Camping in the Park

First things first, there are four types of campsites recognized in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park: Horse Camps, Group Campgrounds, Frontcountry and Backcountry.

Horse Camps

Horse Camps are small campgrounds that provide hitch racks and primitive campsites. These sites offer access to backcountry trails in the park. They are open from April through November. These camps provide picnic tables, grills, parking, garbage cans, some have toilets, some have running water but all of them have one thing in common, they are great for horse lovers that want to bring their animals to the park. These sites do require reservations so you will want to call ahead. The phone number is 877-444-6777. There are tons of horse trails in the park and horseback is a terrific way to take in the scenery. Bring your horse and your trailer, setup camp and enjoy the Smokies! As with all the campsites in the Smokies there are rules and regulations to go by, make sure that you follow them.

Group Campgrounds

Group campgrounds are located in the frontcountry campsites and are designed for groups of eight people or more. There are seven group campgrounds in the park that cater to these large groups. These sites are for tents only and no trailers or campers of any type are permitted. These areas, like all the campsites do not have showers or electricity so be sure to plan ahead. Seeing as these campsites are in the frontcountry campgrounds you will have cold running water and flush toilets. These sites do require reservations so you will want to call 877-444-6777 and make reservations. As with all the campsites in the Smokies there are rules and regulations to go by, make sure that you follow them. Camping as a group is great way to spend time with both family and friends. These areas give you the room to spread out and enjoy those special people in your life.

Frontcountry

Frontcountry camping allows you a few more amenities than backcountry camping. You can park your car in these developed campgrounds. You will have a fire grate and picnic tables near the campsite and each campground has flush toilets and cold running water. There are ten frontcountry campgrounds: Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Catalochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, Look Rock & Smokemont. Sites at Elkmont, Smokemont, Cades Cove, and Cosby may be reserved during summer and fall, by calling 877-444-6777. All the other campgrounds are by a first-come, first-served basis. As with other campsites, there are rules and regulations that must be followed. Make sure that you obtain a copy of these rules and regulations before staying in the campgrounds.

Backcountry

Backcountry camping is designed for those people that want to get out on the trail and stay over night in the less developed areas of the park. These campsites require hiking to get to them. If you plan on using one of the designated camping sites or shelters, permits are required. All shelters and some of the campsites require reservations. When you are planning your hike make sure that you check with the park service. You want to make sure that you are following their guidelines and that you will have a space at the shelters when you arrive. You will want to contact the Backcountry Information Office when planning an overnight hike, their number is 865-436-1297. While you are hiking in the Backcountry you are subject to all of the rules and regulations of the park. You can of course find these rules on line or ask for them when sign your permits. Have a great time while you are in the Backcountry, roughing it, but make sure you are well prepared, safe and that you have all the permits that you need.