: Smokemont’s got flat, well spaced sites that fit everything from cozy tents (think Nemo Aurora or REI Wonderland) to RVs up to 35 feet yep, the “family reunion” special. Hot tip: Loop D edges the river (hello, white noise for free). And real restrooms with flush toilets? On rainy nights, I’ve been known to sprint there in Crocs.
Reservation Perks (but not fancy WiFi): Booking on Recreation.gov makes it less of a gamble than first come, first served campgrounds. You, your morning mug of Trader Joe’s coffee, and zero cell service now that’s digital detox.

Let’s pause a sec raise your hand if you’ve ever spent half a night hunting for your headlamp just to find out you left it at home. Guilty? Me too. Smokemont eases that kind of stress: the camp store’s not far, and Cherokee’s Food Lion stocks most “emergency” ramen or forgotten s’mores fixings (ask me how I know…).

Smokemont Campground Situated on the Southern Side of the Park

Budget Vibes vs. Comfort Game What’s It Cost, Anyway?

A regular site runs about $25/night. Way cheaper than a motel, and trust me nobody ever made lifelong friends in the Days Inn parking lot.

Smokemont Quick Facts	Details
Fee per night	~$25
RV Friendly?	Up to 35 footers
Cell Signal?	Not really, sorry not sorry
Best Loops	D for riverside, A or B for quiet
Bathrooms/Showers	Flush toilets, no showers

Micro Tales from the Fire Ring:

Last May, a kid from Kentucky reeled in a rainbow trout literally bigger than his boot just downstream from camp. I lost a bet and spent breakfast buying biscuits for his family. These are the wins you can’t order from Amazon.

Tips If You’re a Total Camping Newbie (Trust Me, You’re Not Alone)

Rain happens. Every time. A $20 packable tarp from Walmart will save your stuff.
The campground gets busy in peak summer, so if you want riverside, book yesterday (OK, at least months ahead).
Watch for the “Smokemont Squirrel Posse.” They’ve tasted Pop Tarts, and they are not shy.

Cades Cove Campground Found on the Western Side of the Park

Let’s talk about Cades Cove Campground the spot every “Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains” list seems to whisper about (okay, maybe yell about). Ever wondered what it feels like to sleep surrounded by quiet mountain meadows, curious deer so close you second guess your granola bar stash, and the hush… of a valley morning? Yeah, this is that place.

You cruise the scenic one way loop (pro tip: go EARLY if you want to avoid putting your patience to the ultimate Smokies test), set up camp, and suddenly you’re in a storybook. Except, instead of Prince Charming, you’re more likely to meet a black bear or two keep those s’mores ingredients locked away (trust me, I’ve learned the hard way: a bear can open a cheap cooler faster than you can say “Yeti”).

Horse Camps - Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Horse Camps – Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Here’s what makes Cades Cove Campground more than just a checklist item for the Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains crowd:

Wildlife Sightings Are Practically Guaranteed

Forget Netflix. I once watched a family of turkeys parade through our site like feathered royalty. Want deer? They’re there, often at dawn. Black bears? Sometimes you’ll spot them from your car but lock up your food, always.

History at Your Tent Flap

There’s a reason serious ghost story lovers pitch their tents here. Cades Cove offers trails leading past 19th century cabins, barns, and churches. I won’t lie I got goosebumps (the good kind) reading old gravestones by lantern light.

Bike Mornings, Church Bells, and Autumn Gold

Wish you could ride without dodging cars? On Wednesdays and Saturdays (May–September), the loop closes to vehicles until 10 a.m. cyclists and walkers ONLY. One cool fall morning, my buddy and I pedaled through a tunnel of golden leaves, church bells echoing down the misty valley. Total movie moment.

Campground Vibes

The sites fit RVs up to 35 feet, but tent campers love it too. No showers (sorry, glampers), but you’ve got flush toilets and potable water stations. Picnic tables and fire rings give back exactly what you want at dinner: crackling s’mores and ghost story ambiance.

User Scenario: A Day in the Cove

Imagine: You wake to birdsong and coffee, bike the loop at sunrise, grab lunch beneath a massive oak. You check out John Oliver Cabin, snap way too many wildflower pics, then race sunset back to toast marshmallows by the fire. Not bad for $25 a night (National Park Service rates, as of 2024).

Logistics Even Beginners Will Survive

You DON’T need to rough it. Reserve your site in advance if at all possible weekends fill up months out on Recreation.gov. No hookups, but generators are allowed during the day for those non negotiable creature comforts (fans or tiny espresso machines… no judgment).

Quick Comparison: Is It for You?

Feature	Cades Cove	Deep Creek	Smokemont
Location	Western, near Townsend	Southeast, near Bryson City	Southern, near Cherokee
RV Max Length	35 ft	26 ft	35 ft
Showers	No	No	No
Wildlife	Frequent deer, bear, turkey	Occasional	Frequent elk, deer
Closest Store	Campground store (seasonal)	Bryson City (10 min)	Camp store onsite
Spectacular History	Yes (historic cabins, churches)	Waterfalls	Mill, visitor center

If you’re new to all this, RELAX. I wiped out on my first downhill bike ride here and somehow still ended the day grinning like a campfire fool. Everyone’s got a Cades Cove story (some include forgetting bug spray, others involve surprise bear traffic jams).

Bringing kids? They’ll remember fireflies and wildflower meadows way longer than any hotel pool. That’s not even counting the “did you see that bear?” stories they’ll brag about all year.

Got a favorite Cades Cove memory or want help figuring out what to pack? Drop a question below, or just share your silliest bear encounter (bonus points if it involved a runaway marshmallow). The Smokies have a spot for everyone this might just be YOUR next best chapter.

Cataloochee Campground Nestled on the More Serene Eastern Side

Ever heard someone call Cataloochee Campground the Smokies’ best kept secret? Yeah now you have. If you’re the type who prefers hooting owls over honking cars and fireflies over Instagram “influencers,” this spot is your personal plot twist in the search for the Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains style.

Let’s get real: Cataloochee’s not for folks chasing Wi Fi signals (unless you’re an amateur cloud watcher, in which case, the sky’s 5G). Here’s what drew me in… and what’ll keep you coming back.

Hidden Valley Vibe Think Less Crowds, More Elk

You remember those scenes in “The Hobbit” where the valleys go forever and there are maybe five other people around? That’s Cataloochee, minus the orcs, plus some actual elk. Herds roam right past the 27 campsites, and sunrise here feels like a screensaver until you spill your first mug of coffee.

Pro tip: Wake up early (I know, I know) and keep your camera handy. Elk love morning strolls.
Don’t expect crowds except maybe a squirrel attempting to steal your trail mix.

Here’s a quick vibe check for the area, Cataloochee style:

Feature	Cataloochee Campground	Typical Smokies Hotspot
Nightly Price	$25 30 (as of 2024)	$30 35+
Max RV Length	Up to 31 feet (seriously, measure first)	Up to 35 feet
Showers	Nope, just rustic restrooms (embrace it)	Sometimes, sometimes not
Cell Reception	Don’t make plans for Zoom calls	Patchy, even at best sites

Off the Beaten Path (Literally… Bring a Map)

Be honest are you reading this at 2 AM because you’re daydreaming about peace, pine trees, and NOT “that guy” blasting Bluetooth speakers? Cataloochee’s at the end of a winding gravel road (fine for sedans, unless it rains buckets). You’ll want to:

Fill your gas tank in Maggie Valley. (I made the rookie mistake don’t be ‘that guy’.)
Download any trail maps or audiobooks before you leave cell range.
Stock up on groceries and that extra chocolate. You’ll thank yourself.

Locals joke that Cataloochee is where Great Smoky Mountains’ best campsites go on vacation. It’s true: you’ll find yourself leaning into the stillness and maybe just maybe reading a book cover to cover.

