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Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGreat Smoky Mountains National Park is named for the misty 'smoke' that often hangs over the park.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Group Campgrounds
 

Quarantine Notice: Firewood from the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey and New York can not be brought into the national park. The United States Department of Agriculture has quarantined firewood from these states to prevent the spread of highly destructive insects that may be living in the wood.

 

The park has seven areas where groups may camp. These areas are listed in the table below, along with the operation dates and contact numbers for site information. Group campsites are open only during the months listed.

Group campsites will accommodate tents only. Trailers, campers, or other wheeled units are not permitted. Showers and electric hookups are not available in park campgrounds, however shower facilities are available in the communities surrounding the national park. Please inquire about the nearest facilities when you check-in at the campground.

The minimum party size is eight, and the maximum length of stay is seven nights in these areas. Check out time is noon. You are welcome to call the ranger station to obtain site-specific information, but be aware that the ranger stations are field offices and are not staffed during all hours!

You must have reservations to camp at a group site. You can make reservations online or by phoning the National Park Reservation Service toll-free at (877) 444-6777. Additional information about when you can make reservations. Payment is required at the time the reservation is made.

 


Campground Rules and Regulations
Includes regulations concerning food storage, generator use, and quiet hours.

 

Group
Campground

 2008
Open/Close
Dates

Number
of Sites

Maximum
Number
of People

Cost
Per
Night

Big Creek
Reserve Now
(828) 486-5910
March 7 - Oct. 31

1

25

$44

Cades Cove
Reserve Now
Nov 1- May 14
(865) 448-4106

May 15 - Oct 31
(865) 448-4103
March 7 - Oct. 31

2

1

1-with pavilion

20

30

30 

$35

$53

$65
 

Cataloochee
Reserve Now
(828) 497-1930
March 7 - Oct. 31

3

25

$35

Cosby
Reserve Now
(423) 487-2683
March 7 - Oct. 31

3

20

$26

Deep Creek
Reserve Now
(828) 488-3184

April 1 - Oct. 31

3

20

$35

Elkmont
Reserve Now
(865) 436-1271
March 7 - Oct. 31

1

2

1

15

20

30

$26

$35

$53

Smokemont
Reserve Now
Nov 1 - May 14
(828) 497-1940

May 15 - Oct 31
(828) 497-9270
March 7 - Oct. 31

1

2

15

20

$26

$35

 

Bundles of firewood are available for sale in the communities surrounding the national park. In addition, the following group campgrounds have on-site sales:

  • Cades Cove (at Cades Cove Campground Store)
  • Elkmont
  • Smokemont (at Smokemont Riding Stables)
Regulations Concerning Pets
Regulations Concerning Pets
Leashed pets are allowed in developed areas and along roads, but are not allowed on park trails.
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Click to access maps of the national park
Download Park Maps
Maps of trails and campgrounds as well as general park maps are available.
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Four stables in the park offer horse rides.
Horse Riding
Four stables in the park offer horse rides.
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Black bear
Black Bears
An estimated 1,500 black bears live in the park.
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Marbled salamanders are one of 30 salamander species native to the park.  

Did You Know?
There are at least 30 different species of salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This gives the Smokies the distinction of having the most diverse salamander population anywhere in the world and has earned the park the nickname “Salamander Capital of the World.”

Last Updated: November 30, 2007 at 10:49 EST