Campgrounds
The Abrams Creek campground has 16 sites and sits at an elevation of 1,125 feet. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 12 feet in length. The campground has running water and bathroom facilities, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities.
The Balsam Mountain campground has 46 sites and is at elevation 5,310 feet. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. The campground has running water and bathroom facilities, but there are noo electric hookups or shower facilities.
The Big Creek campground has 12 sites and is for tents only. It sits at an elevation of 1,700 feet. RVs are prohibited. The campground has running water and bathroom facilities, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities.
The Big Creek campground is a first-come, first serve campground. Group camping is also available.
The Cades Cove campground has 159 sites and sits at elevation 1,807 feet. The campground can accommodate RVs uVs up to 35 feet in length. The campground has running water and bathroom facilities, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities.
The Cataloochee campground has 27 sites and sits at an elevation of 2,610 feet. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 31 feet in length. The campground has running water and bathroom facilities, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities.
The Cosby campground has 157 sites and sits at a elevation of 2,459 feet. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet in length. The campground has running water and bathroom facilities, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities. Group camping is also available.
The Deep Creek campground has 92 sites and sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 26 feet in length. The campground has running water and bathroom facilities, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities.
The Elkmont campground has 220 sites and sits at an elevation of 2,150 feet. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet in length. The campground has running water and bathroom facilities, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities.
The Look Rock campground has 68 sites and sits at an elevation of 2,600 feet. There are no size limits for RVs. The campground has running water and bathroom facilities, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities.
The Smokemont campground has 142 sites and sits at an elevation of 2,198 feet. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. The campground has running water and bathroom facilities, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities. Group camping is available.
There are five drive-in horse camps in the park. They are located at Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Roundbottom, and Towstring.
Reservations
The Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, and Look Rock campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Cades Cove campground accepts reservations up to five months in advance for May 15 - Oct. Other dates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Elkmont campground accepts reservations up to five months in advance for May 15 - Oct. 31 occupancy. Other dates are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Reservations at the Smokemont camground are accepted up to five months in advance for May 15 - Oct. Other dates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Reservations for horse camps may be made up to five months in advance. Reservations are by site, with each site accommodating up to six people and four horses.
A permit is required for all backcountry camping in the park. Permits are free. You may obtain one at most ranger stations or at Sugarlands or Oconaluftee visitor centers. All shelters, and some campsites, require a reservation. The park trail map shows the location of all backcountry campsites and shelters, and indicates which campsites require a reservation. Your permit must designate the campsite or shelter at which you will stay for each night of your trip.
To make camping reservations at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, call the National Park Reservation Service at: 1-800-365-CAMP (2267)
