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 19 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 Campground opens April 18, 2025, and closes October 26, 2025.. 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.

Deep Creek Campground

3.13

104 reviews

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

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Tennessee

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,700 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

92 campsites

Season

Campground opens Apr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service (NPS)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,700 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

92 campsites

Season

Campground opens Apr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service (NPS)Official Website

Get Directions

Deep Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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

256,000+ 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) 488-3184GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Deep Creek Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

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

Deep Creek Campground

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

Nearby places

Bryson City - 3 miles. Gatlinburg, TN - Distance not provided.

Weather at Deep Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Deep Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest payoff for visiting Deep Creek — crisp, stable weather, outstanding leaf color, and excellent hiking and fishing. Expect daytime temperatures around 50–70°F and nights dipping into the mid-30s to low-50s, with peak color at this ~1,700 ft elevation typically in mid-to-late October (note the campground closes Oct 26). Trails, creekside viewpoints and photography opportunities are at their peak while crowds concentrate on weekend leaf-peeping dates, so midweek visits are a Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers peak leaf color, stable weather and excellent hiking and fishing—'clearest payoff.'

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Campground opens April 18, 2025, and closes October 26, 2025.

About Deep Creek Campground

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.

Deep Creek Campground offers options for both tent and RV camping, making it versatile for different camping preferences. The sites are categorized as 'Standard Nonelectric' and do not include modern hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest payoff for visiting Deep Creek — crisp, stable weather, outstanding leaf color, and excellent hiking and fishing. Expect daytime temperatures around 50–70°F and nights dipping into the mid-30s to low-50s, with peak color at this ~1,700 ft elevation typically in mid-to-late October (note the campground closes Oct 26). Trails, creekside viewpoints and photography opportunities are at their peak while crowds concentrate on weekend leaf-peeping dates, so midweek visits are a Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDeep Creek flows through the campground, the defining feature of a landscape shaped by water and time. Ancient mountain ridges rise around the valley. Sites sit under a tree canopy that provides shade and moderate privacy. Spring brings wildflowers like trilliums, bloodroot, and lady slippers across the forest floor. Fall turns the mountains into scarlet, gold, and amber.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or hotel-style accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground is located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which preserves over 90 historic structures. Nearby, campers can visit preserved log buildings and self-guided museums.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy: 6 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground does not advertise specific ADA-compliant amenities or features.

Site SizeCampsites are varied and suitable for tents and RVs, though exact dimensions are not provided.

PrivacySites are shaded by trees, offering a moderate level of privacy.

Total Campsites92 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers are recommended to book sites near Deep Creek for easy access to fishing and scenic views.

Best CampsitesSites along Deep Creek are in high demand for their proximity to water.

Need help booking Deep Creek 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

Deep Creek Campground offers 92 individual campsites that cater to both tent and RV campers. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, making it an ideal location for outdoor meals and campfires. Flush toilets and potable water are available, offering basic but essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience. However, the campground lacks showers and electrical hookups, which could be a consideration for visitors seeking more modern conveniences. The campground is well-kept, and its proximity to Deep Creek provides direct access to water-based activities and picturesque sights.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Deep Creek Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The nearby Deep Creek provides a unique setting for water-based recreation, such as tubing and wading. The area also features historical attractions within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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.

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

Rate Deep Creek Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.1

104 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Deep Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Deep Creek Campground is highly regarded for its scenic location and proximity to water-based activities. However, the lack of showers and modern amenities may be a drawback for some visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 104 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the natural beauty and access to waterfalls and hiking trails. The peace and quiet, coupled with the ability to engage in activities like fishing and tubing, are frequently highlighted.

Based on 104 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include the lack of showers and cell phone service. Some visitors may find the lack of electrical hookups inconvenient.

Based on 104 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing all necessary supplies, as there are no camp stores nearby. It's also advisable to practice bear safety strictly, as encounters are not uncommon.

Based on 104 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground sees high activity during the summer months due to tubing and fishing opportunities. Spring and fall offer quieter visits with colorful natural scenery.

Based on 104 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Deep Creek is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers! The waterfalls are stunning, and the trout fishing is fantastic." "No cell service and no showers, but the scenery more than makes up for it."

Based on 104 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews address accessibility features explicitly.

Based on 104 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but owners must follow leash and waste disposal rules. No specific reviews mention experiences with pets.

Based on 104 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want National Park hiking and waterfall access with creek recreation and don't need full hookups.

Skip if

You're visiting outside the seasonal window or need amenities beyond basic NPS facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.3

(839)

Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

1912 East Deep Creek Road

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.