Trailheads & Time Travel (With a Side of Ghost Stories)

History nerds, rejoice: original frame homes, a schoolhouse frozen in time, and a haunted church (don’t worry, Caspers here are friendly) dot the valley. After a quick tent setup, you can:

Stroll the Little Cataloochee Trail for misty views and old cabins.
Snap photos at Palmer Chapel bonus points if you spot the mysterious handprints legend says still mark the glass.
Imagine life in the early 1900s, when tractors were still rumors.

My own best Cataloochee hack? Trail bar breakfast while watching wild turkeys strut like they own the campground (because, let’s be honest… they do).

Campground Reminders The Stuff You’ll Wish You Knew

Nobody loves a soggy sleeping bag or a surprise bear visit. Get ready for the rustic side. (Hey, it builds character and stories.)

Bring cash: Exact change for the self pay station keeps things smooth.
Bear proof all food: Cataloochee is bear country, but it’s simple use those lockers.
No showers: Wet wipes or, if you’re brave, a nearby creek splash. Trust me, by day three, everyone smells like pine trees anyway.
Reservations: Book early on Recreation.gov, especially May–October. Sites are limited and regulars pounce once dates open.

Feeling brave? Pitch your tent among the wildflowers, cook s’mores as the sun sets, and tell your favorite “lost in the woods” story (I hope yours ends as happily as mine shout out to the hiker who returned my runaway headlamp).

Last thought: If peace and quiet sound like a luxury you can’t buy, Cataloochee’s the Smokies’ way of giving you both (without even asking your budget). Got memories from Cataloochee? Comment below so I know I’m not the only one who once dropped my keys in an elk meadow…

Cataloochee Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elkmont Campground Positioned on the Northern Side of the Park

Ever rolled out of your tent and landed smack in the middle of history and fireflies? Welcome to Elkmont, the northern gem of the Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains lineup. If you’re itching for that “classic Smokies” vibe think mossy creek banks, abandoned cabins (creepy in a cool way), and endless trailheads you’re going to love this spot.

So. Why is Elkmont such a big deal? Okay, pull up a camp chair first, you’re camped alongside the ultra chill Little River. Every evening, you’ll drift off to the sound of water chuckling over rocks (beats a white noise app, honestly). Early summer? Expect a bioluminescent rave thanks to the world famous synchronous fireflies. PSA: Those firefly viewing dates book up like T. Swift tickets, so get on the reservation train early, friend.

Elkmont Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Been burned before by crowded campgrounds? Elkmont is big over 200 sites but trees, hills, and clever planning mean you can snag some privacy (speaking from experience: site B22 is a favorite; just don’t tell everyone). Here’s a quick look at the essentials:

Amenity	Yes/No	Quirks/Notes
Flush Toilets	Yes	Plentiful; don’t forget your TP just in case
Potable Water	Yes	Iced coffee hack: fill your Nalgene at dawn
Showers	No	Neighbors judged me for a “full body wipe”, but hey
Fire Rings	Yes	S’mores = non negotiable
Cell Reception	Spotty	Best to unplug let those emails wait

Worried about gear? Relax. Elkmont’s paved spots fit tents, trailers, or even your cousin’s hand me down pop up. I’ve met folks in everything from one person backpacking tents to classic 1978 Airstreams. Elkmont Market (seasonal, but a lifesaver) stocks marshmallows, coffee, even forgotten headlamps been there, trust me.

Hiking fan? The trails are practically in your backyard. Laurel Falls Trail delivers misty morning magic in just 2.6 miles roundtrip, stroller friendly if you’re learning the ropes. Feeling ambitious? The Sugarland Mountain Trail veers right from camp and ups the challenge. Oh, and my personal must do: wander through Daisy Town before breakfast those abandoned summer cottages make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a movie set (or, you know, the Appalachian version of the Twilight Zone).

Let’s hit a practical note, because no one warns you until it’s too late: rain is basically Elkmont’s middle name. Waterproof everything. Last August, my neighbor constructed a tarp fort that would make Bear Grylls nod in respect; if all else fails, use your car as a changing room (been there, no shame).

Stargazing tip? Pop out into the wide field near the amphitheater after dark fewer trees, big sky vibes, and you’ll probably spot a deer or three. Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains level memories, every night.

