Where To Camp In Gatlinburg Tn?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The new fees range between

$17.50-$27 per day

for the park's tent and RV sites. Rates at some campgrounds on the North Carolina side include $17.50 per day at Balsam Mountains, $25 at Cataloochee, $21 at Deep Creek and $21-$25 at Smokemont.

Does Gatlinburg have a campground?


There are plenty of Gatlinburg campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

, as well as in the city, where your site hookups place you just a short walk from trails and pathways in one direction, and from Gatlinburg shopping, dining and attractions in the other.

Can you camp or stay inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The most developed of Great Smoky Mountains' campgrounds,

Cades Cove Campground is open year round with 159 sites

. And it is situated right at the 11-miles, one-way loop road that offers spectacular views, historic buildings and wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Can you camp for free in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?


The best free campsites near Great Smoky Mountain National Park are located in Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and Pisgah National Forest as well as the Harmon Den Wildlife Management Area

. Camping at Lake Santeetlah is particularly beautiful and peaceful.

How much does it cost to camp at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Campground Map Fee
Big Creek Reserve Now


Map


$17.50
Cades Cove Reserve Now Map $25 Cataloochee Reserve Now See entrance road advisory below. Map $25 Cosby Reserve Now Map $17.50

How much does it cost to camp in Pigeon Forge TN?

Your cheapest option will typically be tent camping at a campground, with the lowest price options costing around

$15 a night

. If you have a little extra cash to spend, luxury camping or camping cabins can give you an extra boost to make your stay more comfortable.

Which is closer Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?

Closer To the National Park –

Gatlinburg is located just outside of the park boundary, while Pigeon Forge is a few miles drive away from park entrances

. If you want to spend as much time in the Smokies as possible, this gateway to the national park might be your best place to stay.

Can you Boondock in the Smoky Mountains?

Where are the Smoky Mountains?

The Great Smokies lie

between Knoxville, Tennessee (just to the west), and Asheville, North Carolina (just to the east)

, blending into the Blue Ridge escarpment to the east in western North Carolina.

Where can I shower while camping in Smoky Mountains?

As is the case with many national parks, there are no showers in the Great Smoky National Park campgrounds.

Shower facilities are available in the communities surrounding the park

– just ask the campground host about the nearest facilities when you check in. There are also no electrical or water hookups in the park.

How much does it cost to camp in Cades Cove?

Reservations can be made up to 6 months prior to your arrival. All individual campsites cost

$25 per night

, whether you're RV camping or tent camping. Each campsite allows up to 6 people, and all tents must be on tent pads.

Do you have to stay in shelters in the Smoky Mountains?

As a thru-hiker in Great Smoky Mountains National Park,

you are required to stay in shelters if there is space available in them

. At the same time, section hikers can reserve spots in a specific shelter, which means they have first dibs.

Can I sleep in my car in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

“What you can't do in any location in the park that isn't a campground is

sleep in your parked car overnight

. That's considered illegal camping and violators may be cited and fined.

Is Cades Cove open for camping?

Camp Store: Yes, Seasonal Staff On Site: Yes, Seasonal

Can you hammock camp in Smoky Mountain National Park?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Designated Campgrounds:

Yes, Hammock camping is allowed

. Backcountry Camping: Yes, Hammock camping is allowed.

How much does it cost to go to Clingmans Dome?

One of the best things about trekking to Clingmans Dome is that

it's free

! There is no entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Can you take the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Gatlinburg?


Take the scenic route from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Asheville, North Carolina

and soak up the majestic beauty of mountains dressed in winter white.

Can you drive through Smoky Mountain national park?


Taking a scenic drive is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

. With almost 400 miles of roadway in the park and the surrounding scenic area, you can drive to specific locations to enjoy, as well as tour through steadily changing vistas of great beauty.

Where can I park my RV in Pigeon Forge TN?

  • Camp RiversLanding. …
  • Alpine Hideaway Campground. …
  • Foothills RV Park & Cabins. …
  • Gateway To The Smokies RV Park & Campground. …
  • Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA. …
  • Pigeon River Campground. …
  • Riverside RV Park and Resort. …
  • Mill Creek Resort.

What should you avoid in Gatlinburg?

  • Do Not Eat Out Every Night. …
  • Do Not go Taste Moonshine on an Empty Stomach. …
  • Do Not Wear 5 Inch Heels. …
  • Do Not Expect Your Cell Phone to Get Great Service. …
  • Do Not Leave Trash Outside your Cabin.

Is Gatlinburg a tourist trap?


Tourist Traps Abound in Downtown Gatlinburg

There are lots of t-shirt and candy shops, carnival games, and “gem mines” of questionable quality. Visitors can get so caught up in the rides, games, and shops that they miss enjoying the mountains.

How many days do you need in Gatlinburg?

If you're going to Gatlinburg, plan for

at least three days

. You can do it in two, but you'll feel a little rushed. Anything past three days and you're going to want to reach out to Pigeon Forge and explore what's happening over there.

Can you tent camp at Mt LeConte?


No tent camping is allowed on Mount LeConte

nor will you find camping allowed on any hiking trail leading directly up to Mount LeConte. There is however a very popular shelter on Mount LeConte that accomodates up to 12 Campers. Mount LeConte Primitive Shelter in summer.

Can you camp anywhere in Pisgah National Forest?


Camping is allowed anywhere on National Forest property, except within 500′ of a road or in a designated closed area

. Good campsites can be found along many trails in the area, especially those in the South Mills River section, for possible backpacking loops.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.