The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers several types of campsites to suit the various tastes of individual guests. Undeveloped back country locations are popular with backpacking enthusiasts, as sites can only be reached by hiking several miles through the woods. Front country sites allow the less adventurous to camp near their vehicles in well-maintained campgrounds with running cold water and flushing toilets. Parties of eight or more may want to consider a group campground. They are located within the front country campgrounds and allow up to 30 people to camp together. Group camping is only available from March through November and reservations are required. Additionally, for those who would rather ride along the 800 available miles of trails than hike them, there are horse camps with hitching posts available throughout the Smoky Mountains.
While you're mulling over the Smoky Mountains campsite selections, you may want to consider the type of shelter you want to camp in. Trail lodges are available in the back country. They are, essentially, three-sided sheds that offer weary hikers a bit of protection from the elements. To reserve a shelter, you must fill out a permit at the park entrance prior to hitting the trail. Tents can be used at all of the campsites, but RVs and campers are only allowed at horse camps and front country campgrounds. Before you haul your RV all the way to the Smoky Mountains, you should be aware that there are no available hookups. For those who want to experience the great outdoors but are not into "roughing it," there are a variety of rental cabins available throughout the Smoky Mountains. With satellite TV on the big screen, dishwashers, microwaves and open-air hot tubs, cabins are generally the most comfortable way to camp.
Begin your trip preparations by checking the availability of the campground or cabin of your choice. The Cades Cove and Smokemont campgrounds remain open year-round, while the remainder are closed for the winter. Reservations can be made up to five months in advance for those wishing to camp at Cades Cove, Elkmont or Smokemont. The remaining campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. On weekends throughout the summer, campgrounds tend to fill up quickly, so plan on arriving early in the day to stake your claim.
