How much does camping cost at Smokemont Campground?

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

Is Smokemont Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Smokemont 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 Smokemont Campground before I book?

Yes! Smokemont Campground has 11 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.

What is the best time to visit Smokemont Campground?

Smokemont Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Smokemont Campground?

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

How many campsites does Smokemont Campground have?

Smokemont Campground has 142 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Smokemont Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Smokemont 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 Smokemont Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Smokemont Campground?

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

Smokemont Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Smokemont Campground?

Fire policies at Smokemont Campground: Firewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Please visit www.nature.org/firewoodmap for a list of available ve. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.45

1.4K reviews

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Top 24% in NCFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

C+Report Card

Featured in:Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park#2

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

142 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

142 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Smokemont Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Provider

828-497-9270

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Smokemont Campground

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Nearby places

Cherokee, NC (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Gatlinburg, TN (27 miles, approximately 45 minutes)

Bryson City, NC (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes)

Weather at Smokemont Campground

Current alerts(13)

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
A maximum of 6 people may occupy a campsite. The stay limit is 14 consecutive days. Reservations which exceed the 14 consecutive day limit may be cancelled and refunded.
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.
Cades Cove and Smokemont campgrounds are the only campgrounds open year round and require a reservation. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.

Best Time to Camp at Smokemont Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the park’s most dramatic scenery — crisp days, cool nights, and peak hardwood color along the Oconaluftee valley (mid-October is usually prime; daytime highs around 50–65°F, nights dipping into the 30s–40s). Hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing are at their peak as vistas and ridgelines blaze with maples and sourwood; expect more visitors and reserve sites in advance. Crowds concentrate on weekends and mid-October, but the weather and foliage make it the most rewarding time to Peak months: October, November, September, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 24% in NC

Called best season; peak hardwood color in mid-October makes it a destination in fall.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Smokemont Campground

Smokemont Campground sits in the Oconaluftee valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, minutes from Cherokee. The National Park Service operates this large foothills campground along Bradley Fork River, where tent and RV campers use it as a base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station.

Smokemont Campground supports a range of camping styles, including tent camping and RV camping. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at any site. The campground also includes specific loops for generator use and non-generator areas.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the park’s most dramatic scenery — crisp days, cool nights, and peak hardwood color along the Oconaluftee valley (mid-October is usually prime; daytime highs around 50–65°F, nights dipping into the 30s–40s). Hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing are at their peak as vistas and ridgelines blaze with maples and sourwood; expect more visitors and reserve sites in advance. Crowds concentrate on weekends and mid-October, but the weather and foliage make it the most rewarding time to Peak months: October, November, September, May

Elevation2200 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders the Bradley Fork River and spreads beneath towering tulip poplars, hemlocks, and dense rhododendron thickets. At this elevation, cove hardwood forests transition into higher ecosystems where northern and southern plant species overlap. Metamorphic rock formations and crystal-clear streams define the terrain. The surrounding ridgelines often disappear into the mist that gave the Smokies their name. Spring brings wildflowers to the forest floor, summer delivers thick green canopy, and autumn sets the hardwoods ablaze with color. Winter reveals mountain vistas through bare branches.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges. Camping facilities are focused on tent and RV setups.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural programs are available nearby, such as visits to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village. These attractions are approximately 6 miles away.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via the mobile app, or by contacting the call center.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible sites for individuals with disabilities, though specific accessibility features such as paved paths or restroom adaptations were not detailed.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents and RVs of different dimensions. Some pull-through sites are available for larger RVs.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies significantly. Many reviewers mentioned that campsites are close together, especially in the D loop. "The campsites are very close together with little privacy," said one reviewer.

Total Campsites142 campsites

Recommended SitesRiverfront sites in F Loop recommended for peace and proximity to water. A Loop sites offer easy restroom access.

Best CampsitesRiver-adjacent sites in F Loop offer the sound of flowing water and better scenery. Sites in D Loop sit closer together with less privacy. F Loop is RV-only, with some pull-through spots for larger rigs.

Need help booking Smokemont Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no showers or electric, water or sewer hook-ups in the park. Some accessible sites have a 5 amp electric hookup for medical equipment use. TENTS are NOT allowed in Loop F in Smokemont Campground.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Smokemont Campground

Smokemont Campground offers a variety of activities to suit nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration. The Bradley Fork River nearby provides opportunities for fishing and cooling off on hot days. Hiking trails, including the Smokemont Loop and Bradley Fork Trail, are accessible directly from the campground.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails accessible directly from campground (Smokemont Loop, Bradley Fork Trail); major draw.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Winter Activities2.0/5

Campground open year-round; winter use noted but limited amenities and no organized winter sports.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5In Great Smoky Mountains NP (good dark-sky potential) though near Cherokee and busy seasons.

Photography4.0/5Scenic river, old-growth cove forests, fall color, and wildlife create strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFirewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Please visit www.nature.org/firewoodmap for a list of available ve

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are provided for trash disposal. Campers are required to secure their food and scented items to prevent wildlife encounters.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not available in the campground. "There is no cell service anywhere in the park," noted one camper. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Smokemont Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.5

1.4K reviews

Recommended

Smokemont Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Smokemont Campground is highly rated for its natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and cleanliness. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the convenience of its location near Cherokee, NC.

Review Summaries

Based on 1426 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, friendly staff, well-maintained campsites, and proximity to natural attractions like the Bradley Fork River and hiking trails.

Based on 1426 reviews

Common Concerns

Campsites are close together, leading to limited privacy. Noise from generators and other campers is a frequent concern. Lack of showers is a noted drawback.

Based on 1426 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

River-adjacent sites in the F loop are highly recommended by campers. Site-specific reviews praise the proximity to the stream but note that sites are close together.

Based on 1426 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Reserve river-adjacent sites for a more soothing experience. 2. Bring bathing wipes or plan for off-site showers. 3. Purchase firewood and ice at the nearby horse stables. 4. Check generator rules...

Based on 1426 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer and fall, with quieter off-season periods in winter. Winter campers appreciate the lack of crowds but note limited amenities.

Based on 1426 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful campsites that are well-maintained and cleaned. Bathrooms are nice and the atmosphere is pleasant." - Neko Robinson-Heim "There is a river stream that runs through the campgrounds and acts...

Based on 1426 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites are available, though specific user experiences about accessibility features were not detailed.

Based on 1426 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Campers appreciate the pet-friendly atmosphere, but some note issues with pet waste management.

Based on 1426 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Smokemont Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-497-9270

Go if

you want a clean, well-located base near Cherokee with hiking trails close by and don't mind being near other campers for a prime riverside spot

Skip if

you need wide-open space between sites, since F loop's river spots are tight and packed close together

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Elkmont Campground sits along the Little River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a short drive from Gatlinburg. Operated by the National Park Service, this large foothill campground serves as a base for exploring the park's trail network and trout streams. Tent and RV sites are available, along with group camping options, and the campground enforces designated quiet hours and a strict no-show policy.

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

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Big Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, accessed via a remote road that filters out casual visitors. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground offers tent and primitive sites along Big Creek, with flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store. Hikers use it as a base for trails into the park's backcountry, and anglers fish the creek for trout.

Cades Cove Group Campground

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Cades Cove Group Campground sits in a historic valley within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Gatlinburg. The foothills setting offers tent, RV, and primitive group sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water. Visitors come for wildlife viewing — deer, black bears, and turkeys are common — and biking the scenic loop road, especially during fall color season.

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Elkmont Group Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, operated by the National Park Service with access to Little River and the historic Elkmont Ghost Town. This seasonal group campground offers primitive and tent sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings, serving as a base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The location provides well-spaced sites in a forested setting with designated quiet hours and a 14-day stay limit.

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Cades Cove Campground

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Cades Cove Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service with direct access to the scenic Cades Cove Loop. The valley is known for wildlife viewing and car-free biking days, with a generator-free loop for quieter stays. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and primitive camping, with amenities including flush toilets, a dump station, and an on-site camp store.

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Cades Cove Group

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Cades Cove Group sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend, operated by the National Park Service. This group-only campground provides direct access to the famous Cades Cove Loop Road, where visitors hike, watch for black bears and white-tailed deer, and photograph historic structures. Sites are close together with limited privacy, but the location delivers unmatched fall foliage and wildlife viewing in one of the park's most scenic valleys.

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Campgrounds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smokemont Campground

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 49% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 847 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Getting there
Grade B.Cleanliness
Grade B.Booking

Watch-outs

Grade D.Belonging
Grade C-.Rules & policies
Grade C.Facilities

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how North Carolina grades overall

About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Smokemont Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!

Directions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.

Featured in these camping guides

Smokemont Campground appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park#2 (featured pick)

Smokemont Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Smokemont Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Smokemont Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Smokemont Campground

Planning Tips

About Smokemont Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Smokemont Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Smokemont Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Cheoah Point Cabin 2

Balsam Mountain Campground

Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Smokemont Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Smokemont Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Smokemont Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Smokemont Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Nearby alternatives

Cheoah Point Cabin 2

Balsam Mountain Campground

Deep Creek Campground (Nc)