Map showing campground location near Townsend, Tennessee

Camper submitted image from Bote Mountain Campsite 18 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Bote Mountain Campsite 18 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Reached via a roughly half-mile downhill hike from the Laurel Creek Road trailhead, Bote Mountain Campsite 18 sits within Great Smoky Mountains National Park and gives access to two separated sites along the West Prong of the Little River. Water is abundant. The ground is flat with enough room to spread out, reservations are available through the National Park Service, and pets are permitted. Hikers planning a first backcountry overnight will find the access straightforward and the logistics manageable, with an IGA grocery store in Townsend roughly 20 minutes from the trailhead for last-minute resupply.

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Map & DirectionsBote Mountain Campsite 18 is located in Tennessee near Townsend

Public Campground

Coordinates

35.62233535 N
83.71486254 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed
Group
Yurts
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Reservable
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

54 min from Knoxville, TN
1 hr 20 min from Morristown, TN
1 hr 47 min from Cleveland, TN
2 hrs 23 min from Asheville, NC

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Bote Mountain Campsite 18

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4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Christina Z.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2019

A little slice of creekside heaven

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. West Prong of the Little River runs right through both separated sites, so plenty of water is an understatement. Ground is flat and plenty of room to spread out. IGA grocery store in Townsend is only 20 minutes away, makes for a great place to pick up last minute food ideas before hiking in to your site. This is a favorite spot for us local hikers, I highly recommend it to everyone.

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Kristin M.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 25, 2018

easy short hike to feel miles from world

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. There are 2 sites that can be used and they are separated from one another.

SiteWe stayed at A

Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Campsite 18 from Gatlinburg, TN?

The exact distance from Gatlinburg to Campsite 18 isn't specified, but the campsite is accessed from Laurel Creek Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Typically, backcountry sites in this area are approximately 20-30 miles from Gatlinburg, depending on the route taken. Contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor center for precise driving directions and current road conditions.

Where is Campsite 18 located in the Smoky Mountains?

Campsite 18 is located about 0.5 miles downhill from the Bote Mountain and West Prong Trail Head in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's accessible via a short hike from Laurel Creek Road. The campsite is situated along the West Prong of the Little River, offering a serene backcountry experience while remaining relatively accessible.

Can I participate in the Local Guide Program at Smoky Mountains campgrounds?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park does offer volunteer opportunities, though a specific Local Guide Program isn't mentioned for this area. The park has various volunteer positions including trail maintenance, visitor center assistance, and educational programs. For current opportunities to participate in park programs, contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park volunteer coordinator or check the official National Park Service website.

What amenities are available at Campsite 18 in the Smoky Mountains?

Campsite 18 is a backcountry site with minimal amenities. It features two separated camping areas, providing some privacy between groups. The West Prong of the Little River runs through both sites, ensuring abundant water access for filtering. Being a backcountry site, there are no developed facilities like bathrooms, picnic tables, or fire rings, so campers should be prepared for a true wilderness experience.

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