As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I am always looking for the next adventure to embark on. One of my all-time favorite destinations for camping is Smoky Mountain National Park. This stunning park spans over 500,000 acres, straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. With its breathtaking mountain views, abundant wildlife, and diverse camping options, it’s no wonder why Smoky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for any adventurer.
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Introduction to Smoky Mountain National Park
Smoky Mountain National Park is a natural wonderland that has been preserved for generations to come. The park boasts an impressive array of plant and animal life, with over 1,500 different types of plants and 200 species of birds. The park is also home to many different types of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer. The park’s most notable feature is the Great Smoky Mountains, a range of mountains that runs through the park and provides stunning views from every angle.
Why go Camping in Smoky Mountain National Park?
Camping in Smoky Mountain National Park is an experience like no other. The park offers a variety of camping options, from primitive backcountry camping to full-service RV campsites. Camping in the park allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area and experience all that the park has to offer. Whether you are looking to hike through the mountains or relax by a campfire in the fire pit, and fire grates, provided at most campsites, there is something for everyone in Smoky Mountain National Park.
One of the biggest draws of camping in Smoky Mountain National Park is the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The park’s secluded campsites allow you to escape the distractions of modern technology and fully embrace the natural world around you. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and appreciate the simple things in life.
Types of Camping in Smoky Mountain National Park
Smoky Mountain National Park offers a variety of camping options to suit every type of camper. Whether you prefer a rustic backcountry experience or a more comfortable RV camping trip, the park has something for you.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping in Smoky Mountain National Park is a unique experience that allows you to truly get off the beaten path. The park offers over 800 miles of trails for backpackers to explore, with campsites scattered throughout the backcountry. These campsites are primitive and require a permit to use, but they offer a truly immersive outdoor experience.
Frontcountry Camping
Frontcountry camping in Smoky Mountain National Park is a great option for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing modern amenities. The park offers several developed campgrounds with amenities such as showers, restrooms, and picnic tables. These campsites are perfect for families or those who prefer a more comfortable camping experience.
RV Camping
For those who prefer the comforts of home while camping, Smoky Mountain National Park offers several RV campgrounds. These campsites offer full hookups for RVs, as well as amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. RV camping is a great option for those who want to explore the park without sacrificing the comforts of home.
Best Campsites in Smoky Mountain National Park
Choosing the best campsite in Smoky Mountain National Park largely depends on your personal preferences and camping style. Here are a few of my favorite campsites in the park:
Elkmont Campground
Elkmont Campground is a popular choice for those looking for a developed campground with amenities. The campground has over 200 sites, including both RV and tent sites. The campground is located near many of the park’s major attractions, making it a convenient choice for those who want to explore the park.
Cosby Campground
Cosby Campground is a more secluded option, located on the quieter eastern side of the park. The campground has over 100 sites, including both RV and tent sites. The campground is located near several hiking trails and offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds of the more popular campgrounds.
Backcountry Camping
For those looking for a more rustic camping experience, backcountry camping is the way to go. The park offers over 100 backcountry campsites scattered throughout the park, each with its own unique features and views. Some of the most popular backcountry campsites include Mount LeConte, Spence Field, and Hazel Creek.
Tips for Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Camping in Smoky Mountain National Park requires some preparation and planning. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your camping trip:
Be Prepared for the Weather
The weather in the Smoky Mountains can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for all types of weather. Make sure to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Even in the summer months, temperatures can drop significantly at night, so be sure to bring warm layers. There is a reason that Tennessee is such a green State; RAIN. One of the most valuable and versatile things one can bring on a camping trip in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is rain gear. My favorite type for Tennessee is a lightweight, waterproof, shell with ventilation. Or what used to be called “pit zips”. If the weather is warm or hot, one can open up the ventilation, while still staying dry from the rain, without over heating. Conversly, one can seal it up, and put on a fleece, or heavier clothing underneath, if the temperature drops unexpectedly.
Pack Out Your Trash
One of the most important things you can do to help preserve the park is to pack out your trash. This includes all food waste, wrappers, and other garbage. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it and help keep the park beautiful for future generations to enjoy.
Follow Leave No Trace Principles
When camping in the park, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles. This means minimizing your impact on the environment by staying on established trails, camping in designated campsites, and avoiding disturbing wildlife.
Things to do While Camping in Smoky Mountain National Park
There is no shortage of things to do while camping in Smoky Mountain National Park. Here are a few of my favorite activities:
Hiking
With over 800 miles of trails, hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging backcountry trek, there is a trail for you. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Alum Cave Trail, the Chimney Tops Trail, and the Appalachian Trail.
Wildlife Viewing
Smoky Mountain National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer. Keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent creatures while exploring the park.
Fishing
The park is home to over 2,100 miles of streams and rivers, making it a popular destination for fishing. Whether you prefer fly-fishing or spin fishing, there are plenty of opportunities to catch trout, bass, and other fish species. Some of the finest trout fishing in the Eastern United States is to be found here.
Go To Town!
I love camping in the Smoky Mountains. One of the most unique things about camping there, is the close, and, easy access to two great tourist towns minutes apart from each other. Namely, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Both cities are a great place, and wildly popular destinations. It’s just a short drive to each from the park. The City of Gatlinburg actually has a wide line painted across the road to indicate when you are leaving the City, and entering the park. You can find camping and hiking supply stores, all kinds of restaurants, fast food, hotels, and of course the tourist attractions, I have actually done one camping trip, where I left the tent up, and spent a couple of nights at a hotel In Pigeon Forge. Was a darn nice trip.
If you are up for a tasty brew while you are in town, those are available. As well as sight seeing a plenty. You can even take a day trip to Dollywood to ride wooden roller coasters in keeping with the nature theme.
Park Rangers and Park Staff Can Be Great Resources. Don’t forget to ask them for help and advice on where, and when to camp, location of shower facilities, the park boundaries, historic sites, the ranger station, small campgrounds, secluded campgrounds, a remote campground ,group campgrounds, rv sites, water hookups, the parks main entrances, where horseback riding is allowed, and any of your other needs or questions.
Hiking Trails in Smoky Mountain National Park
Smoky Mountain National Park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks. Here are a few of my favorite hiking trails in the park, and arguably some of the best places.
Alum Cave Trail
The Alum Cave Trail is a 4.4-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the park. The trail features a variety of landscapes, including a waterfall, a cave, and a scenic overlook.
Chimney Tops Trail
The Chimney Tops Trail is a challenging 4-mile round trip hike that rewards hikers with stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail features steep switchbacks and a rocky scramble to the top, but the views are well worth the effort.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail runs through the park for over 70 miles, offering hikers the opportunity to experience a portion of this iconic trail. There are several access points along the trail, making it easy to hike a portion of the trail or complete a longer backpacking trip.
Wildlife in Smoky Mountain National Park
Smoky Mountain National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer. While these animals are certainly a highlight of any visit to the park, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Here are a few tips for safely viewing wildlife in the park:
Keep a Safe Distance
When viewing wildlife in the park, it’s important to keep a safe distance. This not only protects you from potential danger but also ensures that you do not disturb the animal’s natural behavior.
Do Not Feed Wildlife
Feeding wildlife is not only illegal in the park but also harmful to the animals. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural behavior and cause them to become reliant on human food, which can be dangerous for both the animal and humans.
Observe from a Safe Place
When viewing wildlife in the park, always observe from a safe place. This may mean using binoculars or a spotting scope to view animals from a distance.
Camping Gear Checklist for Smoky Mountain National Park
Preparing for a camping trip in Smoky Mountain National Park requires some planning and preparation. Here is a checklist of essential camping gear to bring on your trip:
Tent
A tent is essential for camping in the park, whether you are backcountry camping or staying in a developed campground. Highly recommended are tent pads. These are generally pretty cheap, and many are made for your exact tent. They add extra protection for your tent floor, and are well worth the money. They also come in handy when camping in very rainy conditions.
Sleeping Bag
A warm sleeping bag is essential, particularly during the cooler months when temperatures can drop significantly at night. I have been tent camping literally all my life. In my opinion, one of the biggest mistakes people make when picking out a sleeping bag is getting one that is TOO WARM.
This is very counterintuitive. If you have ever shivered on a cold night inside a bag that wasn’t up to keeping you warm, you don’t want to go through that again. One way to avoid that is to buy a bag rated for colder temps…HOWEVER, think about when you camp most. Is it in the warmer Summer, Spring, and early Fall, or in the dead of Winter? Most people camp during warmer months. Certainly in the middle of summer, your sleeping bag rated for the dead of winter in North Platte, Nebraska, ain’t what you want.
I have spent enough nights awake and sweating in/on a too warm bag to have learned this lesson first hand. The good news is that warm weather bags are available, and in general much cheaper than those rated for winter camping in Siberia. Add in a sleeping pad to go under whichever bag you are taking, and you should be well on your way to a good nights sleep.
Backpack
A backpack is essential for backcountry camping trips, allowing you to carry all of your gear and supplies with you.
Water Filter
A water filter is essential for backcountry camping trips, allowing you to filter water from streams and rivers.
Reservation and Permit Information for Camping in Smoky Mountain National Park
Advanced Reservations are required for all frontcountry campsites in Smoky Mountain National Park, and permits are required for backcountry camping. Reservations can be made online or by phone up to six months in advance, and that is by far the best way to secure any of the best campgrounds. Certainly the most popular campground. Backcountry permits can be obtained at any of the park’s backcountry offices or visitor centers. It’s important to plan ahead and make reservations early, particularly during peak season when campsites can fill up quickly.
Conclusion
Smoky Mountain National Park is a natural wonderland that offers something for every type of camper. Whether you prefer a rustic backcountry experience or a more comfortable RV camping trip, the park has something for you. With its stunning mountain views, abundant wildlife, and diverse camping options, Smoky Mountain National Park is a perfect place and must-visit destination for any adventurer. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and unleash your inner adventurer in Smoky Mountain National Park!