3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping options within Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide several backcountry and primitive experiences for visitors seeking a true wilderness setting. Campgrounds like Cosby and Big Creek accommodate tent campers with designated sites, while more remote locations such as Mount LeConte Shelter and Tricorner Knob Shelter offer backcountry tent camping experiences along the Appalachian Trail. Many sites require advance reservations through the park's permitting system, especially during peak season from late spring through early fall.
Most primitive tent sites in the park have minimal amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. Campground 65 offers space for multiple tents, with one visitor noting that they "were surprised that it had a picnic table that far back into the wilderness." Sites typically feature level ground for tent setup, and some include basic fire rings or fire pits. Backcountry campsites generally require hiking in with all necessary supplies, as many lack drinking water sources. Bear activity is common throughout the park, necessitating proper food storage using provided cables or bear boxes at designated sites. Portable toilets or composting privies are available at some locations, but many primitive areas require campers to follow leave-no-trace principles for waste management.
Tent campers at higher elevations experience cooler temperatures than lower areas of the park. A camper at Tricorner Knob Shelter mentioned, "The area around the shelter is high, rocky, and remote. Expect 10-15 degrees less than the Park headquarters." For those seeking water proximity, sites like Bote Mountain Campsite 18 feature creekside settings that provide both water access and natural white noise. Double Island presents a unique boat-in tent camping opportunity on Fontana Lake, offering exceptional privacy. The backcountry tent experience rewards visitors with solitude and wildlife encounters, though bear encounters are relatively common, with one camper reporting significant bear activity circling their shelter at night. Most tent sites in the park fill quickly during summer months, making advance reservations essential.
"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."
"Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping."
from $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."
"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
"Great site & fairly easy hike in from Laurel Creek rd. Camp site is about .5 miles downhill from the Bote Mountain and West Prong Trail Head."
"I chose this campsite as the location of my first backcountry overnight experience, and I was not disappointed. Loved every minute of it. Short hike from your vehicle on Laurel Gap Rd."
"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."
"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."
from $4 / night
"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
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 campsites near Great Smoky Mountains National Park range from 1,700 feet elevation at Big Creek to over 6,000 feet at high mountain shelters. Seasonal temperature variations can exceed 15 degrees between valley locations and mountaintop sites. Primitive camping options often feature natural water sources, though most require filtration systems for drinking water safety.
Hiking to waterfalls: Access popular swimming spots from Big Creek Campground. Multiple trails lead to natural water features with "nice path to walk and explore along stream which is very beautiful," according to Nick. The trail to Midnight Hole is family-friendly with moderate difficulty.
Backcountry exploration: Trek to remote locations using designated shelters as base camps. High-elevation camping at Mount LeConte Shelter provides access to peaks above 6,000 feet. One visitor noted: "I highly suggest taking the ranger tour out to the cliffs for the sunset viewing."
Fishing opportunities: Trout fishing is available throughout the park, especially in spring months. Many creek-side campsites provide direct water access. At Bote Mountain, one camper mentioned that "West Prong of the Little River runs right through both separated sites, so plenty of water is an understatement."
Secluded experiences: Double Island offers unique boat-in tent camping on Fontana Lake. Dennis A. reports: "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."
Trail proximity: Many campsites feature direct trail access to major hiking routes. At Cosby Campground, Lori H. shared: "The trailhead for Mt. Cammerer via Low Gap leaves from here also, and that was a great hike, the first 3+ miles are rough and steep, but once you hit the AT it gets easier."
Lower crowds: Less-visited areas provide greater solitude. At Cosby, Tricia L. noted: "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."
Reservations required: Most backcountry sites require advance permits through the park's backcountry reservation system. For tent camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrances, frontcountry sites fill quickly during summer.
Water availability: Natural water sources require filtration. Amanda from Mount LeConte Shelter notes: "Primitive shelter with privy and water nearby, and bear cables. But, note that it's not free. You have to get a permit through the GSMNP website."
Bear precautions: Wildlife encounters are common. At Tricorner Knob Shelter, Christina Z. observed: "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."
Temperature variations: Higher elevations experience significantly cooler conditions. Bill S. reports of Tricorner Knob: "The area around the shelter is high, rocky, and remote. Expect 10-15 degrees less than the Park headquarters."
Beginner-friendly options: Choose established campgrounds for first-time backcountry experiences. Janine B. recommends Cosby: "This location is a great choice for anyone who wants to visit GSMNP while avoiding some of the crowds. This campground rarely fills up, allowing for the opportunity to pick your site when you get there."
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger programs. Janine also noted: "On Fridays they have special Ranger programs. We were lucky enough to learn about moon-shining from guys on the moonshiner TV show."
Swimming access: Natural water features provide recreation for children. At Gateway to the Smokies, Liz L. shared: "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."
Pet restrictions: Dogs are permitted in campgrounds but prohibited on most trails. Janine B. mentions: "Note that dogs are welcome in the campground but not on the majority of the trails."
Size limitations: Most primitive tent campsites near Great Smoky Mountains National Park don't accommodate RVs. At Site 65, Myron C. confirms: "Site 65 is hike in only, but it has space for at least three tents. It is not for RVs or travel trailers."
Parking considerations: Frontcountry campgrounds often require equipment to be carried from parking areas to sites. Katrin M. notes about Big Creek: "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."
Road conditions: Access roads to remote campgrounds can be challenging. Alison W. advises Big Creek visitors to "plan to be without WiFi and for your car to navigate difficult ground on your way in and out."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tent camping locations within Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a top choice for tent campers, offering a peaceful experience alongside Big Creek with only 12 sites. For a more unique adventure, Double Island — Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a remote camping experience accessible only by watercraft with check-in available at Fontana Boat Ramp. Other excellent options include Cosby Campground with its heavily wooded sites perfect for hammock camping, and backcountry sites like Mount Collins for those seeking solitude. The park offers a variety of front-country campgrounds with basic facilities as well as backcountry sites for more adventurous campers.
Do I need a permit for tent camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, permits are required for camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For frontcountry campgrounds like Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you'll need reservations which effectively serve as your permit. For backcountry camping at locations like Bote Mountain Campsite 18, specific backcountry permits are mandatory and can be obtained online through the park's reservation system. Permits help the park manage visitor impact and ensure safety. Frontcountry campsite fees typically range from $17-$27 per night, while backcountry permits cost $4 per person per night with a maximum of $20 per permit. Always secure your permit before setting up camp.
What amenities are available at tent campsites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Amenities vary significantly across the park's campgrounds. Gateway to the Smokies, located just outside the park, offers more conveniences with large private campsites. Within the park itself, frontcountry campgrounds like Ammons Branch Campground typically provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms. Most developed campgrounds offer flush toilets and potable water, while backcountry sites have minimal to no facilities. None of the park's campgrounds offer electrical hookups or showers. Bear-proof food storage is available at most locations, either as dedicated bear boxes or via food storage cables. Cell service is generally limited throughout the park, especially in more remote camping areas.
When is the best season for tent camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Spring (mid-April to June) and fall (September to mid-November) offer the best tent camping experiences in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Greenheart Forest in nearby Pisgah National Forest showcases the region's spectacular fall colors, while spring brings vibrant wildflowers. Note that some campgrounds like Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park don't open until mid/late April. Summer provides warmer temperatures but brings larger crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter camping is possible at select year-round campgrounds, but temperatures can drop into the 30s°F or lower, requiring proper cold-weather gear. Regardless of season, mountain weather can change rapidly, so always check forecasts and pack accordingly.
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