Can You Camp or Stay Inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the United States. It is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the Appalachian Mountains and experience nature in its purest form.

The park offers several activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and more. But can you camp or stay inside the park?

The answer is yes—you can camp or stay inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are several options for camping within the park, including backcountry camping, frontcountry camping, and group camping.

Backcountry camping requires a permit from the park and involves staying in designated campsites that are more remote than those found in frontcountry areas. Frontcountry camping sites are located near roads and provide amenities like water, restrooms, and picnic tables. Group campsites are available for larger groups of up to 25 people.

If you prefer not to camp but would still like to stay in the park overnight, there are also several lodging options available. The park has six developed campgrounds with cabins that offer lodging for larger groups or families.

Lodges such as LeConte Lodge offer rustic cabins nestled deep in the woods with breathtaking views of the Smokies. For those looking for something a little more luxurious, there are also hotels located close to the entrances of the national park.

Conclusion:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an incredible place to visit with endless opportunities for exploring nature and having unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking to camp or stay overnight within the boundaries of the park, there are plenty of options available including backcountry camping sites, frontcountry sites, group campsites, cabins at developed campgrounds, lodges with rustic cabins deep in the woods, as well as hotels nearby.

Photo of author

Chris Powell