Definitive Smokies Guide
Smokies Campgrounds
Frontcountry campgrounds in GSMNP, backcountry sites, national forest grounds, state parks, and the private RV parks worth knowing about.
28 entries across 5 locations compiled from authoritative sources.
Camping in the Smokies runs the full range — from the riverside simplicity of Elkmont and Cades Cove (GSMNP's largest frontcountry campgrounds) to the remote backcountry shelters along the Appalachian Trail, plus Forest Service campgrounds in Pisgah and Cherokee national forests and a strong network of private RV parks with full hookups.
This index catalogs 28 campgrounds across GSMNP and the surrounding region, covering site counts, RV-hookup availability, showers, flush toilets, reservation requirements, typical season, and per-night rates. Every GSMNP frontcountry campground takes reservations through recreation.gov — and at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont, summer weekends and all of October book out months in advance. Backcountry camping requires a separate permit.
Plan a site that matches your style: Cades Cove and Elkmont are busy and social (firefly season at Elkmont is legendary but lottery-only), Cosby and Deep Creek are quieter and cheaper, and the backcountry is solitude-at-cost. Private RV parks in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville offer hookups, pools, and shuttles — if that's your priority over forest quiet, plan there.
Plan smarter
Book early
Frontcountry GSMNP sites open for reservation six months ahead and go fast for summer weekends, fall foliage, and fireflies. For July or October weekends, plan in January.
Know your bear rules
Store food, coolers, scented items, and trash in your vehicle or the provided bear box. Every campsite has one. Leaving food out loses you your site and endangers bears.
Cosby for quiet
Cosby Campground on the east side is typically the least crowded GSMNP frontcountry option and has fast access to trails like Hen Wallow Falls and Low Gap to Mt. Cammerer.
Gatlinburg 19 entries
Gatlinburg, TN
Abrams Creek Campground
frontcountry campground near Gatlinburg with 16 sites.
Gatlinburg, TN
Big Creek Campground
A small, primitive campground on the North Carolina side, offering a very rustic experience.
Gatlinburg, TN
Deep Creek Campground
Near Bryson City, NC, Deep Creek is popular for its tubing opportunities on Deep Creek and access to waterfalls.
Gatlinburg, TN
Elkmont Campground
Located along the Little River, Elkmont is one of the most popular campgrounds, known for its scenic beauty, proximity to hiking trails (e.g., Laurel Falls, Gatlinburg Trail), and the historic Elkmont Ghost Town.
Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg KOA Holiday
private campground near Gatlinburg with 100 sites.
Gatlinburg, NC
Gorges State Park Campground
state campground near Gatlinburg with 10 sites.
Gatlinburg, TN
Greenbrier Campground
private campground near Gatlinburg with 100 sites.
Gatlinburg, NC
Lake James State Park Campground
state campground near Gatlinburg with 33 sites.
Gatlinburg, TN
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort (formerly Little Arrowhead)
private campground near Gatlinburg with 200 sites.
Gatlinburg, TN
Little Mill Campground
private campground near Gatlinburg with 50 sites.
Gatlinburg, TN
Look Rock Campground
frontcountry campground near Gatlinburg with 68 sites.
Gatlinburg, NC
Norris Dam State Park Campground
state campground near Gatlinburg with 75 sites.
Gatlinburg, NC
Panther Creek State Park Campground
state campground near Gatlinburg with 50 sites.
Gatlinburg, TN
Pigeon River Campground
private campground near Gatlinburg with 100 sites.
Gatlinburg, TN
Riverbend Campground
private campground near Gatlinburg with 100 sites.
Gatlinburg, TN
Smokemont Campground
Situated on the North Carolina side of the park, near Cherokee, Smokemont offers a similar experience to Elkmont with tent and RV sites (no hookups).
Gatlinburg, TN
Smoky Bear Campground & RV Park
private campground near Gatlinburg with 100 sites.
Gatlinburg, TN
Smoky Mountain Premier RV Resort
private campground near Gatlinburg with 100 sites.
Gatlinburg, TN
Turkey Creek RV Park
private campground near Gatlinburg with 100 sites.
Cherokee 5 entries
Cherokee, NC
Balsam Mountain Campground
usfs campground near Cherokee with 46 sites.
Cherokee, TN
Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday
private campground near Cherokee with 150 sites.
Cherokee, NC
Davidson River Campground
usfs campground near Cherokee with 140 sites.
Cherokee, NC
Indian Boundary Campground
usfs campground near Cherokee with 100 sites.
Cherokee, NC
Tellico Beach Campground
usfs campground near Cherokee with 20 sites.
Townsend 2 entries
Townsend, TN
Cades Cove Campground
Located within the iconic Cades Cove loop, this campground offers easy access to the valley's historic sites, wildlife viewing, and hiking/biking opportunities.
Townsend, TN
Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday
private campground near Townsend with 100 sites.
Maggie Valley 1 entries
Cosby 1 entries
Where to stay
Near Smokies camping region
Frontcountry campgrounds cluster inside GSMNP — Cades Cove, Elkmont, Smokemont, Cosby, Deep Creek. Private RV parks line the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
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