How much does camping cost at Smokemont Group Camp?

Camping fees at Smokemont Group Camp are $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Smokemont Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Smokemont Group Camp 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 Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Smokemont Group Camp has 12 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 Smokemont Group Camp?

Smokemont Group Camp is open May 08 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 Smokemont Group Camp?

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

How many campsites does Smokemont Group Camp have?

Smokemont Group Camp has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Smokemont Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Smokemont Group Camp. 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 Group Camp?

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

What activities can I do at Smokemont Group Camp?

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

Smokemont Group Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at Smokemont Group Camp?

Fire policies at Smokemont Group Camp: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.52

378 reviews

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

C+Report Card

Great Hiking

Featured in:Best Campgrounds North Carolina

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 9, 2025, th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 9, 2025, th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Smokemont Group Camp

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Provider

828-497-9270 or 865-436-1261

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Campground Map

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

Smokemont Group Camp

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

Nearby places

Cherokee, NC (6 miles, ~15 minutes)

Gatlinburg, TN (27 miles, ~44-60 minutes)

Weather at Smokemont Group Camp

Current alerts(13)

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
A minimum of 7 people is required for group site use. Maximum site capacity varies from 15 to 30 people. The park stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
A reservation is required to use a group camp.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Smokemont Group Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest payoff at Smokemont: spectacular hardwood color displays, crisp daytime weather, and excellent trail conditions for group hikes and photography. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s in peak October, ideal for campfires, fishing in cool streams, and wildlife viewing as animals prepare for winter. Weekends during peak color draw heavier crowds, so reserve the group site early and plan midweek visits for quieter conditions. Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Fall called the best season: 'spectacular hardwood color displays' and excellent trail conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 9, 2025, through October 31, 2025, and May 26, 2026, through September 1, 2026. Closed outside these dates.

About Smokemont Group Camp

Smokemont Group Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina, operated by the National Park Service. This small group-only facility offers streamside sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and access to park trails for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground enforces designated quiet hours and a strict no-show policy, with stays limited to 14 days during its seasonal operating window.

Smokemont Group Camp caters to groups, offering tent-only accommodations with minimal facilities. It does not support RVs or luxury camping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest payoff at Smokemont: spectacular hardwood color displays, crisp daytime weather, and excellent trail conditions for group hikes and photography. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s in peak October, ideal for campfires, fishing in cool streams, and wildlife viewing as animals prepare for winter. Weekends during peak color draw heavier crowds, so reserve the group site early and plan midweek visits for quieter conditions. Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBradley Fork runs through the campground at 2,200 feet elevation, its clear water tumbling over rocks and providing constant sound. The surrounding forest shifts with the seasons: spring brings trilliums and flame azaleas, while autumn delivers hardwood color displays across the mountain ridges. Misty mornings are common, and the rounded Smoky peaks frame the camp in every direction.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging facilities like cabins or lodges are not available at Smokemont Group Camp. Visitors must bring their own camping equipment.

Programs & ActivitiesNearby attractions, including the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village, offer cultural and historical insights. The park itself is home to over 90 preserved historical structures.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 20 guests per group site.

Groups

Group sites can host up to 20 guests, making them ideal for family outings or organized trips. The sites include space for multiple tents, a fire ring, and picnic tables.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySome group sites are accessible, but details about specific accommodations for individuals with disabilities are limited.

Site SizeGroup sites can accommodate up to 20 guests.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to closely packed sites. Many visitors note the proximity of campsites as a drawback.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup site G02 is preferred for its location furthest from the regular campground, offering more privacy.

Best CampsitesCreekside sites receive the most praise from visitors for their proximity to Bradley Fork's soothing water sounds. Book early to secure one of these spots.

Need help booking Smokemont Group Camp?

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 group sites are accessible.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Things to do at Smokemont Group Camp

Smokemont Group Camp offers a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby cultural sites. The picturesque setting and proximity to historic landmarks make it a destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Hiking5.0/5Top 9% in North Carolina

Direct access to 800+ miles of GSMNP trails incl. Smokemont Loop and Bradley Fork Trail; strong hiking draw.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Biking2.0/5

Trails described are hiking-focused; no explicit biking facilities or trails highlighted.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5National Park setting suggests darker skies and good stargazing, though no explicit mentions.

Photography4.0/5Fall hardwood displays, stream scenes, wildflowers and mountain ridges provide strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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).

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.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are provided for trash disposal. Visitors must follow strict rules to store all food and scented items securely to avoid wildlife encounters.

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.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

378 reviews

Top-Rated

Smokemont Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Smokemont Group Camp receives consistently positive feedback for its scenic location, clean facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. However, some visitors criticize the lack of privacy, absence of showers, and occasional enforcement issues around quiet hours.

Review Summaries

Based on 378 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the clean and well-maintained facilities, the serene setting by a stream, and the opportunity for wildlife encounters. The campground's proximity to hiking trails and cultural...

Based on 378 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include closely packed campsites, lack of privacy, and noise disturbances from generators or other campers. Some reviews also note the absence of showers as a major drawback.

Based on 378 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

River-adjacent sites receive high praise for their ambiance, while sites in the middle sections are noted for limited privacy. Group sites are appreciated for their spaciousness but criticized for...

Based on 378 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bathing wipes and plan for no cellular service. Book early to secure a creekside site. Follow bear safety guidelines strictly and bring certified firewood. Consider visiting in spring or fall...

Based on 378 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the campground's popularity and occasional crowding, while spring and fall are noted for their natural beauty and moderate weather. Winter visitors enjoy solitude but face...

Based on 378 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful campsites that are well maintained and cleaned. Bathrooms are nice and the atmosphere is pleasant." - Neko Robinson-Heim "The nearby Bradley Fork River provides a great place to splash in...

Based on 378 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some reviews mention accessible group sites, but limited details are provided about specific accessibility features.

Based on 378 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and attended at all times. Some visitors appreciate the pet-friendly policy, while others mention noise from dogs.

Based on 378 reviews

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Smokemont Group Camp

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 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 or 865-436-1261

Go if

You're booking a group stay in the Smokies and want maintained facilities near park trails.

Skip if

You need showers, private spacing between sites, or consistent quiet hour enforcement.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.5

(367)

Smokemont Group Campground

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Smokemont Group Campground sits in the North Carolina foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service along a scenic creek corridor. This large campground accommodates tent, RV, and primitive camping with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, making it a base for exploring nearby hiking trails and watching for elk along the riverbanks. Fall brings peak hardwood color and clear days ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.

Smokemont Group Camp

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Current alerts(13)

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Need help booking Smokemont Group Camp?

Amenities available

Things to do at Smokemont Group Camp

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

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Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews