$45 - $50 / night

PRO 10% off

Camper submitted image from Gateway to the Smokies - 1 Request to Bookpro 10% off

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Gateway to the Smokies - 2
Camping
Camper submitted image from Gateway to the Smokies - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Gateway to the Smokies - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from Gateway to the Smokies - 5
Nature
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Verified

Established Camping

Gateway to the Smokies

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Gateway to the Smokies, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a cozy campground that offers a private escape for campers looking to unwind. With two spacious sites, you’ll find plenty of room to set up your tent or RV and enjoy the natural surroundings.

This family-owned spot is known for its peaceful atmosphere, with visitors often highlighting the soothing sounds of nearby waterfalls. One camper mentioned, “It is really private here, we were able to listen to our music and have a great time without having to worry about anyone.” Each site comes equipped with a fire pit, picnic table, and grill, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors and gather around the fire at night.

For those eager to explore, the campground is just a short drive from the North Carolina entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Campers have enjoyed activities like hiking, tubing, and biking, with one reviewer noting it was a “great base camp” for their adventures. Plus, with a Dollar General nearby, stocking up on supplies is a breeze.

While the campground doesn’t offer drinking water or electric hookups, it’s a perfect spot for those looking to disconnect and enjoy nature. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Gateway to the Smokies provides a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Location

Gateway to the Smokies is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Directions

450 US 441 Whittier, NC 28789 Located right off of US Highway 441. Entrance is across the Highway from Dollar General you'll see a private drive just to the left of the A-1 mini storage, this is our driveway. Stop short of the bridge to remove security cable. It's attached by a combination lock. We will send you the code to the lock when you book. Check your email for the code.

Coordinates

35.42485503348861 N
83.32757198938687 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

75%
0%
0%
0%
25%

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed May. 9, 2023

Great little spot.

We booked campsite 2, as one of our guys was camping in a truck bed tent.  It was definitely closer to the busy street than we imagined, but you will feel secluded. It’s very private; and the host communicated well. Great location! Would return!

SiteSite 2
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Gateway to the Smokies by Chris L., May 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Gateway to the Smokies by Chris L., May 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Gateway to the Smokies by Chris L., May 9, 2023
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2022

.

.

Site1
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Mar. 9, 2021

Private and Lots of Space

I love the waterfalls on this property. They are so soothing to listen to as we grill out, sit at the fire pit, and play in the water. It is really private here, we were able to listen to our music and have a great time without having to worry about anyone.👍 This campsite is a great base camp, too. We went to the Tsali biking trails, tubed down Deep Creek, and hiked around in the Smokies. It was perfect. We already have our next visit booked. Thank you!!

  • Review photo of Gateway to the Smokies by Liz L., March 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Gateway to the Smokies by Liz L., March 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Gateway to the Smokies by Liz L., March 9, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 8, 2021

Small Family Owned Campground with two very large and private campsites.

Gateway to the Smokies is a small family owned and operated campground with two very large and private campsites on over an acre of land. It is located right off of US Highway 441 just 7 miles to the North Carolina Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is a Dollar General located right across the highway which was very convenient for refilling coolers with ice. They also sold propane, charcoal for the grill, drinks, snacks and any thing you'd need for camping! Site 1 sits along the creek and is a walk-in Tents Only campsite with a 16' tent pad. Site 2 is up the hill on a nice grassy area large enough to turn around a 1/2 ton size pickup truck and 20' travel trailer without having to back up. Both sites have a fire pit, park style grill, and a picnic table. There is also a shared portable toilet located near the site 1 parking area. There is no potable water and no hookups but I'm sure you could boil water from the creek. Generators are allowed with no restrictions unless there is other campers on property then quiet times are from 10pm- 7am. Verizon service worked fine w 3 bars of service. Great spot for exploring the NC side of the Smoky Mountains. Saved money using Dyrt Pro Discount compared to other apps the property is listed on.

Site#2 the hilltop
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Gateway to the Smokies by Michael G., March 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Gateway to the Smokies by Michael G., March 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Gateway to the Smokies by Michael G., March 8, 2021
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Gateway to the Smokies?

Camping at Gateway to the Smokies can cost between $45.00 and $50.00 depending on the site.

What is the elevation of Gateway to the Smokies?

Gateway to the Smokies is located at 1889 feet.

What is the max vehicle length at Gateway to the Smokies?

Gateway to the Smokies allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

Are fires allowed at Gateway to the Smokies?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Gateway to the Smokies, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Gateway to the Smokies?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.