The best camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Great Smoky Mountains National Park adventure.

98% (134 reviews)

Forest trails link campsites with waterfalls and reminders of once-bustling Appalachian communities.

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Community favorites near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

13 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Robbinsville, NC

We are open for fall camping. We’ve had no storm damage in our area and the roads in this area are open. Private property bordering Nantahala National Forest on Little Snowbird Creek in Robbinsville, NC. 16mi from Lake Santeelah, about 10mi from the Cherohala Skyway. MUST HAVE 4X4 OR AWD VEHICLE TO ACCESS MOUTAINTOP CAMPSITES. Property damage fee of $100 for 2WD vehicles not adhering to rule. 2WD vehicles must camp creekside, sites 1-6. NO AXES, HATCHETS, MACHETES ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. NO NAILS IN THE TREES TO HANG THINGS. It damages the tree and causes them to die. Spacious camping lots, and great trout fishing along little snowbird creek which is on private property. Fishing privileges are actually written into property owners' deed on the purchase of land. Amazing views and relaxing sounds of the creek can be heard from anywhere on the property. Many Hiking trails are just a short drive from the property and please be respectful of others' property and no trespassing signs. It’s a kinda bumpy mountain road to get there but the secluded, peaceful and breathtaking views make this location a must-see and adventure.

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(381)

Conleys Creek Campground

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Bryson City, NC

We purchased our nine-acre property a little over three years ago. It was a run down, small, manufactured home park with a farmhouse on it. It has been an ongoing labor of love to transform it into a small, unique RV and tent camping park along beautiful Conleys Creek. We only offer 4 tent spots (first come, first served), as well as 4 RV spots. We rent out our 38' RV separately. We have torn down and repurposed some of the manufactured homes on the property. We continue to create numerous gardens with veggies and herbs. We have also planted numerous fruit and flowering trees, bushes and flowers for bold color throughout the year. Our property is completely pesticide free. We currently have 11 free range chickens, known as The Dixie Chicks! Guests enjoy feeding, petting and collecting their eggs, which are delicious! We offer both RV and tent camping on both sides of Conleys Creek. Each site has a grill and fire pit. Fish or cool off in our creek, which is regularly stocked with trout. As a convenience to our guests, we sell eggs, firewood and ice. Enjoy the game room playing billiards or shooting darts. Enjoy the nice weather and play one of our numerous outdoor yard games. We have a very clean, private guest bath house, excellent WI-FI and a dump station. Hike up our mountain range to locate our second creek. Our guests love how convenient our location is to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We are nestled between Bryson City and Cherokee. Close to other charming towns, such as Dillsboro and Sylva, and many outdoor attractions. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, tubing, kayaking and whitewater rapids, all nearby our property. This is our home, business and new lifestyle. Come and enjoy it with us!

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(121)

Twin Valley Horse Ranch

5 sites · Lodging100 acres · Walland, TN

My late husband and myself bought the property in 1983 and it was all just overgrown land!We worked, cleared, built horse shelters/barns, cabins, cut trails, built the outdoor chapel for our wedding and of course fenced it all in for the horses! Started sharing with guests in 1993, so we have met so many amazing folks from all over the world! Pass thru our gate into another world and leave all your worries and tensions behind. We are all about getting back to what is real -- nature, animals/horses and each other. Complete privacy!There are many mountain trails leaving right from our property! Lots to explore. You can even hike to the outdoor chapel with the pretty view of the Chilhowee Mountain range. It is a short hike to the barn area for those who want to spend time rubbing the pot belly pigs' tummy, walk the mini horses, groom the love bug~Junebug (donkey), pet horses, cuddle with bunnies and feed chickens! Every morning and night we set a time for all those who want to become involved with the care/feeding of petting animals and horses!

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Low Meadow Farms

19 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Knoxville, TN

Low Meadow Farms (formerly Brown Bike Farms) is a serene four-acre meadow bordered by Burnett Creek. The campground is an easy distance to Downtown Knoxville and an even easier access to all that South Knox's Urban Wilderness has to offer. It uniquely offers a hint of backcountry camping without the 25-mile hike in. It is a great way to test the waters for primitive camping or an easy stop close to the city for a seasoned traveler. It is best suited for car camping, RVs, tent, and hammock camping. There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site with enough room for tents and RVs. Most sites have trees suitable for hammock camping all along the creek. There is potable water, firewood for sale, solar showers, and a bike wash stand all next to the covered communal area. Each standard site can accommodate 2 people to keep space between groups and lessen the impact on the land. Sites 10 and 13 can each accommodate 6 guests. If you have more in your group, we recommend reserving an adjoining campsite. Sites 1, 2 and 3 are off the main path to the left of the property, and still by the creek. Sites 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are all along the creek and gravel drive Site 10 is very private with creek access on three sides. Site 11 is private with creek access all along the front. Site 12 is up high on a hill, and Site 13 is open in the middle of the meadow.

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(219)

Indian Creek Rental's Mountain Camp

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Rosman, NC

Learn more about this land: Enjoy a quiet stay in the mountains of WNC by staying at one of our secluded forest campsites. Thank you for checking out our property! Our names are Clayton and Tiffany, we own Indian Creek Rentals, llc. We have a couple vacation homes also on property as well as a mini farm. We do have approx. 2 miles of hiking trails that you can enjoy straight from Camp. We now have two campsites available to guests with a shared bathhouse & Wifi. - Site 1: Mountain Shine Camp Trailer is a unique converted horse trailer set up with a queen bed and fully stocked. Still enough privacy but not far from site 2. - Site 2 : Mountain View Site has a hot tub as well as a covered shed to stay dry. - Site 3 is a completely primitive site in the woods, equipped with a picnic table and firepit. - Site 1 & 2 booked together makes for a good group camping trip, could accommodate an additional RV for an extra charge if needed. Sites are pack in/pack out, no dumpster on property. Happy Camping!

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(186)

Mountain Creek Rest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents41 acres · Robbinsville, NC

Heartstone tent site is a stunningly beautiful, romantic campsite for 2! There is a new, large tent pad if you have children! The Diamondstone site is a unique, beautiful, one-of-a-kind tentsite, EXCEPT a beautiful, furnished, shelter cabin is provided for you instead of your tent!!! Leave your tent and set-up at home! There is also room for a tent and your children out front, right beside the creek! Islandsite is an equally beautiful tent site ideally for two, but the 10x12 platform can accommodate a 6-man tent, best for 2 adults and a couple of kids! You won't want to leave, but if you do there are many recreational opportunities in the area such as hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, and more! Stays of 6 days or more get a big discount! Enjoy the fresh, cooler mountain air, and the beautiful, settings! Heartstone is located on a modestly pitched, terraced slope where a divided mountain stream, the tumbling Squally Creek rejoins itself! The sunlight filters down through the forest canopy providing a warm, inviting glow!! There is a 9'-6" x 10' wooden tent platform, and if needed a new, larger tent pad! Islandsite is located at the top of the island where the tumbling Squally Creek divides! Access is provided by the 40' long fallen tree bridge! Islandsite is unique, private, and very romantic! Diamondstone, Heartstone, and Islandsite feature a picnic table, charcoal grille, and comfort facility all within a short walk from your private parking! Enjoy evenings at the new fire pit area with benches overlooking the fire pit and creek! Explore the island on the 400' island trail, or go downstream to a nice pool for dipping! Contact me for discounts when staying more than 6 nights! The gravel road is uneven, and 5" of clearance is recommended. Extra guests are an available option! The property is spacious and there is parking for a second vehicle nearby if needed!

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Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, NC

Voted 2nd in NC!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! Check out www.smokymtnriverranch.com for more information. We are in our winter season offering only one campsite until March 2025 “Site 2 Knoll”~ come enjoy the river ranch all to yourselves! PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout. Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking. Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too! All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites. Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. Please review the Extras options as we offer river lifts, firewood and dog stays; thank you! Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am. Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. LIMITED CHECK-INS AFTER DARK. We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.

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Harmony hollow

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Sevierville, TN

Learn more about this land: Hi and thanks so much for checking out the Harmony Farm . Things available you can enjoy here onsite are a small (seasonal) splash pool , a small take one leave one library , fresh organic vegetables (free) when in season , fresh eggs when available , trails with scenic views , abundant wildlife and natural springs , an outdoor macrame swing , two person hammock , forageable firewood , morels , a hot outdoor showers and EXTRA LARGE sites, . We are conveniently located minutes from Pigeon Forge TN. Home of and only 5 miles from Dollywood and 13 minutes from a super Walmart Incase you forget something . Only a short 30 minute drive gets you to the Great Smoky Mountains national park. I will be happy to share the scenic route . Greenbrier Tn. one of the first settlements here in the National park is only a scenic 30 minute scenic drive from the farm which will takes you through the arts and crafts community while avoiding the hectic hustle and bustle of town . While visiting Greenbrier you can find a picnic area near the river and an outdoor pavilion with a large grill for your special events located there . Several trail heads are located there in the Greenbrier community including Brushy Mountain trail Old settlers trail (several old settlements can easily be found here) Porters Gap trail. There are too many local attractions to list within 15 to 25 minute drive , from horseback riding . tubing, rafting , smoky mountain gravity park to shopping outlet malls . READ !! Be sure to check mypigeonforge.com , pigeonforge.com or gatlinburg.com to find all the local special events calenders as there is at times ALOT of heavy traffic you may not be prepared for . You're welcome . Discounted rides at local riding stables upon request depending on availability . We are accepting tents, hammocks, trucks, with campers, camper vans and pop up campers welcomed also .Small tear drop types ok . We do have sites set up for you or you may prefer to pack your gear out to create your own site in a more secluded areas of the farm . There are many private areas along the creek side for your primitive camp on our 80 acre horse farm. Hike to the back of the farm to watch a sunset over the horse field or down by the stream . Lots of wildlife and scenery at the farm . You will find the laundromat and food venues just minutes away. you can still feel off grid with just a short stroll by the stream that babbles along throughout the 80 acres you will be able to make your playground while visiting the Harmony Farm. Come stay with us as we grow our hip community. Thanks so much for your support.

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GlampKnox Canvas Campground

5 sites · Lodging55 acres · Mascot, TN

GlampKnox, where the outdoors meet luxury! GlampKnox is the new way to glamp! Our BRAND NEW canvas tent sleeps 2 comfortably with 2 cozy twin beds, towels and linens provided, outdoor HOT and cold shower, INDOOR SPACE HEATER and private men's and women's bathrooms. Relax by the fire pit, and enjoy our LED lantern, ice machine, fan, private parking, extended covered porch with rocking chairs, and views of the beautiful Cumberland Mountains. This is the perfect getaway! Available for rent: 20 lb PROPANE FOR SPACE HEATER TO WARM THE TENT: $50 Bundle of wood, matches and fire starter $15 *PLEASE MAKE REQUESTS BEFORE 5PM, OUR STAFF GOES HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES. THANK YOU. HOWEVER, FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT DIRECTIONS OR ISSUES YOU MAY HAVE 24/7. Follow us on Instagram @GlampKnox

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Cherokee Waterfall Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Cherokee, NC

Please read the entire listing because I have updated this page and renovated the property! Pull down a paved road and get out of your car and sit down at a picnic table in front of a private waterfall! This site has a pull through, full hookup spot with 30amp for campers but tents are always welcome or a combination of the two. I've had a 33' camper, popup camper and 6 tents at this campsite all at the same time so there plenty of room for your family and friends! We're 2.5 miles from the Cherokee Casino and 3.5 miles from down town Cherokee If you're tired of crowded campgrounds then you'll love the privacy this campground offers. This is now a two site campground with each site being around 100' away from the other site with trees and vegetation growing in between, you more or less cant see on site from the other from May until November. There is a orange cone that marks the border of the two sites. One set of campers will not be allowed on the other campers campsite, if this happens you will be evicted with no refund. Check in is at 2pm and check out is at 12pm. There is a house and a church on the same road so please drive slowly. No shooting firearms, (although you may hear people shooting firearms because you will be camping in the mountains) but your more than welcome to bring your firearms. Its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. No fireworks. No making trails or collecting firewood (This is not because I want to sell you firewood, its because I want to have the property remain as pristine as possible) Do not cut down trees alive or dead If you move picnic tables please move them back Dogs are permitted but contact before you book the site to confirm if your dog will be a good fit. If you know your dog barks constantly of other people while camping then it will not be a good fit. I charge for dogs the same as I do for extra guests There is a small Church around 200 yards from the campground. They hold services every Wednesday and Sunday. They generally start around 5pm and it lasts around a hour. If your into that they would love to have you come down. The EBCI opened a dispensary around 3 miles from the campground. It will open to all adults over 21 starting September 7th 2024. Message me with any questions you have

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(106)

At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Balsam Grove, NC

Our property was once owned by Transylvania County Sheriff Carter McCall. 36 acres in the middle of Pisgah National Forest. “Simple Mountain Camping” is our motto. Located approximately seven miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, At the Ridge Campground is surrounded by North Carolina’s beautiful Pisgah National Forest and the North Fork River. Here you can experience what you came to the Blue Ridge Mountains for: crisp evenings, sitting around the campfire, excellent views, relaxing in nature, hiking to waterfalls and fishing, Don’t forget our favorite, just watching the water go by! All at an affordable price.

