Fees and Reservations

Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. The land that encompasses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park today was originally privately owned. In 1936, when the state of Tennessee transferred ownership of Newfound Gap Road (the only road that completely traverses the Park from TN to NC) to the federal government in 1936, it stipulated that no toll or license fee shall ever be imposed to travel the road. North Carolina transferred its part of the road without restrictions. Any change to this policy would require an act of the legislature, so enjoy the very best the Smoky Mountains has to offer (auto tours, hiking, access to trout streams) free of charge!

Fees are charged for certain activities within the Park, such as overnight camping ($14-23 per night) and pavilion rental at picnic areas. In addition, if you want to stay overnight in the Park, reservations may be necessary and can be made online.

Backcountry Camping - A backcountry permit is required for all backcountry camping, but the permits are free and are available at the Sugarlands and Oconoluftee visitor centers, plus the following locations:

• Cades Cove
• Abrams Creek Ranger Station
• Twentymile Ranger Station
• Big Creek Ranger Station
• Cosby Campground
• Fontana Marina
• Deep Creek Campground
• Smokemont Campground
• Cataloochee Valley near campground
• Greenbrier Ranger Station
• Elkmont Campground

Registration centers are open 24 hours a day. Permits must be picked up in the park at one of the locations listed above. They are not available on the Internet or through email.

Frontcountry Camping - The National Park Service maintains campgrounds at 10 locations in the park.
Le Conte Lodge - LeConte Lodge is the only commerial lodging within the park and is operated by concession granted by the Park. Other lodging is available in the North Carolina and Tennessee towns and villages that surround the Park, such as cabin rentals, hotels and condo rentals.
Horse Camps - Five drive-in horse camps provide easy access to backcountry trails and are open from April 1 - November 9, 2008. Horse camps are located at Anthony Creek, Big Creek Cataloochee, Round bottom, and Tow String. Additionally, horseback riding is available in the area. Horseback stables and an Arabian horse farm are near.
Group Campgrounds - The National Park has 7 group camping areas. A reservation is required and can be made online or by phone at (877) 444-6777.