Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, camping at Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers something for everyone. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, lush forests full of wildlife, and breathtaking waterfalls, it’s no wonder why this is the most visited national park in the United States.
But what do you need to know before packing your bags and heading out into this oasis? In this article we will give you all the necessary information about where to set up camp – frontcountry camping, backcountry camping and group campsites – as well as rules & regulations such as campground registration requirements, occupancy limits and pet policies. Finally we will explore some of the exciting activities that can be done while visiting like hiking trails, fishing spots or simply admiring nature’s greatest treasures – waterfalls! Read on to learn more about how to make your visit magical!
Camping Locations In Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a variety of camping locations to choose from, so visitors can find the perfect spot for their needs. Frontcountry camping is available in several campgrounds located throughout the park, offering convenient access to facilities and services. Backcountry camping provides a more rustic experience, with sites that are accessible only by hiking or horseback riding. Group campsites are also available for larger groups of up to 30 people.
Frontcountry Camping: Available in Cades Cove, Deep Creek and Smokemont campgrounds, frontcountry camping offers convenience with easy access to amenities such as restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. All three campgrounds have RV hook-ups along with tent sites. Reservations must be made in advance and sites cannot be held without payment at time of reservation.
Backcountry Camping: With over 100 backcountry sites throughout the park, visitors can find a variety of terrain ranging from lowland valleys all the way up to high ridges with fantastic views of the surrounding mountainsides. These campsites require an overnight backpacking permit which can be obtained online or at self-service kiosks located within the park boundaries.
Group Camping: For groups who want an adventure together but still enjoy some creature comforts such as picnic tables or latrines, there are two group campsites located near Fontana Dam Village on Lake Fontana that accommodate up to 30 people each night (by reservation). A one-time fee allows you access for seven consecutive days; during this period you may check out any site within 20 miles (32 km) radius twice per day without extra fees being applied aside from your original purchase price when booking online or through phone reservations 24 hours prior your trip departure date/time frame mentioned above..
Frontcountry Camping
Frontcountry camping is the most convenient type of camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It provides visitors with the opportunity to stay close to nature while enjoying many amenities, such as restrooms, running water, and grills. There are 10 frontcountry campgrounds located throughout the park: Abrams Creek Campground, Balsam Mountain Campground, Big Creek Campground, Cades Cove Campground, Cataloochee Campground, Cosby Campground, Deep Creek Campground Elkmont Campground Look Rock Group & Horsecamp and Smokemont.
Most of these campgrounds offer tent pads for tents or RV parking spaces with hookups. All have a dump station nearby for those with RVs who need it. Many also have bear-proof food storage boxes available on site or nearby. Most campgrounds also provide access to bathhouses and drinking fountains so there is no shortage of conveniences in frontcountry camping areas!
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is a great way to explore the backwoods and enjoy the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience nature in its purest form, from fishing and hiking to wildlife appreciation and stargazing.
Backcountry camping requires backpackers to register at a ranger station beforehand. There are no designated sites or amenities like toilets, running water, or picnic tables; so campers must bring their own supplies. All food must be kept in bear-proof containers which can be rented from park stores.
Fires are only allowed in established fire rings with preapproved firewood; however, during times of drought they may not be permitted at all. Open fires should never be left unattended and should always be extinguished completely before leaving the area for any reason.
Camping permits can also limit the number of people who can stay on any campsite as well as how many nights one group is allowed per location each season; this means that areas may get crowded quickly if you don’t plan ahead! Be sure to familiarize yourself with other regulations that apply such as pet restrictions before heading out on your adventure.
Group Camping
Group camping is a great option for larger groups of friends or family who want to enjoy the outdoors together. Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of group campgrounds located in different areas, all offering stunning views and thrilling outdoor activities.
Group camping areas must be reserved ahead of time with the park service by calling +1 865-436-1231 or visiting their website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/group-campsites. There are a few things to keep in mind when reserving a group site:
Sites can accommodate up to 50 people
Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance
All vehicles must have valid permits
Additionally, all visitors must adhere to the same rules and regulations that apply to frontcountry and backcountry camping, as outlined on the park’s website www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/campingrulesandregs . This includes proper food storage techniques, occupancy limits per site, pets restrictions, etc., so make sure you review them prior to your visit!
