Campground Regulations

Valid Parking Tags Required

Frontcountry campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag. If parked elsewhere in the park, a parking tag is required.

 

 

Firewood Regulations: Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency may be brought into the park. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires.

Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. View an online map to find stores and businesses that sell certified firewood.

Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season (typically March through November at Smokemont and Elkmont, and through December at Cades Cove). Additional information about this regulation.

 

The following regulations apply to camping in Frontcountry Campgrounds and Group Campgrounds.

 

Food Storage

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to black bears. All food and equipment used to prepare and store food (stoves, pots, coolers, etc.) must be kept sealed in a vehicle (preferably the trunk) or in a camping unit constructed of solid, non-pliable material AT ALL TIMES when not in use. All scented items (candles, soap, etc.) and all water containers must also be stored. If your vehicle does not have a trunk for storing food and equipment, the following campgrounds have a limited number of food storage lockers: Abrams Creek, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont.

Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. Unattended or improperly stored coolers, food, and scented items may be impounded by campground staff. This regulation will be strictly enforced and violators are subject to fines.

Reservations

Advance reservations are required year-round at all campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. First come, first served sites are no longer available. Group sites also require a reservation. Reservations can be made via phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online with recreation.gov.

Length of Stay

Your stay is limited to 14 consecutive days at a time. Longer stays require that you move to a different campground.

Occupants

You may have up to six people per campsite.

Parking

No more than two motor vehicles or one vehicle with a trailer are allowed per campsite. Please keep wheels, including trailer wheels and guest cars, on the pavement. Park only in designated spaces.

Tents

All tents must be pitched on the pad, where provided.

Hammocks

Hammocks are allowed over the footprint of the campsite but limited to trees 10 inches in diameter with adequate padding around the tree. Only two hammocks may be suspended from one tree.

Fires and Wood Gathering

Campfires are permitted only in fire rings. You may collect wood in the park only if it is on the ground and dead. Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency may be brought into the park.

Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season (typically March through October at Smokemont and Elkmont and through November at Cades Cove). Visit an online map to see local stores and businesses that sell certified firewood. Additional information about this regulation.

Pets

Pets are allowed in the campground but must be confined or on a leash (6 feet maximum). Pets are not allowed on trails and should not be left unattended in the campground or your car. Please prevent excessive barking and properly dispose of pet waste.

Waste Water

Dish water and bath water must be drained at utility sinks or dump stations, not on the ground. Do not wash or bathe in streams or at water fountains. RV sewage should be drained only at a dump station. Showers and utility hookups are not available in the park. Showers may be available in nearby towns.

Quiet Hours and Generators

Quiet hours are in effect from 10 pm to 6 am. Generator use is prohibited from 8 pm to 8 am. Generator use and battery charging by engine idling is prohibited in generator free areas. During quiet hours, noise-producing equipment should be turned off and entry to the campground is limited to registered campers.

Alcohol

Alcohol is permitted in campgrounds and picnic areas, provided the person in possession is at least 21 years old.

Bicycles, Inline Skates, and Skateboards

Bicycle riders must comply with all traffic regulations and are restricted to public roads, parking areas, and designated routes. Helmets are required for anyone under the age of 16 and are recommended for bicycle riders of all ages. The use of inline skates, skateboards or scooters is prohibited.

Prohibited Items

Fireworks, traps, and the use of chainsaws are prohibited.