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

Smokemont Group Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Smokemont Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Smokemont Group Campground has 23 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.

Are there showers at Smokemont Group Campground?

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

How many campsites does Smokemont Group Campground have?

Smokemont Group Campground has 142 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Smokemont Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Smokemont Group 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 Group Campground?

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

Smokemont Group Campground

4.53

367 reviews

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Top 17% in TNFall

Featured in:Tent Camping Near Gatlinburg#2 Mountain Camping Tennessee#3 Fall Camping +8 more

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

142 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

142 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Smokemont Group Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Smokemont Group Campground

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Nearby places

Cherokee, NC (2 miles, ~5-minute drive)

Gatlinburg, TN (44 miles, ~60-minute drive)

Weather at Smokemont Group Campground

Best Time to Camp at Smokemont Group Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the Smokies at their most photogenic — crisp days (highs around 50–65°F) and cool nights (30s–40s°F) bring peak hardwood color at Smokemont (typically mid-to-late October at 2,200 ft). Trails, scenic drives and riverbanks are ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing and photography as the air is clear and streams are low but still scenic; fall foliage and historic sites like Mingus Mill are highlights. Expect higher crowds on weekends in October, so visit mid-week or early/late in the day Peak months: October, September, May, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 17% in TN

“Best season: fall… peak hardwood color mid-to-late October,” highly photogenic.

Planning Tips

About Smokemont Group Campground

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 Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences, from tent camping to RVs. It is a traditional campground without luxury features, catering to those seeking a rustic outdoor experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the Smokies at their most photogenic — crisp days (highs around 50–65°F) and cool nights (30s–40s°F) bring peak hardwood color at Smokemont (typically mid-to-late October at 2,200 ft). Trails, scenic drives and riverbanks are ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing and photography as the air is clear and streams are low but still scenic; fall foliage and historic sites like Mingus Mill are highlights. Expect higher crowds on weekends in October, so visit mid-week or early/late in the day Peak months: October, September, May, April

Elevation2200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Oconaluftee River runs through the campground, its cascades and pools carved through metamorphic rock that formed hundreds of millions of years ago. Dense hardwood forests. Oak, hickory, and over 100 other tree species. Blanket the ancient Appalachian peaks surrounding Smokemont. Rhododendron and mountain laurel fill the understory. Elk graze in nearby meadows at dawn, and black bears forage through the area. The ecosystem supports exceptional biodiversity, including dozens of salamander species in the streams and crevices. At 2,200 feet, the campground sits low enough for lush vegetation but high enough for crisp mountain air.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No specific maximum stay limit documented. Typical stay limits in national parks are 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact number of allowed guests per site is not documented, but standard policies typically allow up to 8 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or directly at the campground during off-season walk-up availability.

AccessibilitySome sites are accessible, but not all loops have the same level of accessibility. Certain amenities like electric outlets or specific accommodations are not universally available, so campers with disabilities should confirm site details prior to arrival.

Site SizeSites are described as average in size for both tents and RVs. Pull-through sites are available, and some sites are large enough to accommodate big RVs, but maneuvering can be challenging due to trees and rocks.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited at Smokemont Campground. Many reviewers note that the campsites are close together, with minimal separation between neighboring sites. Riverfront sites, however, tend to be quieter and offer a slightly more secluded experience.

Total Campsites142 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose riverfront sites for tranquility and scenic views. Tent campers should avoid Loop D due to generator noise. Families may prefer Loop F for its larger RV-friendly sites and proximity to the stream.

Best CampsitesSites along the Oconaluftee River are the quietest and most scenic. Site F42 and Site D42 both get strong reviews for their proximity to the stream and extra space. Loop F is recommended for RVs due to larger sites and easier maneuvering, though trees and rocks can still make positioning a challenge.

Amenities available

Smokemont Group Campground offers an array of facilities amidst its tranquil and scenic environment. The campground is located at an elevation of 2,200 feet, providing a moderate climate suitable for both RV and tent camping. Many reviews emphasize the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground, with bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits provided at the campsites. While the campground lacks showers, the bathrooms are reported to be regularly cleaned and well-stocked. Drinking water is available from shared spigots throughout the campground. Sites are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, and there is a communal dishwashing sink near the restrooms. There are no electrical or water hookups at individual sites, and cell phone service is unavailable, enhancing the rustic camping experience.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Smokemont Group Campground

Smokemont Group Campground offers a variety of recreational activities that take advantage of its location within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiking trails and wildlife viewing are among the most popular activities, along with opportunities for fishing and exploring nearby historical sites.

Water Sports2.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Fall foliage, creek cascades, and elk create high photographic interest, esp. in fall.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

367 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Smokemont Group Campground is highly rated for its scenic beauty, well-maintained facilities, and tranquil atmosphere. It is particularly praised for its proximity to hiking trails and the sound of the nearby creek, which many find soothing. However, some visitors report issues with noise, lack of privacy, and strict enforcement of rules by camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 367 reviews

What Campers Love

- Excellent cleanliness and maintenance of facilities - Scenic location with a creek running through the campground - Variety of hiking trails nearby - Elk sightings and other wildlife experiences -...

Based on 367 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of showers at the campground - Sites are close together, limiting privacy - Noise from generators and occasional enforcement issues with quiet hours - Limited cell phone service - Strict or...

Based on 367 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Section F is noted for its riverfront sites, which are quieter and more scenic, but primarily for RVs. Section D is described as having smaller sites with limited privacy. Some reviewers recommend...

Based on 367 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring bathing wipes or a portable shower due to the lack of shower facilities. - Choose a site near the river for a quieter, more scenic experience. - Plan for the lack of cell phone service by...

Based on 367 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons due to the blooming wildflowers and vibrant autumn foliage. Winter camping offers solitude and fewer bugs but comes with the challenge of colder...

Based on 367 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Wonderful campsites that are well maintained and cleaned. Bathrooms are nice and the atmosphere is pleasant." - Neko Robinson-Heim - "The sound of the water running over the rocks in the river was...

Based on 367 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some sites are accessible, but not all loops have equal accessibility features. Reviews indicate that campers with disabilities may want to confirm details before booking.

Based on 367 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many visitors bring their dogs. The campground's pet-friendly policy is appreciated, though campers are reminded to keep pets leashed and to clean up after them.

Based on 367 reviews

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Smokemont Group Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite 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

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Go if

You want National Park access with group camping options, don't mind generator noise, and prioritize wildlife viewing over privacy.

Skip if

You need showers, quiet hours enforcement, or spacious sites during peak visitation periods.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

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 Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Smokemont Group Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Smokemont Group Campground

Best Time to Camp at Smokemont Group Campground

Planning Tips

About Smokemont Group Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Smokemont Group Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Smokemont Group Campground

Best Time to Camp at Smokemont Group Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Smokemont Group Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews