Nate S.
Traveler
TravelerNorth River Campground
Secluded
This site has become a tradition to visit for a week once a year. I love this location.
Camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina encompasses a range of established campgrounds within and surrounding the nation's most visited national park. The North Carolina side features several notable options including Smokemont Campground, located near Cherokee, and Deep Creek Campground near Bryson City. These National Park Service facilities provide basic amenities while maintaining a rustic camping experience. Private campgrounds and RV parks in nearby towns like Cherokee offer more developed alternatives with full hookups and additional amenities. The area's camping options span from primitive backcountry sites requiring permits to full-service RV resorts with modern conveniences.
Most campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. The region experiences a temperate rainforest climate with frequent precipitation year-round. According to reviews, campers should "be prepared for rain since it is a temperate rain forest." Verizon cell service works well at many locations with "3 bars of service" reported at several campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer months and fall color season when facilities reach capacity quickly. Firewood restrictions apply throughout the park to prevent the spread of invasive pests, with certified heat-treated wood required.
The camping experience varies significantly between national park campgrounds and private facilities. National park sites like Smokemont offer more primitive camping with flush toilets but no showers, while nearby private campgrounds provide full amenities including hot showers and laundry facilities. Creekside sites are particularly sought after, with one camper noting that "the sounds of the creek at night melts all your worries away." Wildlife encounters, particularly with black bears, are common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. The park's campgrounds provide direct access to over 800 miles of hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail, making them ideal basecamps for exploring the park's natural features.
Campground Showdown near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
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Best Camping Sites Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park (648)
1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
126 ReviewsGatlinburg, TN7 milesWebsite+1 (865) 430-5560$30 / night
"Elkmont is a huge campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They have plenty of sites for tents and RVs. There is a camp store, showers, and restrooms."
"This campsite is in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is one of the biggest and busiest. **Yay: this is a fairly typical big national park campground in many ways."
2. Cades Cove Campground
99 ReviewsTownsend, TN15 milesWebsite+1 (865) 448-4103$30 / night
"Rustic camping, with tons of wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Well cared for, nice staff. Beautiful hiking trails, convenient store with bike rentals and wildlife watching."
"**This campsite is in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is one of the biggest and busiest."
3. Greenbrier Campground
71 ReviewsGatlinburg, TN12 milesWebsite$35 - $258 / night
"_
Greenbriar is located near the Greenbriar entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, very near the arts and crafts district of Gatlinburg."
"The campground is surrounded by a little river so many sites have river views. Most are relatively spacious. There are also a few spots on the road side of the island. The amenities were spotless."
4. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
54 ReviewsCherokee, NC11 miles+1 (828) 497-9270$30 / night
"Building a fire was next to impossible. I think there might have been thirty minutes without rain, so pictures are limited."
"Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."
5. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
56 ReviewsPigeon Forge, TN14 milesWebsite+1 (865) 453-7903"Stayed hear as a family while traveling through the are on a road trip from northern Minnesota to North Carolina, years ago."
"Had we been in a site away from the river, we’d have been packed in like sardines."
6. Deep Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
27 ReviewsBryson City, NC9 miles+1 (828) 448-3184$30 / night
"I have been to several campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and this is one of my favorites except for one thing. I don’t like the bathroom facility."
"The Deep Creek Campground is located just minutes away from the charming Bryson City with its shops, breweries, little cafes an other attractions such as steam train rides on the"
7. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
72 ReviewsCosby, TN21 milesWebsite+1 (423) 487-2683$50 / night
"Of all the no-frills campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one falls on the more basic end of the spectrum and the low cost reflects it."
"Cosby is great if you want to explore the eastern section of North Carolina sections of the park."
8. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA
28 ReviewsTownsend, TN13 milesWebsite+1 (865) 448-2241"The Lizard Lounge has a separate WiFi but you have to be inside or just outside to use it. Amazing river views and very close to the entrance of the National park."
"Right next to the entrance to the Great Smokey mountains. Townsend is a lovely town for eating and lots of walking trails. It is a short drive into pigeon forge if you want more activities to do."
9. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA
27 ReviewsCherokee, NC13 milesWebsite+1 (828) 497-9711"We stayed here in order to visit both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Wheels Through Time museum."
"If I’m not mistaken, the one we were at this time was either the same cabin or one close to it. It is perfectly situated beside the river. "
10. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort
24 ReviewsTownsend, TN13 milesWebsite+1 (865) 448-6363$60 - $185 / night
"Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is an upscale campground located just minutes from Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The campground has several different types of accommodations."
"Biking trail less than 100 yds away. Borders the National Park, Townsend is a Great place to stay, close to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and even closer to Cades Cove."
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Recent Reviews near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2899 Reviews of 648 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campgrounds
Rikki H.TravelerLook Rock Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Look Rock Camp! Beautiful Views up here!
This top of the mountain campground is amazing. There was barely anyone here and just a short/walk drive down the road are tons of overlooks and a short hike to a watch tower. I definitely recommend this place.
- S
Stephanie K.
ScoutRiverside Motel and Campground
The creek is the best
The main road can be quite noisy. Though the local authorities do what they can to keep it down. The creek is by far the best thing about the campground.
C.J. C.
GuideDouglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Clean and right on the river
Everything is new after Helene came through. I liked the park, and the staff was very helpful. Sometimes vehicles on the bridge near the dam could be noisy. After exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park each day, I was too tired to care. It's conveniently located and I'd stay here again when I'm in the area. There were Canadian geese, otters, and nesting bald eagles in the area.
- DDaniel H.Scout
Riveredge RV Park
Camping
Very nice campground with very good sites easy to back into and pretty level
Rachael F.Travelerwash Creek Dispersed Campsite #3
Be aware of your neighbors
If I was reviewing for just the location and how beautiful it was I’d give a 4 stars for a dispersed campsite however your neighbors do impact your experience.
The site itself I really loved. I was about 200 -300 feet from where you park your car right off the road (the roads by the way are definitely passable by most vehicles but keep in mind I was there in May). While there was alot of traffic going by (cars and bicyclists) the way it was set up it gave more privacy than most especially if you put your tent in the right place.
It was nice to have some distance between the car and the campsite with the large black bear population. Highly recommend keeping all food far from your site and washing any dishes as far from where you sleep as much as you can. Also keep all soaps, perfumes, or toiletries out if your tent. That also attracts.
Wash creek was close by. So accessing water for filtering for use was very easy. I used a 0.01 Micron, 6-Stage, portable BKLES (BKLES Camping Water Filter –... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGLHX2JK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) for the two weeks and had no health issues or otherwise. The water tasted great.
There was a hiking trail that was between the site and the path to the creek. I never saw anyone while I was there (2 weeks) but it’s something to consider if your a solo camper as other campers could easily travel it to access your site without you being aware. I had Portable Outdoor Perimeter Alarm... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXGJRD2K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) to keep me safe and alert at night which I can’t recommend enough. It ended up saving my life. Towards the end of my stay for the first time all four alarm sensors put in several different places yards apart were going off. It continued off and on for over an hour. I did not risk opening my tent to see what it was.
I decided to go to an air bnb the next night. when I returned my tent was riped in several places and my dewalt tool box I was using for storage had what looked like puncture marks and was opened (full disclosure - I forgot I had some dried chick peas in it). Pretty safe to assume I was visited by a bear. I went back to the air bnb waiting for things to dry up before packing.
Upon returning items were stolen. A few things were taken with a note from a nearby camper with his cell (no name ?) letting me know he was keeping them safe for me. When I was at the site inspecting things he showed up. Was nice enough and did return some of my items but my portable firepit and large propane tank were gone.
Granted I had left the site unattended for a few days after the seeing my tent ripped up and was waiting for things to dry (as it had been raining for several days) before packing. Having said this the stolen items could have been because the more permanent folks living in the area thought I had just abandoned my things. I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
So while the spot itself was profoundly beautiful the neighbors add an element that should be considered in your decision to come.
On a positive note, I did see blue ghost fireflies several nights during my stay. I Eastern Tiger Swallowtails two days in a row my site had maybe 50-100 right next to my tent. Then the Spicebush Swallowtail, and Azures decided to join. One day a cardinal sat right on the rock in the middle of the campsite 10 feet from me. If you love rocks like I do be prepared for some really truly beautiful gems (pun intended) if you go wading in the creek. I forgot to mention I accidentally caught a fish when trying to fill my bucket up in the evening (how did it taste? Well, unfortunately I don’t have the skills to prep fish like that so I quickly released it but tells you a bit about the water nearby 🌞)
- AAngelique B.Scout
Elk Valley Farm RV Park
Perfect Home Base for Exploring Western North Carolina
We stayed for a month in Site 27 with our 40’ Brinkley fifth wheel, our tow vehicle, and a follow-behind Toyota Highlander. The site easily accommodated all of it without feeling cramped.
Elk Valley Farm RV Park made the perfect home base for exploring western North Carolina. It’s conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, and some wonderful hiking, and it’s an easy drive to Cherokee, Bryson City, Sylva, Franklin, and other nearby towns.
The sites include sturdy picnic tables and nice fire rings with attached cooking shelves.
Some sites also feature paved patios.The campground is new and still expanding, but it’s already a great place to stay. The only amenity we missed was on-site laundry, but Heather and Jeff told us they’re planning to add a laundry room, which will make longer stays even better.
Heather and Jeff are wonderful owners—kind, friendly, flexible, and genuinely committed to making sure their guests have a great experience. You can tell they care about the campground and the people who stay there.
As an added bonus, Angry Elk Brewing right at the entrance to the RV park is absolutely worth a visit. Great beer, delicious food, and so convenient after a day of exploring.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn’t hesitate to return the next time we’re in the area.
- KKane G.Traveler
Sourwood Campground
Beautiful area
Only deducting a star for people not cleaning after themselves, leaving me to yet again to clean a site after someone before I can enjoy myself. Bring trash bags and pack your trash out with you please. Over all very beautiful area. I absolutely recommend if you don’t mind having other sites within 30-50 ft of you. Not usually my style, but the beauty of this area makes it alright. Even 2 wheel drive cars can make it back here.
James N.
RangerTallulah River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
A Little Noisy
The campground is great, but it's adjacent to a road that can have some very loud vehicle traffic. I've seen cleaner restrooms, but I wouldn't call these bad.
If your campsite is not on the river you will have to skirt the sites that are to go down to the river. Water is available, but I only saw one campsite with electric hookup and it was at what I assume was the camp host whose camp site looked like he/she had moved in, complete with a carport for their two vehicles - I found it to be a bit obnoxious right on the river.
With all that said, I would stay there again.
Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina ranges from heavily-wooded sites at elevations of 2,000 feet to riverfront locations in lowland valleys. The North Carolina side of the park receives more annual rainfall than the Tennessee side, with Bryson City averaging 53 inches yearly. During summer months, evening temperatures typically drop 10-15 degrees cooler than daytime highs, creating ideal sleeping conditions even without air conditioning.
What to do
Tubing at Deep Creek: The Deep Creek area offers excellent water recreation just minutes from the campground. "Beautiful campground in the smoky mountains with lots of hiking to three waterfalls. The tent-only camping does not look like a lot of fun... But you are right by the creek for a dip anytime," reports Nick C. at Deep Creek Campground.
Fishing for trout: Creek access throughout many campgrounds provides fishing opportunities. "I parked at the smokemont car camping area, then packed into one of the backcountry sites for a weekend of blue line trout fishing on the Bradley Creek headwaters, feeding into the Oconaluftee River," explains Gary B. about Smokemont Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and late evening offer prime wildlife spotting times. "We had elk walk through one morning," shares Veronica S. at Smokemont. For dedicated wildlife watchers, consider the Cherokee area campgrounds with easy access to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center fields where elk regularly graze.
Historical structures exploration: Several hiking trails lead to preserved buildings from early settlers. "The campground has a wonderful area and the history of the place is amazing," notes Amy P. about hiking opportunities near camp.
What campers like
River sounds for sleeping: Many campsites back up directly to flowing water. "The sounds of rushing water from Little Pigeon River creates peaceful sleeping conditions," according to Larry M. at Greenbrier Campground, who added, "We stayed here over Christmas time in a 20' travel trailer. Very clean with heated bathrooms washing machines and other amenities. The sound of the rushing river is a plus."
Private bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds offer upgraded bathroom experiences. "The bath house appeared to be newer, and will trump your home facilities in many cases! Within the bath house, there are several private doors leading to your own 3 piece bath with shelving and granite counters with outlets, and a stunning double shower," writes Erin H. about Greenbrier.
Quieter camping areas: Some campgrounds see significantly less traffic than others. "The 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," explains Jessica L. from Cosby Campground.
Year-round access: "Local friends say that this campground is never full. When we were there in late August there were only 2-3 unoccupied spots," notes Lynn G. about Cosby Campground, making it suitable for last-minute trips.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds fill months in advance while others remain accessible. "We stayed for one night, on a weeknight in early December. The campground was completely deserted (one other camper came in the evening, there were only two of us there!)," shares Carly E. about Smokemont's off-season availability.
No shower facilities in national park campgrounds: "The bathroom is clean, but no hot water or showers. If you wanted to shower you would have to drive to one of the nearby towns that offered showers at one of the rv campgrounds," explains Michelle A. about Cades Cove Group Campground.