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(26)

Turkey Creek Oasis

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Leicester, NC

STATUS REPORT: totally intact after hurricane. No damage and the land is not flooded. Even RVs can drive to the creek. Attention RV and van-lifers, here's your safe haven! Introducing a brand-new listing, and I'm seeking your assistance in navigating the ins and outs of hosting. Located just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville, this property sits in a rural, fertile valley, offering breathtaking views to the north and south. Encompassing a total of 23 acres, 5 of which are nearly flat and ideal for parking/camping, while the remainder provides excellent hiking opportunities. A charming bubbling creek, a storage barn suitable for construction or running a business, and the promise of future hydro-power with solar and a battery bank by the creek add to the property's appeal. For those parking near the main house, a 120v extension cord is available for power and internet access. Alternatively, if you prefer to park by the creek, please note that there is currently no power, internet, or water available in that area, though plans are underway for hydro-power with solar and a battery bank. IMPORTANT NOTE: heavy rains turn this area into a mess, it can be tricky to get in and out after a big rain. You are welcome to park at the top by the barn and walk down with a tent, but your RV could get stuck, so keep that in mind. Anticipate future offerings with RV power hookups. Presently, the amenities are somewhat rustic, serving as a trial to gauge interest. Composting outhouse is available now!. Rainwater and shallow well water are provided. Looking for a place to park your vehicle while you convert it into your home on wheels? Happy to set that up with power, water, and even a barn in which to work. Feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions; your input is appreciated!

The best camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park guide

Overview

About

Campers converge on this park to soak up the lush scenery. But it’s the festive sense of community that makes camping in the Great Smokies so memorable. The busiest campgrounds border some of the prettiest natural attractions in the park, from creeks tumbling over mossy rocks to meadows teeming with wildlife. Tranquility reigns supreme in the remote campgrounds, where nature immersion begins the moment you step from your car. Backcountry tent sites hug far-flung trails while wooden shelters dot the Appalachian Trail (AT), which tracks the lofty spine of the park between Tennessee and North Carolina and passes Clingmans Dome.

Great Smoky Mountains RV Camping

The Great Smoky Mountains stretch from North Carolina to Tennessee, so RVers have their choice of state, site, and scenery. Within the national park itself, RV campers can pick between frontcountry campsites with running water and toilets to RV lots with picnic tables and firepits. Yet for even more variety, check in to an RV campsite in Gatlinburg, Bryson City, or the area's other charming towns. To conserve your energy for hiking, opt for an RV site with full hookups and dump stations that make your camping trip as easy as possible. Or, for a more communal camping experience, try an RV resort with picnic areas, a pool table, and ample opportunities to mingle with fellow campers. No matter where you stay, take the Smoky Mountains to heart by creating smoke in your firepit. With a s'more in hand and mountains in view, you’ll experience the beauty of the forest in full force.

Notable campgrounds

Best for wildlife watching: Elk and turkey roam meadows near Cataloochee Campground.
Best for hiking: Several good trails link to Cosby Campground.
Best for history buffs: Abandoned cabins and churches border the scenic loop road beside the year-round Cades Cove Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The national park service manages nine developed frontcountry campgrounds. Reservations are required for all frontcountry campgrounds and are available up to six months in advance. Walk-up reservations may occasionally be available at larger campgrounds, but don’t count on it.
Campsite reservations can be made online or by phone.
A permit and advance reservations are required for backcountry camping, including at the park’s 15 AT shelters. Reservations and permits may be obtained up to 30 days in advance. AT hikers with special thru-hike permits do not need shelter reservations.

When to go

Campgrounds reach peak capacity from late June through August. The Wildflower Pilgrimage in late April and the synchronous firefly display in late May and early June also draw crowds. Flame azaleas bloom on Andrews and Gregory Balds in June. The park is busy again in autumn when the leaves begin changing color, which is typically in October. Fall weekends are particularly busy. For pleasant weather and lighter crowds, visit in early June and in September. Snow and ice arrive in January and February.

Know before you go

The park sprawls across two states: Tennessee and North Carolina. Newfound Gap Rd/Hwy 441 is the only paved road within the park that links the two states.
There are no restaurants in the park, but snacks and limited groceries are available at concession areas at Cade Cove and Elkmont campgrounds.
Campgrounds have restrooms with toilets and cold running water but no showers. RVs are allowed at all campgrounds except tent-only Big Creek. There are no electrical or water hook-ups.