How much does camping cost at Deep Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Deep Creek Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Deep Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Deep Creek Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Deep Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Deep Creek Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Deep Creek Campground?

Deep Creek Campground is open May 01 to September 07. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Deep Creek Campground?

Deep Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Deep Creek Campground have?

Deep Creek Campground has 92 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Deep Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Deep Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Deep Creek Campground?

Deep Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Deep Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Deep Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Deep Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Deep Creek Campground: PLEASE READ SITE DESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY, site width, length, and slope vary site-to-site. Leveling blocks might be needed for sites. • Caution: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be kept in a sealed vehicle or camping unit of solid, non-pliable material AT ALL TIMES when not in use. All scented items, as well as all water containers MUST be stored. Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. Unattended or improperly store. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.31

839 reviews

1912 East Deep Creek Road

Great Hiking

Featured in:Best Campgrounds North Carolina#2 Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,867 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

92 campsites

Season

Open from April 18 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,867 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

92 campsites

Season

Open from April 18 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV Nonelectric: $30.00; Tent Only Nonelectric: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-448-3184

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

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Campground Map

1912 East Deep Creek Road

Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

1912 East Deep Creek Road

Nearby places

Bryson City, NC: 3 miles (approximately 10 minutes driving)

Weather at Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

Current alerts(2)

A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Front country campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag.
Over the last 10 years, an average of 339 negative human-bear encounters have been reported each year; many more go unreported. Visitors should be aware that high bear activity can occur in any area, and that your safety is not guaranteed.

Best Time to Camp at Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the biggest payoff for visitors: crisp, clear days and spectacular Appalachian foliage framing Deep Creek and its waterfalls, making hiking and photography especially rewarding. Expect daytime temperatures typically in the mid-50s to upper-60s°F (cooler at dawn and dusk, with nights often in the 30s–40s°F), ideal for comfortable day hikes and campfires. Leaf-peeping peaks in early to mid-October and weekdays are noticeably quieter than the busy fall weekends, so plan weekday stays to Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Best conditions: peak foliage in Oct, cooler temps, quieter weekdays; highlighted as best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 18 to October 26 during peak season. No reservations are available out of season.

About Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

Deep Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, operated by the National Park Service. The large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with flush toilets and potable water, serving as a base for hiking trails and tubing on Deep Creek. Sites are small and closely spaced, and the campground lacks showers or dishwashing facilities.

Deep Creek Campground is primarily focused on primitive camping and offers various site options suitable for tents, RVs, and group camping. The setting is ideal for campers seeking a traditional outdoor experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the biggest payoff for visitors: crisp, clear days and spectacular Appalachian foliage framing Deep Creek and its waterfalls, making hiking and photography especially rewarding. Expect daytime temperatures typically in the mid-50s to upper-60s°F (cooler at dawn and dusk, with nights often in the 30s–40s°F), ideal for comfortable day hikes and campfires. Leaf-peeping peaks in early to mid-October and weekdays are noticeably quieter than the busy fall weekends, so plan weekday stays to Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1867 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDeep Creek runs through the campground, carving over rock formations and creating pools and rapids popular for tubing. Towering hardwoods provide a canopy over most sites, with the creek audible throughout the camping area. The campground sits at 1,867 feet in the temperate rainforest zone of the Southern Appalachians, where humidity keeps vegetation lush in summer and fall foliage peaks in early to mid-October. Several waterfalls are within hiking distance of the campground. The creek itself is the main draw. Crystal-clear water flows over bedrock and boulders, creating natural water slides and deep pools. The surrounding forest is dense, with limited long-range views except where trails break into higher elevations outside the campground proper.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging options. Accommodations are focused on primitive and tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park's historical features include over 90 preserved log structures, offering a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of 6 people may occupy a campsite.

Groups

Group campsites are available and can accommodate larger parties. Specific details on maximum capacity are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, parking, grills, and picnic areas are available. The campground also features level tent pads for convenience.

