America's most visited national park with misty peaks, diverse wildlife, and ancient forests.
Top-rated campgrounds inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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.
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 offers prime access to the park's most famous scenic drive and wildlife viewing area, with strong ratings and both tent/RV options.
Great options within 90 minutes of the park entrance
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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.
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.
The best campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Discover 17 additional campgrounds within park boundaries
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 offers a unique high-elevation camping experience with cooler temperatures and excellent hiking access, supporting both tent and RV camping.
Deep Creek Campground is popular for its proximity to waterfalls and tubing activities, with strong review volume (839) and comprehensive camping options.
Cataloochee Campground provides access to the historic Cataloochee Valley with excellent elk viewing opportunities and diverse camping options.
Look Rock Campground offers spectacular mountain views and cooler temperatures at higher elevation, with good review volume and tent/RV facilities.
Abrams Creek Campground provides a more secluded camping experience in a less crowded area of the park with excellent fishing opportunities.
Big Creek Campground offers unique access to swimming holes and waterfalls with excellent ratings and diverse activities including hiking and fishing.
Smokemont Group Campground accommodates larger parties with excellent facilities and high review volume, perfect for family reunions or group camping.
Cades Cove Group campground serves large groups wanting to experience the park's premier wildlife viewing area with excellent review volume (713).
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.