Where Can You Camp at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in the United States. It is located in North Carolina and Tennessee, with over 9 million visitors each year.
The park is known for its stunning views, abundant wildlife, and spectacular hiking trails. With so much to do, camping at the park is a great way to experience it all.
There are 10 different campgrounds located throughout the park ranging from primitive sites to developed campgrounds with running water, flush toilets, and even showers. Backcountry camping is also allowed in certain areas of the park with a valid permit. Primitive camping sites are available on a first-come first-served basis, while developed campgrounds can be reserved up to six months in advance.
Cades Cove Campground is one of the most popular spots to camp in the park and offers over 160 campsites with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This campground has flush toilets and running water as well as access to several hiking trails nearby. There are also several nearby attractions such as historic buildings and churches that visitors can explore.
Smokemont Campground is another great option for those looking for a more secluded camping experience. This campground offers over 140 campsites along the banks of the Oconaluftee River and has two loops; one with running water and flush toilets, while the other loop offers more primitive sites without any facilities. There are also several nearby trails that offer scenic views of rivers, creeks, and cascades as well as access to streams where anglers can fish for trout.
Cataloochee Campground is another popular spot for camping in the park due to its close proximity to many historical buildings from when this area was once home to a small mountain community called Cataloochee Valley. This campground offers over 270 campsites ranging from primitive sites with no facilities to developed sites with running water and flush toilets. The area also has several hiking trails nearby including an easy access trail that leads visitors through some of these historical dwellings from days past.
Big Creek Campground offers a more rustic camping experience than other developed campgrounds in the park but still provides easy access to some excellent trails such as Midnight Hole Trail which leads visitors through several cascades before ending at Big Creek Gorge where they can take in sweeping views of this majestic landscape while taking a dip in one of its crystal-clear pools below. Primitive campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis here but there are no facilities so those looking for something more comfortable should look elsewhere!
No matter what type of camping experience you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at Great Smoky Mountains National Park! From primitive campsites nestled deep within nature’s embrace all the way up to developed campgrounds offering amenities such as running water and flush toilets – there’s something here for everyone! So get out there and start exploring today!
Conclusion:
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides an abundance of opportunities for camping enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience! From primitive sites nestled deep within nature’s embrace all the way up to developed campgrounds offering amenities such as running water and flush toilets – there’s something here for everyone! Cades Cove Campground, Smokemont Campground, Cataloochee Campground, & Big Creek Campground are just some of your options when it comes time to plan your next outdoor adventure in this beautiful national park!
