Gatlinburg, NC
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Twelve campgrounds across misty ridges and Appalachian valleys—no permit required.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the North Carolina–Tennessee border near Gatlinburg and ranks as America's most visited national park. The landscape draws visitors for its ancient mountain ridges, remarkable biodiversity, and preserved Appalachian heritage.
The park offers twelve campgrounds spread across its valleys and higher elevations: Abram's Creek Campground, Anthony Creek Horse Camp, Balsam Mountain Campground, Big Creek Campground, Big Creek Group Campground, Cades Cove Campground, Cades Cove Group Campground, Cataloochee Group Campground, Cosby Campground, Cosby Group Campground, Deep Creek Campground, and Deep Creek Group Campground. Each location serves different visitor needs, from backcountry rides to group gatherings and standard family camping.
No permit is required to camp in the park, making it straightforward to reserve your stay. The Smokies' dense forests and misty ridges create a distinct mountain climate and ecosystem year-round, drawing hikers, horseback riders, and families seeking to experience one of the region's most iconic natural areas.
Experiences
Camping
Explore 17 camping locations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Abram's Creek Campground
Anthony Creek Horse Camp
Balsam Mountain Campground
Big Creek Campground
Big Creek Group Campground
Cades Cove Campground
Cades Cove Group Campground
Cataloochee Group Campground
Cosby Campground
Cosby Group Campground
Deep Creek Campground
Deep Creek Group Campground
Elkmont Campground
Elkmont Group Campground
Look Rock Campground
Smokemont Campground
Smokemont Group Campground
Experiences
Other
Explore 1 other location in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Common Questions
What visitors most often want to know about Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Do I need a permit to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
No permit is required to visit the park. However, if you plan to camp, you'll need to make a reservation at one of the park's campgrounds.
What campgrounds are available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The park offers 17 campgrounds including Cades Cove, Abram's Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby, and Deep Creek, among others. Many campgrounds also have group camping options available.
Can I use Open Canyon to track campground availability at Great Smoky Mountains?
Yes, Open Canyon monitors Recreation.gov availability for Great Smoky Mountains campgrounds. You can set up alerts to be notified when sites open up at your preferred campground.
Where is Great Smoky Mountains National Park located?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, with the park near Gatlinburg.