2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campgrounds surrounding Cherokee, North Carolina offer diverse options within Great Smoky Mountains National Park and adjacent areas. Cosby Campground provides tent sites with basic amenities from mid-April through mid-October, while Gateway to the Smokies features two large, private tent sites set on over an acre of land. Several backcountry shelters and primitive tent sites are accessible throughout the region for campers seeking more remote experiences.
Most tent sites near Cherokee require varying levels of hiking effort to access, with many backcountry locations requiring permits through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reservation system. Sites like Mount LeConte Shelter involve substantial hikes and elevation gain, while campgrounds like Littlejohn offer more accessible tent camping with amenities including drinking water, electric hookups and shower facilities. Bears are active throughout the region, making proper food storage essential at all tent sites. Many primitive areas have bear cables or metal boxes installed specifically for food storage. Seasonal access varies considerably, with higher elevation tent sites typically unavailable during winter months.
Tent campers frequently use these campgrounds as bases for exploring the park's extensive trail networks. Site 40 provides tent spaces completely covered by rhododendron with a rushing stream nearby, creating a peaceful atmosphere despite the moderate 1.5-mile hike required to reach it. The sound of flowing water is a common feature at many tent sites, enhancing the camping experience. One camper noted that "This is one of my favorite backcountry sites in the Smokies. Fairly easy hike to get there also. But the site itself is beautiful." Solitude is another highlight of the area's tent camping options, particularly at more remote walk-in tent locations, though wildlife encounters including bears and elk should be anticipated and prepared for accordingly.
"Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping."
"Most of the sites are better suited to tent campers, though a few of them are designated RV sites offering a back-in parking pad."
from $50 / night
"It is located right off of US Highway 441 just 7 miles to the North Carolina Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park."
"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!!"
Available this weekend
from $45 - $50 / night
"Primitive campsite on trail near highest mountain peak. There were several primitive campsites in close proximity. Our campsite had a large metal bear box in which you could store food and packs."
"The only way to get to the site is to hike in for several hours on one of the many trails that get you up the mountain."
"Water source was very close to the shelter. We had zero issues with bugs or critters bothering us at night. I was also able to get cell/satellite service outside the shelter and up on the AT."
"The area around the shelter is high, rocky, and remote. Expect 10-15 degrees less than the Park headquarters."
"Each one has a firepit, picnic table, lantern pole, and a very large tent pad. There are no RV's allowed. Nearby is group camping and horse camping. You cannot park your car right on the campsite."
"Located at the base of the Baxter Creek Trail, which leads to Mount Sterling, this drive-in campground provides a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"Rushing stream right next to it, and private tent areas completely covered by rhododendron!"
from $4 / night
"Situated just a short .2-mile detour from the main loop trail, it provided us with a serene respite after a day of hiking."
from $6 - $8 / night
"These sites are next to a river. Has fire pits and places to hang your gear. It's a great site down in the valley and the trail is beautiful getting there."
TravelerWe were probably lucky, but we drove in on a Monday and found a nice site with the creek/stream burbling in the background. Yes, there is dirt entrance/road and traffic, but not much and way quieter than family campgrounds. This site is my perfect idea of an amazing free off grid camping spot.
TravelerBeautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy
GuideDrove 5 hrs from our last campground to here for event Campground was very well maintained and liked the site. Wasn’t overly crazy about the event not a lot of vendors mainly jeeps went to a few local shops in town had a great lunch at the cookie dough monster.
ScoutWe stayed for a week in late October. Quiet and secluded but right outside of Franklin. Very. Nicely decorated. Has small campstore, very nice laundryroom, and a guest event center. Rick, the campsite host, helped me get backed in and asked if I needed any more help. Some pull-throughs. Some sites are a little tight but others really nice. We will definitely come back.
TravelerFantastic National Park! Elkmont is really nice but lacking in hookups and there are no showers. Hard to stay too long without power, water, sewer and showers. Still, an amazing site along the river!
TravelerMy son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
GuideA sign on the gate says that the area has been closed "due to vandalism and unauthorized activity".
GuideThis is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great.
There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..
The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves.
The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
Tent camping opportunities near Cherokee, North Carolina range from primitive backcountry sites to drive-in campgrounds with amenities. Located at elevations between 1,700 to 6,000 feet, the area experiences temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between valley floors and mountain peaks. Most campgrounds within Great Smoky Mountains National Park enforce strict food storage regulations due to active black bear populations throughout the region.
