Camp Grounds in the Smokey Mountains

Backcountry Campgrounds

• Backcountry campsites are available surrounding the Smoky Mountains National Park's 150 trails that cover approximately 800 miles. The National Park Service provides a park trail map to locate backcountry shelters and campsites within the park, as campers can only reach them by backpacking several miles. All backcountry campsites require a cost-free permit that are available only at the park. Obtain your permit from one of the 15 registration areas including Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Sugarlands Visitor Center, Twentymile Ranger Station, Fontana Marina and Deep Creek Campground Office. Backcountry camping is permitted only at designated areas and specific campsites require reservations.
  
  

Frontcountry Campgrounds

• Pitch a tent or park your RV at one of the 10 developed campgrounds in the smokies. Campgrounds include Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, Look Rock and Smokemont. These campgrounds are drive-in and have restroom facilities with flush toilets and cold running water. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. Services and amenities may vary per campground but may include lantern poles, fire grills, potable water, interpretive programs, telephone access, tent pads, nearby hiking trails and campground stores. No showers, water or electrical hookups are available in any of the campgrounds. As of May 2011, daily fees per campsite range from $14 to $20.
  
  

Group Campgrounds

• Groups of eight or more campers can stay at one of the seven group tent campgrounds within the park. Campgrounds have restrooms, picnic tables, fire grills and lanterns. They do not have showers and electric hookups. Shower facilities can be found in the surrounding communities. There is a seven-day maximum length of stay and reservations are required. Reserve a site early to secure a spot, group campgrounds are only open from mid-March to the end of October. Camp fees per night range from $26 to $65.
  
  

Private Campgrounds

• Private campgrounds are those not maintained by the state, NPS, or U.S. Forest Service. Riverside Campground and RV Resort (Riversidecamp.com), Ripplin Waters Campground (Ripplinwatersrv.com) and Two Rivers Landing RV Resort (Tworiversrvresort.com) offer tent and RV campsites near the Smokies. Campers can enjoy more amenities and services when staying at private campgrounds though they also often cost more.
  
  Ripplin' Waters Campground is situated along Little Pigeon River with amenities like level gravel pads, picnic tables, concrete patio, full-hookup sites, playground, access to river fishing, children's swimming pool, laundry facilities, bathrooms and wireless Internet access.