Final nudge: book early on Recreation.gov, snag that riverfront site if you can, and don’t stress if you pack an extra pair of socks you’ll use them. You’ve got this! Questions or wacky “camp hack” stories to share? I’m all ears… the Elkmont crew is always looking for tips, and next time, remind me to tell you about that surprise raccoon cookie raid.

Where to Find RV Campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Scouting out RV campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? You’re not alone finding the right spot (with the perks you actually need) can feel like splitting a log with a butter knife. But I’ve been there (muddy boots, tangled cords, panicked Google searches) and I promise: you’ve got options. Here’s what you really need to know before you roll that Class C up to a “Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains” sign.

Smokemont Campground Featuring a Dump Station

Let’s get real nothing tests your relationship quite like searching for a dump station after a night of campfire chili. Smokemont has you covered. This spot, just outside Cherokee, NC, does have a dump station (yep, it’s behind the main loop, easy to spot by the nervous RV newbies hovering with hoses). Smokemont’s sites can fit rigs up to 35 ft think Winnebago Minnie Winnie or Jayco Redhawk, for reference.

Quirk: Smokemont’s dump station stays open and free for registered campers (never underestimate the power of FREE on RV trips “smoky mountain deals,” if you will).
Real moment: Last spring, I watched a group try to figure out which hose was for what (word to the wise: do not mix them up color code or bust!).
Need to know: No electrical or water hookups at the sites, so bring your solar panels or a good book. The tree shade here does wonders for napping though.

Cades Cove Campground With a Dump Station Available

Cades Cove is like the national park’s version of Times Square everyone wants to say they’ve been there, but most of us are just here for the wildlife and those insane sunrise views. Good news: RVers, you’ll find a working dump station right at the campground entrance.

Insider tip: If you drive a trailer longer than 35 ft, double check the entrance route. I once saw a fifth wheel try for that infamous loop and, well, let’s just say turning became more of a spectator sport.
Local flavor: Early birds (and I mean like, dawn patrol level) sometimes spot black bears munching berries pack your camera, but don’t pack snacks in the open (unless you enjoy bear visits).
Logistical win: Sites are on the basic side no hookups, but water spigots are nearby and the dump station is reliable, even on packed weekends.

Look Rock Campground Offering Hookups

Here’s one not everyone knows: Look Rock, on the Tennessee side (off Foothills Parkway), brings something rare hookups! In a park where “plug in” usually means “find a charging brick in your glovebox”, Look Rock’s got electric and water at select sites.

Highlight: You can finally run that tiny coffee maker a luxury I nearly wept for on a rainy Smokies morning (Keurig > instant coffee, don’t @ me).
Practical magic: Most sites accommodate RVs up to 40 ft (so yes, bring the big rig or channel your inner glamp champ).
Quirk: Fewer sites mean you’ll need to book fast think sneaker drop levels of anticipation each release day.
Pro move: If you hate wrestling with solar panels or juggling generator hours, Look Rock is your new BFF.

Campground	Max RV Length	Dump Station	Hookups	Book Early?
Smokemont	35 ft	Yes	No	Yes
Cades Cove	35 ft	Yes	No	Yes
Look Rock	40 ft	Yes	Yes	Heck yes
Elkmont	35 ft	No	No	Yes

Elkmont Campground Without a Dump Station

Got your heart set on THE firefly show or riverside serenity? Elkmont’s your jam just remember: no dump station here. I learned the hard way on a humid June night, when my friend’s “black tank sensor” went rogue and “game of thrones” took on a whole new meaning if you catch my drift.

Workaround: The nearest dump station’s a solid 15 20 minute drive (Sneak over to Sugarlands Visitor Center or bounce back to Cades Cove if you need a fix).
Moody magic: No hookups, but the fresh mountain air totally makes up for it… unless you run out of device battery and are forced to play Uno by lantern light (I dare you).
Vibe: Over 200 sites, lots of river soundtrack, and fewer crowds midweek. For a Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains moment? It’s pure nostalgia. You’ll trade some convenience for the kind of peaceful night’s sleep you brag about on Monday morning Zoom calls.

RV Campgrounds, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Where Can I Camp with My Horse in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

So you want to saddle up and sleep under the stars with your four legged trail buddy? (Honestly, who could blame you hoofbeats in the Smokies are about as magical as it gets.) Whether you’re new to equestrian camping or a legend in your local saddle club, trust me: the Great Smoky Mountains offers unforgettable spots to camp with your horse. Spoiler alert the Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains list wouldn’t be complete without these horse friendly gems.

Big Creek Horse Camp

Ever wished you could wake up to birdsong and the scent of pine, then ride straight from camp onto miles of winding trails? Big Creek Horse Camp makes it happen think dude ranch vibes, minus the “dude” and plus that one horse with a personality bigger than yours.

Here’s what you’ll actually find (no rose colored cowboy boots required):

Horse Only Exclusivity: Big Creek is invite only…for horses and their humans, of course. Non equestrian campers? They’ll have to look elsewhere no tents, no crowds, just the steady company of neighs and nickers.
Direct Trail Access: Saddle up before breakfast or after the world’s strongest camp coffee (personal recommendation: Jetboil + Café Bustelo, thank me later) and you’ll be steps away from chestnut forests and hidden creek crossings. You can access more than 16 horse trails right from camp including the legendary Baxter Creek Trail and Big Creek Trail.
Campsites with Extras: Hitching racks, potable water, and that holy grail flush toilets. (If you’ve ever tried to wrangle a startled gelding while searching for a latrine in the dark, you know why this matters. IYKYK.)
Reservations Required: There’s no rolling up at midnight and winging it here reserve ahead on Recreation.gov, especially weekends and fall color season. As of 2024, sites run about $30/night.
Essentials and Pitfalls Don’t Skip These:
Bear proof those oats! Use provided storage lockers for all food (horse treats included). Black bears are very curious about apple flavored anything.
Bring your own feed grazing is strictly prohibited to protect fragile mountain meadows. It’s BYOHF (bring your own horse food).
Cell Service? LOL, no. Bring a paper map, or if you must go digital, download an offline topo map on your phone before you lose signal past the ranger station.

One memorable Big Creek story: I once woke to a chorus of whinnies right as the sun peeked over the ridgeline then watched a band of wild turkeys crash what was basically a horse breakfast buffet. I laughed so hard I poured oatmeal on my boots, not my bowl. Lesson learned: keep your breakfast inside the tent flap and your camera handy.

Big Creek Horse Camp, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Quick check chart for Big Creek:

Feature	Details
Number of Sites	5
Max Rig Length	32’
Amenities	Hitching racks, potable water, flush toilets
Trail Connections	Immediate access to over 16 equestrian friendly trails
Reservations	Required via Recreation.gov
Price	~$30/night (2024)

Big Creek isn’t for everyone, but if you’re dreaming of a quiet escape with your horse and no disco lights from the next tent over, this one’s pure Smokies gold. You’ll swap stories at the hitching rails and maybe if you’re lucky spot a herd of elk grazing at dawn. Yeehaw, mountain style.

Where Can I Experience Backcountry Camping in Great Smoky?

Okay, let’s get real for a minute: Backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains? It’s both exhilarating and a little intimidating (especially the first time you hear an owl at 2 AM and wonder if it’s plotting). If you’ve spent nights at the bigger campgrounds looking for that tiny extra thrill backcountry’s where you’ll discover the “hidden gems” that the Best Campsites Great Smoky Mountains lists can’t do justice. Picture the soundtrack: babbling brooks, distant coyote howls, and possibly… your stomach rumbling because you forgot to repack the trail mix.

Forney Creek Trail via the Appalachian Trail

Ever dreamt of waking up with nothing but trees, mist, and pure mountain silence? Welcome to Forney Creek Trail. I’ll warn you now this one’s not for folks who want their hand held (or let’s be honest their latte within reach). But trust me, the payoff is next level.

I set out on this trail with a borrowed Osprey pack (shoutout to my friend Kelly she still hasn’t gotten it back, sorry) and enough ramen to feed a soccer team. You’ll start near Clingmans Dome aka the “Instagram Summit” but don’t worry, every step you take peels away the crowds until it’s just you, the old growth forest, and maybe one perpetually lost hiker consulting FarOut maps. The descent’s no joke Forney Creek Trail drops nearly 3,000 feet in just a handful of miles. Got trekking poles? Use them. No? Expect to invent your own creative slide technique. (Pro tip: Rain turns the switchbacks into “Oops, I’m Sledding Now” territory.)

Backcountry campsite #68 is the classic overnighter for this route. It sits tucked deep in a pocket of rhododendrons like nature’s own VIP club. You’ll find a sturdy fire ring, a flat ish spot for the tent (bring a good groundsheet trust me, you’ll thank yourself after a midnight rain shower), and endless stargazing if the clouds cooperate. No bathrooms, but hey, feeling rugged is half the adventure, right?

Quick gear tip: Pack a bear canister. Rangers actually do check, and honestly? You don’t want your trail mix becoming a black bear’s midnight snack. I learned the hard way: if you hear a snuffling at 3 AM, that’s not the wind.
Budget reality check: Permits run just $8 a night per person (as of 2024 on recreation.gov). It’s way cheaper than a hotel, and a million times more Instagrammable.

If you’re new to all this, I get it packing for the first trip is like prepping for a moon mission. But the payoff? Sitting by the creek, mac and cheese bubbling in your battered Jetboil, feeling like you found the secret heart of the Smokies… That’s not just camping. That’s pure, unplugged magic.

PS: If you snag a spot in mid to late May, you might just run into the tail end of the synchronous fireflies phenomenon. Talk about a light show your phone can’t truly capture.

Ready to see if your sense of adventure (and humor) survives a night in the wild? Forney Creek’s got your name on it. And if you forget the coffee just call me, I’ll commiserate.

Forney Creek Trail via the Appalachian Trail, Greate Smooky Mountains National Park

Overview of Great Smoky Campgrounds

Choosing the right campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains lets you shape your adventure just the way you want it. Whether you’re after peaceful mornings by a mountain stream or the thrill of spotting wildlife at dawn you’ll find a spot that matches your camping style.

With options ranging from family friendly campgrounds to secluded backcountry sites you can create lasting memories surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. Book your site early pack for the weather and get ready to experience the magic of the Smokies on your own terms.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Camping FAQs

General Questions

What are the best campsites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for beginners?

Deep Creek Campground is highly recommended for beginners due to its comfortably spaced sites, nearby bathhouse, and beginner-friendly amenities. It’s low-stress with easy access to trails and tubing. Smokemont and Elkmont also offer easy comforts like flush toilets and roomy sites, making them suitable for new campers.

How much does it cost to camp in the park?

Most frontcountry campgrounds, such as Deep Creek, Smokemont, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and Elkmont, cost about $25 per night (as of 2024). Horse camps like Big Creek are around $30 per night. Backcountry permits are $8 per person per night. Prices may vary slightly, and reservations are made via Recreation.gov.

Do I need to make reservations in advance?

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended for all frontcountry and horse camps, especially during peak seasons (May–October). Sites fill up months in advance on Recreation.gov. Backcountry camping requires a permit, also obtained through Recreation.gov.

What should I pack for camping in the Smokies?

Keep it simple: a tent (e.g., Coleman 3-person or REI models), camp stove, citronella candles, tarp for rain, bear-proof food storage, and essentials like a headlamp, bug spray, and wet wipes (since showers are limited). For rain-prone areas, waterproof everything. Don’t forget cash for fees or local stores.

Are there bears in the campgrounds, and how do I stay safe?

Yes, black bears are common, especially in areas like Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and backcountry sites. Always lock food in bear-proof lockers or canisters, never leave snacks out, and follow park rules. In Cades Cove, bears can open cheap coolers quickly—use secure storage.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Deer, turkeys, and black bears are frequent in Cades Cove. Elk herds roam near Cataloochee and Smokemont (especially at Oconaluftee). Fireflies, including synchronous ones, are a highlight at Elkmont in early summer. Wild turkeys and occasional elk appear at Big Creek Horse Camp.