Rules & Regulations
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a variety of rules and regulations in place to ensure that all visitors have an enjoyable and safe stay. Here are some important ones you should be aware of:
Campground Registration All campers must register for their site at the appropriate visitor center before setting up camp. Campsite occupancy limits vary depending on the specific location, so make sure to check what they are before making your reservation.
Campsite Occupancy Limits Most campsites have an occupancy limit of six people per site, but this can vary depending on the location. Be sure to check with the ranger station when reserving your spot. There is also a limit of two vehicles per site, so plan accordingly if you’re travelling with multiple cars.
Pets Pets are allowed in some areas of the park as long as they remain on a leash or caged at all times. Make sure you know which areas allow pets and those that do not prior to entering the park, as violations may result in fines or removal from the area.
Firewood It’s against regulations to bring firewood into Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to possible contamination issues from invasive species such as gypsy moths and emerald ash borer beetles. You’ll need to purchase it locally or use dead wood found within park boundaries instead – just be sure not to strip away too much dead wood from one area!
Bear Safety One of the things that makes visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park so special is its abundant wildlife population – including bears! It’s important that visitors keep bear safety top-of-mind by properly storing food items (including beverages) and disposing them in designated areas only when finished with them – never leave food items unattended in your campsite or elsewhere around the park!
Campground Registration
All campers interested in staying overnight at Great Smoky Mountains National Park must register prior to occupying a campsite. Frontcountry and backcountry camping require different types of registration.
Frontcountry Camping: For frontcountry camping, you will need to fill out an online reservation form or call (865) 436-1231 to book your campsite. You must pay the fee at the time of booking. The fee varies depending on the type of site, but is usually around $30 per night for up to 6 persons and 1 vehicle per site.
Backcountry Camping: Backpacking into the park requires obtaining a permit from one of the visitor centers or ranger stations before setting off on your journey. Permits are free and available on a first-come-first-serve basis only during normal operating hours, so plan accordingly!
Group Camping: Group camping also requires advance registration by submitting a group camping request form with payment information or calling (865) 436-1231 before arriving in order to secure your spot in one of the many group sites available throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fees vary depending on size of group and length of stay; generally they start around $50 per night for 8 people and increase as occupancy increases ($5/person after 8).
Campsite Occupancy Limits
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) enforces a number of regulations when it comes to camping in the park. One important regulation is the maximum number of people allowed per campsite.
Frontcountry Campsites: Each frontcountry campsite at GSMNPR can accommodate up to 6 people and 2 tents. Any extra tents or people beyond this limit will need to be moved to another site.
Backcountry Campsites: The backcountry sites at GSMNP typically allow for 8 campers, however, some sites may only allow 4 depending on size or terrain. It’s important to check with park rangers before setting up your camp so you don’t violate any occupancy limits for your chosen site.
Group Camping Sites: Group campsites are available by reservation only and can accommodate up to 16 people, though the exact capacity will vary from site-to-site based on size and terrain limitations. These sites also come with additional amenities like picnic tables and BBQ grills that are not found in other areas of the park.
It’s important to remember that these occupancy limits exist for a reason; they help ensure everyone has enough room and resources while camping in GSMNP and helps preserve the natural beauty of the area for many years to come.
Pets
If you plan to bring your furry friends along on your camping trip, there are a few things to consider. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times while in the campground and in the park. Animals cannot exceed 100 feet from roads, parking areas, or buildings and they must never be left unattended.
In addition, pet owners should ensure that their pets do not disturb other visitors or wildlife by barking excessively or chasing animals away from campsites. Pet waste must also be disposed of properly in order to maintain public health and safety standards.
Lastly, bear safety is an important consideration when bringing pets into the park – make sure your pet food is stored well away from campsite boundaries so as not to attract bears looking for easy meals!
