Great Smoky Mountains National Park
25 campgrounds in the park · 455 nearby · 74 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: Kristina Plaas
5 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureAbrams Falls Trail ClosedAbrams Falls Trail is closed Mondays-Thursdays through September 30 to replace aging footlog bridges and improve visitor safety. The trail will open to hikers Fridays-Sundays and on Labor Day during construction.
- Park closurePark Headquarters Road is closedPark Headquarters Road is closed due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems.
- InformationCades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every WednesdayCades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday through September 30. This allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the cove without the presence of vehicles on the roadway.
- Park closureStraight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road closed.Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga Round-Bottom Road) are closed.
- InformationMost visitors need a parking tagAll vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes require a parking tag. Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types: Daily ($5), Weekly ($15), or Annual ($40).
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 25 campgrounds11 reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 455 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 74 sitesWithin 50 mi
Where to camp
Camping in the park 25
- National Park
Spence Cabin
In the park · Gatlinburg, TN
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
Big Creek Campground (great Smoky Mountains National Park)
In the park · Cosby, NC
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 455
- Aerial viewCampground
Three Forks #30
0.6 mi · Gatlinburg, TN
- Aerial viewCampground
Rough Creek #24
1.6 mi · Gatlinburg, TN
Free and dispersed nearby 74
See them on the map- LeConte LodgeGatlinburg, TN5.3 mi
- Ledbetter Creek CampRobbinsville, NC23 mi
- Camp siteLake Santeetlah, NC28 mi
- Wine Spring CampsiteFranklin, NC30 mi
- Camp siteLake Santeetlah, NC30 mi
- Camp siteLake Santeetlah, NC30 mi
Services nearby: 8 dump stations · 10 rest areas
About Great Smoky Mountains
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of…
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!
Photos: Kristina Plaas · NPS / Bob Carr
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Live Music
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.
Weather
Elevations in the park range from approximately 875 feet (267 meters) to 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) and the topography can drastically affect local weather. Temperatures can vary by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain…
Plan your visit
Hours
Primary roads are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, weather permitting. This includes Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Little River Road, and Laurel Creek Road. Secondary roads are closed seasonally.
Getting there
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.
Weather
Elevations in the park range from approximately 875 feet (267 meters) to 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) and the topography can drastically affect local weather. Temperatures can vary by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain base to top, and clear skies lower down do not guarantee equally pleasant weather at higher elevations.
Camped at Great Smoky Mountains? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Spence Cabin, Big Creek Campground (great Smoky Mountains National Park) and Smokemont Campground.