The Best Campgrounds in Smoky Mountains

The Best Campgrounds in Smoky Mountains: When it comes to camping in the Smoky Mountains, there are several great options for you to choose from. Whether you want to stay in a campground, a cabin, or a lodge, you’ll find that there are plenty of choices that are suitable for you.

The best campgrounds in Smoky Mountains

Table of Contents

Cataloochee Group Campground

Camping in the Smoky Mountains

Cataloochee Group Campground is a secluded camp in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is located in the Cataloochee Valley in the national park. The campground is surrounded by scenic mountain ranges and creeks.

The Cataloochee Campground is open seasonally. You can make reservations up to six months in advance. There are 27 campsites. Each site has a table and a fire ring.

Pets are allowed at the Cataloochee Campground, but you must keep them on a leash. Generators are not allowed in group camps. Camping fees are $20 per night.

Smoky Mountains Campgrounds

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers camping in a number of different areas. If you are traveling with a large group, the group campgrounds are a good choice. They offer rustic camping, great hiking and fishing opportunities, and access to scenic hiking trails.

The campground is located just behind Cataloochee Creek, a pristine mountain stream. In the warmer months, there is a swimming pool available. Summer tubing is also available at Deep Creek Campground. During spring, you can see elk in the area.

The campground is located in the southeastern corner of the park. Although there are no hookups, there is water available and flush toilets. A charcoal grill is provided.

Cades Cove Campground

Tent camping smoky mountains

Cades Cove Campground in the Smoky Mountains is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area. With 150+ individual campsites, it is the perfect place to spend your vacation. It is situated on the western side of the park, near Townsend, Tennessee.

The campground is open year-round and accepts tent camping and RVs up to 35 feet. You can find a ranger station at the campground. For your convenience, there is a dump station and a store that sells firewood, souvenirs, and bike rentals.

There are several different trails in the campground. Some of them are five to fifteen miles in length. A great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains is to go on a hiking tour.

Cades Cove is also an ideal destination for bicycling. It has an 11-mile loop road. This route is one of the most popular roads in the Smokies. However, it is closed to traffic from May through September. (You should walk on the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop.)

Cades Cove is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys are among the animals that you will see. To protect them, you must treat them with respect.

The area has many historic structures. These include Beech Grove School, John Oliver’s cabin, and Caldwell Barn.

Smoky mountains sunset - the best campgrounds in smoky mountains

Arrow Creek Campground

RV camping Smoky Mountains

There is no shortage of choices when it comes to camping in Gatlinburg. Arrow Creek Campground and Cabins has a long list of amenities to keep campers happy and satisfied. Among the facilities on offer are an outdoor pool, an arcade/game room, and a children’s play area.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a variety of interesting things to see and do. You can take a hike along one of the park’s many trails, fish in a nearby river, or catch a glimpse of some of the park’s wildlife. Alternatively, you may wish to try your hand at whitewater rafting or a little retail therapy at the many outlet malls in the area.

For those looking to get outdoors, renting a camper is a great way to go. Arrow Creek offers an impressive 60 RV and tent sites. These accommodations come with a host of amenities, such as WiFi, cable TV, and a picnic area.

Arrow Creek also offers a small but functional indoor pool. While it might not be the most impressive feature, it’s a fun and relaxing place to hang out with the family. It’s close to a variety of other amenities, such as shopping at the Bent Creek Golf Course and arts and crafts at the Arts and Crafts Community.

Greenbrier Campground

Best family campgrounds in Smoky Mountains

Greenbrier Campground is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. It offers a variety of rental options for both travelers and families.

Greenbrier Campground is a pet friendly RV resort. With access to the Little Pigeon River, guests can swim, kayak, or fish. In addition, Greenbrier Campground offers full hookup RV sites, camping cabins, and tent sites. The campground also offers a private beach, a swimming hole, and a game room.

There are more than 46 campsites for tent camping. A premium tent site on the riverfront is just steps from Flint Rock, a popular swimming hole. These tent sites come with a wood-framed gravel pad for pitching a tent. Other smaller sites may not have a tent pad.

The Best Smoky Mountain Campground

In addition to its camping options, Greenbrier Campground offers a private beach and two dog parks. Guests can play volleyball and basketball at the beach and take advantage of the swimming hole.

While visiting Greenbrier, visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails. The campground is less than a half mile from the entrance of the national park. During the fall, visitors can experience the beautiful colors of the foliage. Whether you want to hike, bike, or simply explore the area, there are plenty of things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Elkmont Campground

Best campgrounds in Smoky Mountains

The Elkmont Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Smoky Mountains. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Elkmont Campground is centrally located and offers plenty of activities for all.

Although Elkmont has no hookups, there are a few campground sites that have electrical outlets. There are also two group campsites, which are good for groups of up to twenty people.

The Elkmont Campground is only open from mid-March to late November, but that’s not to say that you can’t go there year round. There are seasonal rates, which are available for both RV and tent camping. During the summer months, it can get crowded, but the campground is surrounded by a number of hiking trails and river access.

In addition to camping, visitors can take a trip to Elkmont’s historical district, which includes an old cabin that is for rent. The park also has a number of other historic buildings, including the Appalachian Club.

A popular destination in the park is the synchronized firefly tour. This tour is held in the Elkmont Campground and is a great way to view the beautiful light show.

Another activity in the Smoky Mountains is auto touring. Take a drive down the scenic Little River Road to see some waterfalls along the way.

Newfound Gap

The Best Smoky Mountain Campgrounds

Newfound Gap campground in the Smoky Mountains has a unique location near the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. It is one of the most scenic drives in the region. There are several attractions and hikes available in the park. You can even take multi-day backpacking excursions through the park.

Newfound Gap is a great place to see a variety of plant and animal life. It’s also home to many hiking trails, as well as numerous mountain views. A short film and book will also be available at the visitors center. Located just off the main road, the center offers advice, maps, and camping permits.

The Newfound Gap observation area has restrooms and nature trails. Visitors can take a short walk up to the stone balcony for panoramic views of the Smokies.

One of the best parts about the Newfound Gap Road is the dozens of overlooks it provides. If you’re lucky, you may get a glimpse of wildlife, too. However, you should be careful about spotting wildlife. Wildlife can often block traffic and cause a “bear jam.” Try to turn your car off as soon as you spot them.

Other attractions in the area include Mingus Mill, a historic structure built in 1886. The mill grinds corn meal throughout the summer. This building was restored by the CCC in 1937.

Abrams Creek Campground

Abrams Creek Campground is a secluded campground that is near the western side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a great base camp for day hikes. The surrounding mountains and streams offer excellent fishing.

Abrams Creek Campground is open for reservations from late May through October. It has 16 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table, a fire grate, and restrooms. Most sites have a wood-framed gravel pad for tent camping.

There are a variety of trails to explore around the Abrams Creek area. The Cooper Road Trail starts off at the campground and continues 5.5 miles to Cades Cove. After 0.9 miles, the Little Bottoms Trail branches off the road.

The Hatcher Mountain Trail is a 2.8-mile trail that connects the Abrams Falls area with the Cooper Road Trail. The trail also joins the Hannah Mountain Trail and the Abrams Falls Trail.

In addition to hiking, the Abrams Creek area is a great place for backcountry fishing. Some of the best trout fishing in the region can be found in the streams surrounding the campground.

Abrams Creek is not a very popular campground. It is only a half-mile from the ranger station and is located off of Happy Valley Road.

Sugarlands Visitor Center

If you’re looking for the best campground in the Smoky Mountains, you can’t go wrong with the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Located a short distance from downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this park offers a variety of hiking trails, free movies, and informational exhibits. It’s also home to the Smoky Mountain Visitors Center, which features a gift shop, book store, and drink machines.

One of the most popular attractions in the park is the waterfall. Visitors can hike a side trail to the 40 foot Cataract Falls. The walk starts at the visitor center. Hiking is relatively easy and only takes a couple of hours.

Another attraction at the Sugarlands Visitor Center is the museum. You’ll find a number of informative exhibits, including animal exhibits and a free 20-minute movie on the history of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Visitors can also learn more about the park’s ecology through the Fighting Creek Nature Trail, a short forested trail. You’ll cross a creek on a footbridge and then follow the babbling stream to Cataract Falls. This trail is an easy hike, and you’ll find a lot of informational plaques along the way.

The Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest is an enormous 500,000-acre forested wonderland in western North Carolina. The forest is home to hundreds of miles of trails, whitewater rivers, and waterfalls. There are also numerous picnic spots as well as several campsites. It is a destination for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and more.

Visitors can choose from several campgrounds located throughout the Pisgah National Forest. These include several full-service campgrounds as well as primitive campsites. Campgrounds may also offer back-in parking for RVs. Some of the campgrounds, such as Mama Gertie’s RV campground, provide bathhouses, laundry rooms, and tent sites.

Free camping Smoky Mountains

Another place to camp is in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. This area of the Pisgah National Forest requires a free camping permit. The wilderness area is also known for its scenic sunrise and sunset views. If you want to stay in this campground, you’ll need to clear your garbage before you leave.

Another interesting area to explore is the Shining Rock Wilderness. The 184–477-acre wilderness area features waterfalls and rugged mountain living.

Twin Creeks Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Mountain Farm Museum

The Mountain Farm Museum is a collection of historic log structures that were built during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It is located near Cherokee, North Carolina. You can visit the museum for free and learn about the history of the area.

The museum’s buildings include a barn, spring house, apple house, and blacksmith shop. There is also a smokehouse, hen house, and corn crib. In addition, there are many live farm animals.

During the summer, you can enjoy a visit to the Mountain Farm Museum to watch the animals as they feed and play. Visitors can also observe reproductions of the original structures. For a more extensive experience, you can book an interpretive program.

Another great way to explore the Smoky Mountains is by hiking. On the Oconaluftee River Trail, you’ll be able to walk along the Oconaluftee River and see the wildflowers and wildlife that surround it. This trail is approximately three miles round-trip and wide enough to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.

Mouse Creek Falls

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains is Mouse Creek Falls. This creekside waterfall is located in Tennessee and North Carolina. There are several campgrounds in this area. Depending on the season and your hiking abilities, it’s a good idea to plan to spend at least three hours at the falls.

The hike to Mouse Creek Falls takes a moderate four miles roundtrip. It’s a popular destination during the spring and summer.

The trail begins near the Big Creek campground. You’ll pass by two waterfalls, including the 45-foot Mouse Creek Falls. You’ll also have a chance to stop at Midnight Hole, a deep pool in the creek.

Once you reach the falls, you can continue along the trail. As you pass beneath tulip trees and maples, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful Smoky Mountain wildflowers.

After the waterfall, you can follow the Big Creek Trail for another two and a half miles. Here, you’ll see another beautiful waterfall, the 6-foot Hen Wallow Falls.

Smokemont campground

Best camping Smoky Mountains

Smokemont Campground is a year-round campground in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. The Smokemont area is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This area is home to many popular hiking trails and the Smokemont Ranger Station. In addition, the Smokemont Riding Stables offer a great horseback riding experience.

There are three camping areas at Smokemont. Each site has a tent pad, a grill, and a pole for a lantern. These sites are in quiet, generator-free sections. Some of the sites are on the creek and are suitable for RVs.

The Smokemont area is also home to the museum of the Cherokee Indians, which includes a collection of historic log structures. Other attractions include the Mountain Farm Museum, which features a working grist mill.

Bryson City

Best camping in Smoky Mountains

Bryson City, NC, has a variety of campgrounds and RV parks that offer camping and vacationing in the Smoky Mountains. Some of the camping options include tent sites, cabins, and yurts. These facilities are a good choice for families, couples, and solo travelers.

For a weekend getaway or a longer stay, there are many attractions in Bryson City, including museums, restaurants, shopping, and more. Many campgrounds provide full hookups, and some even have cabin rentals. The area is also known for its whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Deep Creek Tube Center and Campground is a great place for tubing in the Smoky Mountains. The facility has 10 creekside campsites with full hookups as well as 5 tent-only sites.

Balsam Mountain Campground

Great Smoky Mountains Camping

Balsam Mountain Campground in the Smoky Mountains is one of the most secluded and beautiful campgrounds in the National Park. Its high elevation provides a cooler climate even in the summer. There are over 40 campsites in this quiet and peaceful location.

The campground offers several recreational activities. Guests can enjoy hikes on the Flat Creek Trail. Visitors can also visit the park’s highest elevation picnic area. This area has 41 tables and benches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery.

A short drive away, visitors can explore the Mile High Overlook. At this elevation, there are incredible views of the Smoky Mountains.

One of the more remote sections of the park, Balsam Mountain, is great for hiking and fishing. Many of the trails in this area are less crowded than those in other areas.

Big Creek Horse Camp

Great Smoky Mountains Campsites

Big Creek Horse Camp in the Smoky Mountains is a unique area of the park that is ideal for horse camping. It is located in a secluded corner of the park, away from the crowds, and offers breathtaking scenic backdrops. There is plenty of space for large groups to enjoy, as well as access to a variety of trails.

Located in the northeastern part of the park, this campground is off exit 451 from Interstate 40. The campground is about 16 miles from Newport, Tennessee.

This camp is primitive. To book a site, you will need to call ahead. You can pay for a site with a credit card. If you have a large party or need more than one site, you will need to make a reservation.