Firewood
Firewood is essential for camping at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gathering firewood in the park is prohibited, so campers must obtain it from an authorized vendor. It’s important to note that all wood brought into the park must be heat-treated and labeled as such.
It’s also important to practice Leave No Trace principles when building a fire. Fires should only be built in existing fire rings and should not exceed two feet in height or width. All fires should be fully extinguished before leaving the campsite, ensuring that all coals are cold to the touch before disposing of them properly in designated areas away from tents and other flammable items.
Additionally, it’s illegal to burn any garbage or debris within park boundaries, so make sure everything you burn is approved for burning within the park regulations.
Bear Safety
Bear safety is an important consideration while camping in the Smoky Mountains. Bears are naturally curious and may come to investigate your campsite or smell food that you have left unsecured. To help protect both yourself and the bears, it’s important to take some precautions:
Store all food, drinks, toiletries, and garbage in bear-proof containers or lockers provided at campgrounds.
Do not feed any wildlife while visiting the park.
Keep tents closed when you are away from the site.
Avoid bringing foods with strong odors such as bacon or canned fish into your tent.
If you encounter a bear while hiking or camping, stay calm and slowly back away from the area without making direct eye contact with the animal.
For more information about how to prevent bear interactions during your stay at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, please visit the National Park Service website.
Things To Do & See
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a variety of activities that can be enjoyed during camping trips. From hiking and fishing to horseback riding and wildlife viewing, there are plenty of options for campers.
Hiking: There are over 850 miles of trails in the park, from easy nature walks to strenuous uphill climbs. For those looking for an adventure, take on one of the longer trails such as Climbers’ Loop or Gregory Bald Trail.
Fishing: The park has numerous streams and rivers where anglers can fish for trout, bass, and other species with a valid Tennessee or North Carolina state fishing license. Trout-stocked waters include Little River, Oconaluftee River, Deep Creek and Cataloochee Creek.
Horseback Riding: Horse riders can explore more than 200 miles of trails throughout the park ranging from easy paths around Cades Cove to challenging mountain routes like Maddron Bald Trail or Bote Mountain Trailhead. Riders must stay on designated paths at all times while in the backcountry areas due to steep terrain and dense foliage that could leave riders lost if they stray off course!
Wildlife Viewing: With abundant forests and meadows, Smoky Mountains offers excellent opportunities for spotting various animals including deer, elk, black bears (from a distance!) And many species of birds including hawks and owls. Wildlife watching should be done from your vehicle as it’s unsafe to approach animals in their natural habitat due to unpredictable behaviour!
Waterfalls: There are over 100 waterfalls within Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranging from low cascades like Ramseys Cascades near Gatlinburg TN to tall plunges like Laurel Falls just outside Townsend TN! Be sure not check out any waterfall safety warnings before attempting something higher than 25 feet.[1]
Hiking
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a paradise for hikers, packed with diverse and stunning trails. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging trek, there’s something for everyone in the park.
The most popular hiking trail in the Smokies is the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Maine to Georgia and passes through the park. This iconic trail offers some of the best scenery in the park, including beautiful vistas of rolling hills and valleys as well as lush forests and streams. Other notable trails include Alum Cave Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, Andrews Bald Trail, The Boulevard Trail, Grotto Falls Trail and Clingmans Dome Trails.
For those looking for something more strenuous, there are plenty of options too! Hikers can conquer strenuous hikes along Forney Ridge or explore hidden waterfalls along Abrams Creek. There are also plenty of multi-day trips that will take you deep into backcountry areas like Deep Creek or Hazel Creek where visitors can spot wildlife such as black bears and elk up close.
No matter what kind of hike you choose to embark on at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles so that future generations can enjoy it too!
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park boasts abundant populations of trout, bass, and other fish species. There are also plenty of opportunities to catch these fish from streams or lakes within the park boundaries.
Before heading out on a fishing trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, make sure you’re familiar with all applicable regulations and restrictions. You will need to purchase a state-issued fishing license before you can legally cast your line in any of the park’s waters. Additionally, some areas require the use of artificial lures only and have specific size limits on catchable fish species. Be sure to check local regulations before beginning your expedition!
