Camping at Great Smoky Mountains

America's most visited national park with misty peaks, diverse wildlife, and ancient forests.

20+ Campgrounds4.4★ AverageBest: Year-round (varies by season)

Find Campgrounds Set Availability Alert

Featured Campgrounds

Top-rated campgrounds inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park

4.5

(1420)

Elkmont Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGatlinburg, TN

Elkmont is the most popular campground with excellent accessibility at just 3.6 miles from the park center, offering both tent and RV camping with over 1400 reviews and a solid 4.48 rating.

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkCherokee, NC

Smokemont Campground is a major destination on the North Carolina side with excellent reviews (1426) and 4.45 rating, providing comprehensive tent and RV facilities at a moderate distance.

Cades Cove Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkTownsend, TN

Cades Cove Campground offers prime access to the park's most famous scenic drive and wildlife viewing area, with strong ratings and both tent/RV options.

Tents

RVs

More Campgrounds Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Discover 17 additional campgrounds within park boundaries

4.5

(1555)

Cosby Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkCosby, TN

Cosby Campground provides excellent access to less crowded hiking trails with outstanding review volume (1555) and good ratings, offering both tent and RV camping.

Balsam Mountain Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkCherokee, NC

Balsam Mountain Campground offers a unique high-elevation camping experience with cooler temperatures and excellent hiking access, supporting both tent and RV camping.

Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkBryson City, NC

Deep Creek Campground is popular for its proximity to waterfalls and tubing activities, with strong review volume (839) and comprehensive camping options.

Cataloochee Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkWaynesville, NC

Cataloochee Campground provides access to the historic Cataloochee Valley with excellent elk viewing opportunities and diverse camping options.

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkWalland, TN

Look Rock Campground offers spectacular mountain views and cooler temperatures at higher elevation, with good review volume and tent/RV facilities.

Abram'S Creek Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGatlinburg, TN

Abrams Creek Campground provides a more secluded camping experience in a less crowded area of the park with excellent fishing opportunities.

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGatlinburg, TN

Big Creek Campground offers unique access to swimming holes and waterfalls with excellent ratings and diverse activities including hiking and fishing.

Tents

4.5

(367)

Smokemont Group Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGatlinburg, TN

Smokemont Group Campground accommodates larger parties with excellent facilities and high review volume, perfect for family reunions or group camping.

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkTownsend, TN

Cades Cove Group campground serves large groups wanting to experience the park's premier wildlife viewing area with excellent review volume (713).

Tents

Campgrounds Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great options within 90 minutes of the park entrance

4.7

(1130)

Indian Boundary

Cherokee National ForestTellico Plains, TN

Indian Boundary offers excellent facilities with swimming, hiking, and both tent/RV camping, plus has the most reviews (1130) indicating its popularity and reliability as a base camp. Located in Cherokee National Forest, it provides easy access to the Smokies while offering comprehensive amenities.

Tsali Recreation Area

National Forests in North CarolinaRobbinsville, NC

Tsali Recreation Area is highly rated with substantial reviews (144) and offers complete camping options including swimming access. Its location in North Carolina's national forests makes it an ideal staging point for Smokies exploration.

Tallulah River Campground

Chattahoochee-Oconee National ForestClayton, GA

Tallulah River Campground provides excellent water access with swimming and fishing, plus good review volume (161). The Chattahoochee-Oconee location offers a quality alternative base with full tent and RV accommodations.

National Forests in North CarolinaHayesville, NC

Jackrabbit Mountain has strong reviews (500) and comprehensive activities including swimming, making it a well-established option. Its North Carolina national forest location provides convenient access to the Smokies.

Standing Indian Campground

National Forests in North CarolinaFranklin, NC

Standing Indian Campground offers proven quality with 530 reviews and full amenities including swimming. Located in North Carolina's national forests, it serves as an excellent alternative when park campgrounds are full.

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Clayton, GA

Black Rock Mountain State Park provides state park reliability with good reviews (79) and diverse options including cabins. The Georgia location offers a different approach angle to the Smokies with quality facilities.

Tate Branch Campground

Chattahoochee-Oconee National ForestClayton, GA

Tate Branch Campground offers solid ratings with good review volume (66) in the Chattahoochee-Oconee system. Its fishing access and tent camping make it a reliable budget-friendly option for Smokies visitors.

Tents

4.5

(339)

Mount Pisgah Campground

Blue Ridge Parkway

Mount Pisgah Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides a scenic alternative with substantial reviews (339). Its parkway location offers unique access routes to the Smokies with quality camping facilities.

Gorges State Park offers state park amenities including cabins and strong ratings with good reviews (49). The North Carolina location provides reliable facilities and diverse accommodation options.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Map of campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Explore Interactive Map →

Park Boundary

Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elkmont Campground

Smokemont Campground

Cades Cove Campground

Cosby Campground

Balsam Mountain Campground

Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

Cataloochee Campground

Look Rock Campground

Abram'S Creek Campground

Big Creek Campground

Smokemont Group Campground

Cades Cove Group

Cades Cove Group Campground

Elkmont Group Camp

Cataloochee Group Camp

Big Creek Group Camp

Cosby Group Camp

Cataloochee Horse Camp

Anthony Creek Horse Camp

Balsam Mt. Campground

View all 35 campgrounds on interactive map

About This Destination

Great Smoky Mountains National Park camping offers an unparalleled outdoor experience in America's most visited national park, where misty ridges, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife create the perfect backdrop for your camping adventure. Spanning the Tennessee-North Carolina border, this biodiverse Appalachian wonderland features everything from family-friendly campgrounds near historic Cades Cove to secluded sites perfect for accessing the park's 800+ miles of hiking trails, including sections of the legendary Appalachian Trail.

Best Time

The best time for camping in Great Smoky Mountains varies by preference and activities. Late spring (May) offers mild weather and spectacular wildflower blooms, while early summer (June) provides ideal conditions for high-elevation hiking.

Destination Highlights

20+ campgrounds within 50 miles
Located in Tennessee
Options for every camping style

Plan Your Trips

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve Great Smoky Mountains National Park camping sites 3-6 months in advance, especially for summer and fall foliage season.
2Store all food and scented items in provided bear lockers or bear-proof containers, as bears are active throughout the park.
3Start hiking early to secure parking at popular trailheads and avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
4Bring layers for temperature changes between elevations and pack rain gear for frequent weather changes.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Activity

Tent Camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hiking near Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cabins near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

More Popular Destinations

View All Destinations

Availability Alerts

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campgrounds Book Fast

The best campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

Checks every 2 min

SMS, email, push

150,000+ campsites

Outdoorithm

Just now

🎉 Site opened up!

Elkmont Campground
Your preferred dates

Quick! This site typically books within hours.

Find Your Perfect Campground Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.

Search 20+ nearby campgrounds
Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
Get personalized recommendations
Compare amenities and reviews
Check weather forecasts

Create Free Account Browse First

No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.