Site SizeSites are generally small, with some suitable for small RVs and pop-ups. Certain sites may require leveling blocks due to uneven terrain.

PrivacySites are closely spaced, offering limited privacy. Many reviews emphasize the proximity of neighboring sites, which can lead to noise and interactions.

Total Campsites92 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose a site away from restrooms for privacy." "Creekside sites are great but crowded." "Avoid sites with steep inclines if using RVs.

Best CampsitesSites near the creek offer the most appealing ambiance, with water sounds and easier access for tubing. Campers recommend choosing sites farther from the restrooms for more privacy and less foot traffic. Some sites require leveling blocks due to uneven terrain, particularly for RVs and pop-ups.

Need help booking Deep Creek Campground (Nc)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Deep Creek Campground offers a wide range of amenities to ensure a comfortable camping experience. The campground is equipped with flush toilets, drinking water, and sinks. Each campsite is also furnished with tent pads, grills, picnic tables, and fire rings. While there are no showers available, campers can use the clean restrooms nearby. The campground provides accessible campsites, accessible parking, and accessible grills. A dishwashing sink is available for convenience, and potable water can be accessed from designated points. However, there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups in the park, and certain sites may have challenging layouts requiring leveling blocks.

Potable water

WiFi

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Deep Creek Campground provides a variety of recreational activities, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, tubing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the park's historical features. The nearby Deep Creek Trail offers access to three scenic waterfalls within a short hike.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyPLEASE READ SITE DESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY, site width, length, and slope vary site-to-site. Leveling blocks might be needed for sites. • Caution: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be kept in a sealed vehicle or camping unit of solid, non-pliable material AT ALL TIMES when not in use. All scented items, as well as all water containers MUST be stored. Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. Unattended or improperly store

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are available for trash disposal. Campers are required to follow strict guidelines for waste management to prevent wildlife encounters.

Cell CoverageLimited information is available about cell phone service quality. Some campers reported good AT&T signal within the campground, while others highlighted the lack of reliable reception in the area.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

839 reviews

Satisfactory

Deep Creek Campground (Nc) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Deep Creek Campground receives mixed reviews, with many campers praising its natural beauty, clean facilities, and convenient access to trails and waterfalls. However, repeated concerns are raised about the close proximity of campsites, lack of showers, and enforcement of quiet hours.

Review Summaries

Based on 839 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently highlight the beauty of the surrounding area, nearby hiking trails, and the convenience of tubing along Deep Creek. Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and the...

Based on 839 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of privacy due to closely packed campsites, limited water spigots, and the absence of showers. Noise from other campers and enforcement of quiet hours are recurring...

Based on 839 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Certain sites near the creek are highly praised for their scenic value, while others on uneven terrain or in high-traffic areas receive lower ratings. Site #44 and #58 are noted for their challenges...

Based on 839 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend selecting sites further from restrooms for more privacy, bringing extra leveling blocks for RVs, and arriving early to avoid carrying supplies over long distances. Tubing and...

Based on 839 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is most crowded during summer and holiday weekends, with quieter experiences in the spring and fall. Noise and lack of privacy are highlighted as more pressing...

Based on 839 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Deep Creek Campground is a great place for beginners to experience the Smoky Mountains. The trails are well-marked, and the waterfalls are a must-see." - J. Doe | "We loved our creekside...

Based on 839 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews indicate that the campground is moderately accessible, with some areas requiring improvement for mobility-challenged visitors.

Based on 839 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and are not permitted on trails. Some reviewers appreciate the pet-friendly policy, while others mention issues with noise from dogs.

Based on 839 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Nearby Campgrounds

3.1

(104)

Deep Creek Campground

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN, USA, 37738

Deep Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, North Carolina, operated by the National Park Service. This large campground serves as a trailhead hub for waterfall hikes and creek access, drawing tent and RV campers who fish, tube, and explore the surrounding hardwood forest. The setting is quieter than some of the park's busier developed campgrounds, with flush toilets, potable water, and pet-friendly sites.