Mount LeConte Shelter, near [Great Smoky Mountains National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/north-carolina/near/great-smoky-mountains-national-park), is a unique spot for those who love the great outdoors and don’t mind a bit of a trek to get there. This primitive shelter offers a rustic experience with nearby water sources and bear cables for food storage, making it a practical choice for hikers looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Visitors rave about the breathtaking views that greet you upon arrival, with one camper noting, “The views are breathtaking and words don't say enough to describe the beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains!” The shelter is a hike-in location, so be prepared for a workout, but the stunning scenery along the trails makes it all worthwhile. 

While amenities are basic—think no toilets or showers—campers appreciate the chance to connect with nature. As one reviewer put it, “Absolutely everything about it is amazing.” Just remember to secure a permit before you go, as it’s required for your stay. Whether you’re setting up a tent or just stopping by for a night, Mount LeConte Shelter offers a memorable experience in one of the most beautiful national parks in the country.

Mount LeConte Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is known for two things: selling touristy t-shirts and being the main entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As you can imagine, the best camping near Gatlinburg, TN is located in the park itself.

Since Gatlinburg is so closely associated with the park, the surrounding areas offer plenty of camping options and amenities. Whether you’re looking for privately-owned campgrounds or some souvenirs, you’ll be able to find them in Gatlinburg or any of the surrounding cities. If you’re looking for something more substantial, your best bet may be to pass Gatlinburg and head towards Pigeon Forge. You’ll find plenty of RV campsites there, and it’s a larger city. That being said, you can’t pass up a trip to Gatlinburg’s Space Needle observation tower or the Ober Gatlinburg ski resort in the winter.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Gatlinburg, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Gatlinburg, TN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

The Best Camping Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee

I grew up hiking and staying at the lodge on Le Conte, llamas bring in your supplies up one of the few trails that lead to the top.The shelters not far from the lodge along Boulevard Trail. This is definitely the best mountain experience I've had in the southeast and one of my favorite places in the world. Alum Cave Trail is my preferred route to the top and has amazing vistas the whole way up. Once at the top Clifftops and Myrtles Point are a must.

On top of the Smokies 

I have stayed at LeConte Lodge several times and it is one of the most incredible hiking experiences you can get. 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. The hike in itself is beautiful and gives you views of the Smokeys depending on which route you take. When you get to the peak you can either stay at the lodge which requires a reservation or stay in the nearby AT shelter. I recommend the lodge if you can afford it and plan enough in advance (reservations fill up quickly). When you get to the lodge they serve you hot drinks and snacks then dinner which is all included with your stay in the cabins. I believe even if you stay in the nearby shelter you can reserve a space for dinner. I highly suggest taking the ranger tour out to the cliffs for the sunset viewing. Plan this trip out in advance but it can be an incredible trip!

Worth the Hike

Leconte lodge is on top of mountain thats only accessible after an all day hike. Great cabin lodging at the top. If you're luck you get a great view of the Smoky Mountains but it is often cloudy. Fun board games supplied in the communal cabin at the top as well. They serve dinner when you get up (which consists of decently tasting mystery meat and some sides) and a delicious breakfast in the morning before you have to hike back down (especially the apple butter!!!)


Beautiful lookout after long, but worthwhile hike

	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 site was large enough for a few tents (2-3), we had a group of five and have more than enough room. Nearby, there was a compostable bathroom that was shared by the surrounding campsites. The toilet is rather open, and they ask to add on soil/mulch after using the bathroom. There is not a water source (to my knowledge) anywhere on the mountain or close to the trail, so you must pack in all water. This campsite is approximately a mile from the (insert mountain trail here); where it meets with (this trail), the peak is a half-mile further along. Additionally, if you continue along the (trail with the campsite), it connects with a ridge-side loop, with breathtaking views atop the ridge that look out over an immense canyon (flatlands?). On a clear day, you can easily see the Rio Grande, Mexico, and the cliffs and mountains across the border.

We weren't at the lodge

Perfect

This hike is a definite must do!  Upon our arrival we were greated by the crew and directed to our cabin.  The views are breathtaking and words don't say enough to describe the beautiful views of the smokey mountains!   We will definitely be back! 

Breathtaking 

love the story behind the naming of this mountain!

love it

I’m a reluctant camper and hiker doing this to spend time with my family so factor that in to my review. I had a permit, but no one asked to see it. Perhaps anyone who might had left for the day. My pack weighed at least 30lbs. and I’m new to this, so it took me forever to get up here. It was dark by the time we arrived and boy, was I disappointed to learn this shelter is situated PAST the lodge. My exhaustion made the merriment I glimpsed behind its fire-warmed window panes seem cruel, but I’m sure it wasn’t as personal as it seemed in the moment. There were two other tents set up outside the shelter when we arrived so I set up my camp, silently, by the light of my otherwise useless iphone. I would’ve slept inside the shelter, even though the entrance was covered by a plastic tarp that read, “keep out” (because of COVID, maybe?), but my son told me there would be mice. Then, he did something with our food that involved some system of ropes and pulleys, but I didn’t care if I were eaten by a bear. At least then I wouldn’t have had to hike down. Or discover what a “compost toilet” is. 

Nice view.

Back Country Primitive Shelter

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. 

Photos of Mount LeConte Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Real photos from real campers