Site spacing considerations: "Cramped and LOUD... However this campground is way too cramped and too loud. The sites are on top of each other," warns Veronica S. about Smokemont, emphasizing the importance of researching site layouts.
Weather impacts: "The road through the park shut down the night we were there due to snow and ice in the higher elevations, so keep weather in mind when visiting in the colder months," cautions Carly E. Winter campers should check road conditions regularly.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes access: Natural water features provide recreation for children. "My grands enjoyed playing in the shallow river in front of our campsite," shares Lori J. about Smokemont Campground, highlighting the safe water access.
Ranger programs: Educational activities run throughout peak season. "On Fridays they have special Ranger programs. We were lucky enough to learn about moon-shining from guys on the moonshiner TV show," explains Janine B. from Cosby Campground.
Privacy considerations: For families needing separation, investigate site layouts. "The tent sites are located next to the creek and equipped with tent pad, fire pit, and picnic table. Drive through and select your site before paying to get a nice spot," advises Marina V. about Deep Creek Campground.
Loop activities: "What a great campground!! This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It puts you back into the outdoors as the National Parks should be. The campground is beautiful and on certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride," explains Jeremy H.
Tips from RVers
Electrical availability: Limited electric sites exist within national park campgrounds. "Approx 20 miles from main visitor center. The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic. Camp store is near campsites. Also a ranger station. Several hiking trails are accessible from campground. All driveways shaded, paved, and level," notes Kim L. about Smokemont.
Leveling requirements: "Rocks line the driveway of each site, close enough to require careful placement to leave room for stairs and slides," warns Tod S. about Smokemont Campground, emphasizing the need for levelers.
Site selection tips: "The thing about Deep Creek Campground is that it's pretty unusual. Although sites say they are for tents or RVs, some are very odd and only have parking space for an RV on the road, and your table and other areas are above or below... Sites 79, 81 and 82, for example, are great for an RV, especially if it's not longer than 18 feet. And bring levelers; you will need them!" advises Susan G.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RV camping allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Is RV camping allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, RV camping is allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, though campsite size limitations exist. Most in-park campgrounds can accommodate RVs but typically don't offer hookups. For full hookups, consider nearby private campgrounds like Little Arrow Outdoor Resort which features large, paved pull-through buddy sites with full hookups just minutes from the park entrance. Recently reopened Look Rock Campground within the park also welcomes RVs after its 9-year closure. When booking in-park sites, verify length restrictions as they vary by campground. Many campers prefer staying at private resorts around the park perimeter for amenities like electric, water, and sewer connections while making day trips into the national park.
What are the best campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
What are the best campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The best campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer unique experiences based on your preferences. Cades Cove Campground is highly rated for its scenic valley setting and wildlife viewing opportunities. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Double Island offers primitive camping accessible only by watercraft, providing a truly remote experience within park boundaries. Check-in is available at Fontana Boat Ramp, and the island offers a few spots for tents or hammocks without any services. For a quiet experience on the Tennessee side, Cosby Campground provides a more peaceful alternative to busier park campgrounds. Consider your priorities—whether scenic views, proximity to hiking trails, or privacy—when selecting the best campground for your visit.
What is the difference between tent camping and other options in Great Smoky Mountains?
What is the difference between tent camping and other options in Great Smoky Mountains?
Tent camping in Great Smoky Mountains offers a traditional, immersive experience with basic amenities like restrooms and water spigots at established campgrounds. Other accommodations provide varying levels of comfort and convenience. Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground offers both tent sites and hookups just outside the park boundary on the North Carolina side, featuring hot showers and a variety of camping options. For those seeking more comfort, Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA provides deluxe cabins on the Raven Fork river, complete with propane grills and access to amenities like swimming pools. The key differences include: amenities (tent camping typically has minimal facilities while cabins/RV sites offer more comforts), weather protection (tents are more exposed to elements), setup time (tents require assembly), and price (tent camping is generally more affordable than cabins or RV sites with hookups).
Are there campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are open year-round?
Are there campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are open year-round?
Yes, several campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park operate year-round. The Ridge Outdoor Resort is a clean, well-maintained year-round option close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge attractions. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground also stays open throughout the year, featuring amenities like a heated lazy river and providing convenient access to the park and surrounding attractions. On the North Carolina side, Gateway to the Smokies offers year-round camping with large, private sites located just 7 miles from the North Carolina entrance to the park. While most in-park campgrounds close during winter months, these nearby private campgrounds provide alternatives for visitors seeking to experience the Smokies during the quieter off-season months.
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