Smokemont Group Campground

Star4.54
367 reviews
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Great Hiking

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$21 - $25/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

142 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Smokemont Group Campground
$21.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range from $21 to $25 per night depending on the site type. No showers on-site; amenities include restrooms with flush toilets and...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 367 reviews

408 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanlocation

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

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Smokemont Group Campground

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Driving directionsDrive via Newfound Gap Road (US 441), heading south from Gatlinburg, TN towards Cherokee, NC. Smokemont Campground is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, approximately 2 miles north of Cherokee. Additional details may be available at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/. Ensure to follow signs and directions within the park, as cell coverage is limited.
Accessible year-round via paved roads. Newfound Gap Road (US 441) connects Gatlinburg to Cherokee, but it may close temporarily during winter storms. Generally suitable for cars, RVs, and trailers. Roads within the campground may be narrow and tight, particularly challenging for large RVs.
Nearby places
Cherokee, NC (2 miles, ~5-minute drive)
Gatlinburg, TN (44 miles, ~60-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Cherokee, NC (~2 miles away) offers groceries, firewood, ice, and camping supplies. Firewood and ice are available near the horse stable within the campground area.

Best Time to Camp at Smokemont Group Campground

Smokemont's ever-changing weather patterns paint the landscape in different moods throughout the year. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for creek exploration, while gentle mountain breezes offer evening relief. Spring awakens the forest with delicate wildflowers and rushing streams, and autumn sets the mountainsides ablaze with golden yellows and fiery reds. Winter whispers through bare branches with crisp air and occasional frost, reminding visitors to pack layers. The mountains' famously unpredictable weather means rain can arrive any season, creating misty mornings and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that add to the Smokies' mystique.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm days and creek exploration; high visitation and bugs possible.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in TN

Peak season for vibrant autumn foliage; highly popular and scenic.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 11% in TN

Popular for wildflowers and milder weather; a top season alongside fall.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round with solitude benefits but limited loops and colder temperatures.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Spring through Fall, with peak visitation during Summer months and Autumn foliage season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates year-round but may have limited loops available during the off-season (winter months).
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts documented.

About Smokemont Group Campground

Nestled deep within the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Smokemont Group Campground beckons adventurers with 142 thoughtfully placed campsites that welcome both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. This mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to some of the park's most treasured experiences—from the historic water-powered Mingus Mill to the breathtaking views atop Clingmans Dome. Just minutes from the culturally rich town of Cherokee, North Carolina, Smokemont has earned its reputation as a beloved basecamp where modern explorers gather to share stories under starlit skies.
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.
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Check-in
Check-in begins at 12 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11 AM.
Stay Limit
No specific maximum stay limit documented. Typical stay limits in national parks are 14 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingA number of hiking trails are accessible directly from the campground, including a short nature trail loop and longer backcountry trails. Some trails are described as challenging, while others are suitable for novice hikers. Visitors praise the variety and the proximity of the trails to the campground.
FishingFishing is permitted in the streams near the campground. Anglers can enjoy catching trout in the pristine waters, though specific details of fishing regulations and fish types are not provided.
Wildlife viewingElk sightings are a highlight for many visitors, with herds often passing through the campground. Other wildlife such as deer, turkeys, and even bears have been spotted in the area. Campers are advised to use bear-proof containers and follow park guidelines to avoid wildlife encounters.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is common; campers must secure food and trash. Occasional visitors report heavy generator noise disrupting quiet hours. Streams can swell during heavy rains, and trails may become slick.
Active AlertsNo current alerts documented.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Smokemont Group Campground

Reviews

4.5
367 reviews
Top-Rated
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 -...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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