Map showing campground location near Almond, North Carolina

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Double Island — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Fontana Lake holds Double Island, a boat-in campground within Great Smoky Mountains National Park managed by the National Park Service. Access requires watercraft, with boat ramps near Fontana Dam providing the staging point. Rangers check permits during summer visits. This is a pack-in, pack-out site with no trash service. Firewood can be foraged from driftwood along the shore, though campers must leave the island to collect it. Cell service is listed as available. Water levels on Fontana Lake shift seasonally, affecting both navigation and wildlife activity around the shoreline. Campers planning a first visit to tent sites near Great Smoky Mountains National Park may want to compare options before committing to the logistics here.

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Map & DirectionsDouble Island is located in North Carolina near Almond

Public Campground

Coordinates

35.43340335 N
83.64828936 W

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Access

Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Reservable
Alcohol
Fires

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General Info

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Drive Time

59 min from Knoxville, TN
1 hr 24 min from Morristown, TN
2 hrs 27 min from Asheville, NC

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Double Island

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5.0

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2 Reviews

Dennis A.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 23, 2018

GSMNP Remote Island Available by Watercraft

Available by watercraft. Remote Island in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Check - In is available at the Fontana Boat Ramp.

This is two Islands at high water. One at low pond after Labor Day. There are a couple of places to setup tents or hammocks. There are no services

Month of VisitSeptember

(4) View All

Dennis A.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 23, 2018

Unimproved tent or hammock site

Double Island Remote Campground Fontana Lake in the Smoky Mountain National Park is available by watercraft only. There are boat ramps in the surrounding area that provide access.

Campground use is via the Check-in Stations, there is one at Fontana Dam Boat ramp.

I have camped there on three occasions. More fun while boating when the water level is up prior to Labor Day. We did see more wildlife including bear when the level was down as they had to travel down to the low level shore.

There is plenty of downed driftwood firewood in the area you have to leave the Island though and forage the shore.

This is a pack it in, pack it out type location. The Rangers typically stop by in the Summer to check your papers. Make sure you have plenty of ice. It's a long way back to Fontana Dam or a local Marina...unless you are in a power boat.

Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Double Island Campground located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Double Island Campground is a remote site located on Fontana Lake within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As its name suggests, it forms two separate islands during high water levels, while becoming a single landmass when water levels drop after Labor Day. This unique campground is only accessible by watercraft, with boat ramps available in the surrounding area, including one at Fontana Dam, which provides convenient access to reach the island.

Do I need reservations to camp at Double Island in Great Smoky Mountains?

While formal advance reservations aren't required for Double Island, you do need to check in before camping there. The campground utilizes a check-in system administered through Check-in Stations, with one located at the Fontana Dam Boat Ramp. All campers must register at this station before occupying a site on the island. This process helps park management monitor usage of this remote area while maintaining its primitive character. Always verify current check-in requirements with Great Smoky Mountains National Park before your trip.

What amenities are available at Double Island Campground?

Double Island Campground is a primitive, remote camping destination with minimal amenities. There are no services provided on the island - no potable water, electricity, or bathroom facilities. The campground offers a few suitable spots for setting up tents or hammocks. The appeal of Double Island lies in its isolation and natural setting rather than conveniences, making it ideal for experienced campers who are prepared to be fully self-sufficient during their stay.

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