Campsite AVAILABILITY in and around the smokies
Camping Availability - updated April 2
Book National Park campsites at Recreation.gov. Note that GSMNP campgrounds are open seasonally, some will not be open in time for SWFP. We recommend Cades Cove, Elkmont, Smokemont, Cosby, or Deep Creek.
Campground FAQs
Which campgrounds are closest to my hikes?
In short, it depends. There are pilgrimage hikes all throughout the GSMNP, but most will be concentrated on the Tennessee (Gatlinburg) side or near US 441 on the North Carolina side. Elkmont, Cades Cove, and campgrounds in and around Townsend will be the most convenient for most of our hikes, but they will be busier. Campgrounds in Pigeon Forge will be the next most convenient for access to Gatlinburg and the Tennessee side of the GSMNP.
We have many programs in the Greenbriar and Cosby areas, for those, Arrow Creek, Adventure Bound, Greenbriar Island, and Gatlinburg East KOA will be convenient.
Finally, while we have fewer programs on the North Carolina (Cherokee) side of the park, this area is often less busy and therefore it may be easier to find campsites here. Smokemont and Deep Creek are National Park campgrounds and there are several large private campgrounds near Cherokee such as Yogi in the Smokies, Indian Creek, and Cherokee KOA.
What about showers and camper hookups?
Campgrounds in the GSMNP have only primitive sites. There are flush toilets and sinks but no showers or electricity hookups. Private campgrounds vary in their amenities, but most will have showers and electricity.
Book National Park campsites at Recreation.gov. Note that GSMNP campgrounds are open seasonally, some will not be open in time for SWFP. We recommend Cades Cove, Elkmont, Smokemont, Cosby, or Deep Creek.
Campground FAQs
Which campgrounds are closest to my hikes?
In short, it depends. There are pilgrimage hikes all throughout the GSMNP, but most will be concentrated on the Tennessee (Gatlinburg) side or near US 441 on the North Carolina side. Elkmont, Cades Cove, and campgrounds in and around Townsend will be the most convenient for most of our hikes, but they will be busier. Campgrounds in Pigeon Forge will be the next most convenient for access to Gatlinburg and the Tennessee side of the GSMNP.
We have many programs in the Greenbriar and Cosby areas, for those, Arrow Creek, Adventure Bound, Greenbriar Island, and Gatlinburg East KOA will be convenient.
Finally, while we have fewer programs on the North Carolina (Cherokee) side of the park, this area is often less busy and therefore it may be easier to find campsites here. Smokemont and Deep Creek are National Park campgrounds and there are several large private campgrounds near Cherokee such as Yogi in the Smokies, Indian Creek, and Cherokee KOA.
What about showers and camper hookups?
Campgrounds in the GSMNP have only primitive sites. There are flush toilets and sinks but no showers or electricity hookups. Private campgrounds vary in their amenities, but most will have showers and electricity.