When it comes to equipment, bring along rods that are 4-5 feet long and give yourself time to adjust your reel tension and knot strength prior to casting into any water sources. To maximize your success, pay attention to what types of flies or bait works best for each region depending on seasonal conditions as well as where you’ll be focusing most of your attention – rivers or ponds?
It’s important that while fishing in the National Parks – be mindful not just about catching fish but also conserving them for future generations by practicing responsible angling techniques like using barbless hooks whenever possible; releasing undersized catches; not discarding excess bait into the water; avoiding snagging practices; properly disposing trash; reporting poaching activity when observed; following all posted rules & regulations carefully etc..
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is one of the most popular activities to do while camping at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 1,500 miles of trails and breathtaking views, there are countless opportunities for equestrian exploration.
The park offers a wide variety of horseback rides ranging from easy-to-moderate loops to strenuous multi-day trips. Many trails provide access to streams suitable for fishing or swimming in summer months, and some even lead directly to historic sites and distant backcountry campsites.
For those interested in guided tours, the park provides eight concessionaire operated horseback rides that last from one hour up to five hours. These rides give visitors an opportunity to explore different areas throughout the park and learn about its history and wildlife from knowledgeable guides.
When planning a horseback ride, it’s important to be aware of regulations regarding trail closures and equipment requirements (including coggins tests). Riders must also obey all posted signs related to speed limits, trail direction etc., as well as any verbal instructions given by rangers or volunteers while on the trail. Additionally, horses are not allowed on ATV trails or other motorized routes due to their instability around loud noises like engines or gunfire.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina. It’s home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds that can be observed in their natural habitats.
Animals like black bears, white-tailed deer, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats are among the species that you’re likely to encounter while visiting the park. Other wildlife such as turkeys can also be seen from time to time. Visitors should take extra caution when viewing any animals as they may act unpredictably or aggressively if disturbed.
Birdwatchers will find plenty of opportunities for spotting different species within the park boundaries; over 200 species have been recorded here! You’ll find songbirds like wood thrush and ovenbird nesting near riversides or in mature forests filled with oaks and hickories; warblers flocking around high elevation bogs; raptors soaring overhead or perched atop trees scanning for prey; woodpeckers drilling into trunks searching for insects; finches popping out from thickets during winter months—and more!
The best times to catch glimpses of animals are usually during early morning hours when most predators are active looking for food and many smaller creatures come out to feed before retreating back into cover later on in the day. Remember: always stay quiet while wildlife watching so you don’t disturb them!
Waterfalls
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the United States. With over eighty named waterfalls and hundreds of unnamed cascades, this park has something for every waterfall enthusiast.
Most of the popular waterfalls are located along trails that range from easy to strenuous hikes. Some of the more popular falls include Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls, Abrams Falls, and Laurel Falls. All these require hikes that vary in length and difficulty but offer breathtaking views at their destinations. Other less-visited falls such as Ramsey Cascades or Indian Creek Waterfall may require a longer hike or backpacking trip but still provide incredible views for those up for a challenge.
The best time to view these magnificent falls is during spring when they are rushing with snowmelt or after heavy rainfall however they can be enjoyed all year round albeit with reduced intensity during other seasons. Be sure to check with local rangers about trail closures due to weather conditions before heading out on your hike – safety should always come first!
Conclusion
Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent way to experience nature at its finest. Whether you stay in the frontcountry, backcountry, or group campsites, there is something for everyone. Before embarking on your camping adventure, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the park to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip!
When it comes to activities during your stay at the park, hiking trails abound with many acres of lush forest to explore. There are also opportunities for fishing or horseback riding depending on your preference. Wildlife viewing is also popular here as many species call this area home. And don’t forget about the waterfalls that dot parts of the park – they make a great backdrop for some stunning photography!
With all these incredible things to do and see, you can rest assured that camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be an amazing experience that you will never forget.
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