Hiking at Cosby Campground: Trails lead directly from campsites to surrounding mountain peaks. "Great sites available without reservations. Trailheadss conveniently located inside the campground. Peaceful trails," notes Stephani K. about Cosby Campground.
Swimming in creek pools: Big Creek offers natural swimming areas just steps from camp. "It was great for the dogs to cool off. There are also swimming holes nearby," says Katrin M. about Big Creek Campground.
Exploring historic structures: Several trails pass abandoned homesteads with intact buildings. "The trail itself passes by a house and a spring house that were built before the land was turned into a national park. You can actually go inside the house and explore its rooms," explains a camper at Site 40.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide opportunities to see elk herds in meadow areas. "One unforgettable morning, we were greeted by a friendly deer that sauntered by, offering us a charming 'good morning' as it grazed peacefully on the surrounding grasses," shares a visitor to Laurel Gap Shelter.
Secluded atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer privacy despite proximity to park attractions. "Cosby Campground tends to be a little quieter than Cades Cove or Elkmont, but I like it that way! There is ample parking nearby and trailheads," reports Jessica L. about Tricorner Knob Shelter.
Water features: Streams and creeks run through many camping areas. "The camp was great. Pads were large and flat and well kept... Nice path to walk and explore along stream which is very beautiful," shares Nick about Big Creek Campground.
Smaller crowds: Some areas receive fewer visitors than main park entrances. "Was directed to Cosby by a NPS Ranger as an overlooked, beautiful campground. Arrived close to dark and had our pick of gorgeous, wooded sites- even on a weekend in July," says Tricia L.
Natural surroundings: Vegetation provides shade and privacy at most sites. "Private tent areas completely covered by rhododendron!" notes Brent S. about Site 40.
Reservation requirements: Most backcountry sites require permits obtained through the park's reservation system. "The shelter itself is a classic three-sided AT shelter. Remember that all overnight stays (other than AT thru-hikers) must be reserved through the GSMNP backcountry office or online," explains Bill S. at Tricorner Knob Shelter.
Space limitations: Some popular shelters fill quickly during peak seasons. "The shelter and its surrounding camping areas were not able to accommodate the influx of hikers. Space was at a premium, and it felt exceptionally crowded," warns a camper at Laurel Gap Shelter.
Wildlife precautions: Bears frequently visit camping areas. "When I was there, I saw what I believe to be at least two large piles of bear scat... Garbage is the main reason the bears are aggressive," cautions Myron C. about Site 40.
Weather variations: Higher elevation sites experience significant temperature drops. "The area around the shelter is high, rocky, and remote. Expect 10-15 degrees less than the Park headquarters," advises Bill S.
Accessible camping options: Some sites require minimal walking from parking areas. "You cannot park your car right on the campsite. There is a parking lot and you need to carry your gear in. It's about 100 feet to the sites," explains Katrin M. about Big Creek Campground.
Private sites for group camping: Larger families need spacious sites with natural boundaries. "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," notes Michael G. about Gateway to the Smokies.
Ranger programs: Educational activities run throughout summer months. "On Fridays they have special Ranger programs. We were lucky enough to learn about moon-shining from guys on the moonshiner TV show," shares Janine B.
Stream access for play: Water features provide natural entertainment for children. "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," says Liz L. about Gateway to the Smokies.
Hookup availability: Most park campgrounds have limited or no hookups. "There is a small Elvis museum onsite, but it is impressive with all of the Elvis memorabilia. There is also a stream behind the campground which is great to sleep by and great for fishing for trout," reports Myron C. about Littlejohn Campground, which offers electric and water hookups.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "Plan to be without WiFi and for your car to navigate difficult ground on your way in and out," warns Alison W. about Big Creek.
Noise factors: Road proximity affects some camping experiences. "This was my third time at Littlejohn Campground, and it was during the middle of the week. There wasn't a lot of activity except for the noise from the road," notes Myron C.
Site size restrictions: Vehicle length limitations apply at most park campgrounds. "Most sites are shady and there are fire pits. The bath house is adequate, but if I had been in an RV, I think I would have rather used it," explains a camper at Littlejohn Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cherokee, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cherokee, NC is Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 71 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cherokee, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 113 tent camping locations near Cherokee, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
