9. Smokemont Campground

Getting to Smokemont Campground

• From Cherokee, NC: Take Tsali Boulevard (US 441) past the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Drive an additional 3.1 miles to Smokemont Road and turn right, cross the river, then turn left. The campground is straight ahead.
• From Gatlinburg, TN: Take Newfound Gap Road (aka US 441) South 27 miles. Turn left at Smokemont Campground sign.

Parking & Parking Tags

Each campsite allows up to two (2) vehicles, with specific size limits depending on the site (up to 40 feet for RVs in some sections). Park on the pavement only or in designated spaces. A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking more than 15 minutes in the park, except at your designated campsite. Excess vehicles or parking elsewhere in the park require a tag. Overflow parking is available.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Parking Tags in GSMNP

What to Expect Upon Arrival

Upon arrival at Smokemont Campground, campers can expect a straightforward check-in process at the campground office or ranger station to complete their reservation and receive any necessary information or materials. The campground is not gated, so access is available at all times, but please be mindful of quiet hours (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM) and keep noise and lights to a minimum to avoid disturbing others.

Check-In Procedures

• Standard Check-In: Proceed directly to the campground office upon arrival during operating hours (typically daily, but may vary seasonally). Present your reservation confirmation to staff to finalize your site assignment and occupancy.
• Late Arrival: If you arrive after the office is closed, you may proceed to your assigned site and set up camp quietly. Check in with staff the following morning by noon to avoid being marked as a no-show, which could result in forfeiture of your reservation. If you’ve forgotten your site number, check the arrival list on the bulletin board at the kiosk.
• Seasonal Notes: From November to April, the office may operate intermittently. If staff request it, provide proof of occupancy (e.g., reservation details).

Key Processes and Rules to Follow Immediately

• Site Setup: Pitch tents only on provided pads (note: no tents allowed in Loop F, which is for RVs). Park only in designated spaces, with a maximum of two motor vehicles or one vehicle with a trailer per site, keep all wheels on pavement.
• Occupancy Limits: Up to six people per site; stays are limited to 14 consecutive days.
• Food Storage: Due to black bear activity, immediately secure all food, coolers, and scented items in your vehicle, RV, or provided lockers at all times when not in use. Violations can result in fines. What to Do If You Encounter a Black Bear
• Fires and Generators: Build fires only in established fire rings. Generator use is allowed from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, not exceeding 60 decibels, and may be restricted in certain loops.
• Pets: If bringing pets, keep them leashed (maximum 6 feet) and attended at all times; they are not allowed in buildings or on trails.
• General Etiquette: Dispose of trash in designated wildlife-proof containers, do not burn garbage, and avoid moving firewood to prevent pest spread. Follow all park regulations to ensure safety and preserve the environment.

Read: Paws in the Park Pet Policy

General Campground Description

• A ranger station and the campground office are both in Section A, at the campground entrance. Two additional camp hosts are located in Sections F and D.
• Generator use is forbidden in sections A, B, and C from mid-May through October. If you need to use a generator, you must camp in sections D and F or in one of the group campsites. Generator use is prohibited in group sites.
• Only recreational vehicles may reserve the forty-seven sites in Section F; tents are not allowed.
• Tent campers and recreational vehicles may use sections A, B, C, and D.
• The campsites have a gravel tent pad, a picnic table, and a fire ring with a cooking grate.
• Individual campsites accommodate up to six people. If your family or group is more than six people, you need to secure a second site or get a group campsite.
• Group campsites have the same amenities as the individual sites. Each group campsite accommodates from seven to twenty people. There is also a flat, grassy area that is perfect for group activities.
• Several campsites are ADA accessible.

Amenities

• Smokemont Campground has restrooms with flushing toilets and sinks throughout the campground.
• Potable, cold running water is available at spigots.
• The campground does not have showers, electricity, or water hookups.
• Food must be stored in your vehicle, preferably in the trunk. Black bears live in the area and the smell of food is enticing. A food storage box is located at the campground office intended for motorcyclists or anyone without a hard-sided vehicle.

This campground is equipped with the following:

• Ranger Station
• ADA Accessible Restrooms
• Drinking Water
• Dump Station
• Firewood Vendor
• Fire Rings
• Fishing
• Biking
• Birding
• Telephone (911 and back country only)
• Hiking Trail
• Parking
• Horse Trail
• Riding Stable
• Camp Supplies
• Amphitheater
• Trailer/Sanitary Station
• Vending Machines

IMPORTANT: Only two campsites have electricity and they are reserved for medical purposes. If you have a medical need (i.e. CPAP machine), you may reserve one of these campsites. Ask for campsite B028 when making your reservation. The only other site with a 5-amp outlet is F043 in section F, reserved for recreational vehicles.

Smokemont Group Campground

Smokemont Group Campground features a dedicated group camping area perfect for larger parties (7-20 people) seeking a shared outdoor experience.

Key details include:

• Site Capacity and Restrictions: Three separate tent-only sites, each accommodating up to 20 campers (minimum group size of seven required). No trailers, RVs, or wheeled units allowed, and generators are prohibited to preserve tranquility.
• Amenities: Each site includes multiple tent pads, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings for cooking and gatherings. A flat, grassy area supports group activities, with nearby flush toilets and drinking water available.
• Location and Activities: Situated along the Oconaluftee River, offering fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a forested setting. Ideal as a base for trails like Bradley Fork or attractions such as the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Reservations and Registration

You must make a reservation before arriving at Smokemont Campground. We recommend making your reservation far in advance as this is a popular campground. Here are a few details that may make it easier for you to get a spot:

• Reservations are required year-round; there are no first-come-first-served sites available.
• For more information, or to make a reservation, visit Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777.
• You can make a reservation for individual campsites up to 6 months in advance.
• Group campsites can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.

Note: Owners of a Senior or Access pass receive a discount on individual campsites. The park stay limit is 14 consecutive days.

Nearby Points of Interest

• Hiking: Hiking is the number one activity in the park. Several trails are close by and provide excellent hiking opportunities. Smokemont Nature Trail is a short hiking trail with a trailhead in the campground. Smokemont Loop is a longer trail and provides a more traditional hike.
• Horseback Riding: If you like to ride horses, the Smokemont Riding Stables are within walking distance of the campground. The horses know the trails better than any person and the experience is amazing.
• Cherokee, NC: Cherokee is a wonderful place to learn the history of the Cherokee Indians and experience their culture. They also have a gaming facility for the gambler in you. Nearby attractions include the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village, and Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual. Fuel and grocery stores are available in Cherokee.