Is cell service available at the campgrounds?

Cell reception is spotty or nonexistent at most sites, including Smokemont, Cataloochee, Elkmont, and backcountry areas. It’s a great spot for a digital detox—download maps and apps beforehand.

Are there showers available?

No showers at most campgrounds like Deep Creek, Smokemont, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Elkmont, or Big Creek. Use wet wipes or creek splashes. Flush toilets are available at many, but bring TP just in case.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (May for fireflies) and fall (for golden leaves) are ideal, but book early. Summer is busy with tubing and biking; avoid peak crowds by visiting midweek. Rain is common year-round, so pack accordingly.

Campground-Specific Questions

What makes Deep Creek Campground unique?

Located on the southeastern side near Bryson City, it’s perfect for chill vibes, tubing (rent tubes for under $10/day), and waterfall hikes (Tom Branch, Indian Creek, Juney Whank). Sites are spaced for privacy, with a nearby creek and bathhouse. RV-friendly up to 26 ft, no hookups. Great for beginners.

Why choose Smokemont Campground?

On the southern side near Cherokee, it offers roomy sites up to 35 ft RVs, riverfront loops (like D), access to Mingus Mill and Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and frequent elk sightings. Flush toilets available, no showers. Costs ~$25/night; book early for peak times.

What activities are available at Cades Cove Campground?

Western side near Townsend, it’s known for wildlife (deer, bears, turkeys), historic cabins/churches, and car-free biking/walking on Wednesdays/Saturdays (May–September). Sites fit up to 35 ft RVs, no showers/hookups. Enjoy the scenic loop, but go early to avoid crowds.

Is Cataloochee Campground good for seclusion?

Yes, on the eastern side, it’s a serene “best-kept secret” with fewer crowds, elk herds, and historic sites like Palmer Chapel. 27 sites up to 31 ft RVs, no showers/hookups. Access via gravel road—fill gas in Maggie Valley. Ideal for peace, trails, and stargazing.

What highlights does Elkmont Campground offer?

Northern side along Little River, it features over 200 sites with privacy, synchronous fireflies (early summer, lottery reservations), and trails like Laurel Falls. Paved spots for tents/RVs up to 35 ft, flush toilets, no showers. Great for history (abandoned Daisy Town cabins) and river sounds.

RV Camping Questions

Which campgrounds are RV-friendly and have dump stations?

Smokemont (up to 35 ft, dump station, no hookups), Cades Cove (up to 35 ft, dump station at entrance, no hookups), Look Rock (up to 40 ft, dump station, electric/water hookups—book fast). Elkmont (up to 35 ft, no dump station—nearest 15-20 min away).

Are there hookups for RVs in the park?

Limited—only Look Rock offers electric and water hookups. Most others (Smokemont, Cades Cove, Elkmont) are boondocking-style with no hookups, but dump stations are available at some. Measure your RV and book accordingly.

Horse Camping Questions

Where can I camp with my horse?

Big Creek Horse Camp is exclusively for equestrians, with 5 sites up to 32 ft rigs, hitching racks, potable water, and flush toilets. Direct access to over 16 horse trails like Big Creek Trail. ~$30/night, reservations required. Bear-proof food, bring your own feed—no grazing.

Backcountry Camping Questions

How do I get started with backcountry camping?

Obtain a permit ($8/person/night) via Recreation.gov. Sites like #68 on Forney Creek Trail (via Appalachian Trail near Clingmans Dome) offer seclusion with fire rings and flat tent spots. Pack bear canisters, trekking poles for steep descents, and prepare for no amenities. Ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude.

What trails are good for backcountry overnights?

Forney Creek Trail drops 3,000 ft through forests to campsite #68, with rhododendrons and potential firefly sightings in May. It’s rugged—rain makes it slippery. Download offline maps; no cell service.