Great Smoky Mountains National Park camping

This collection spans the diverse lodging options within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It includes the historic Elkmont Campground, situated near the park's early 20th-century summer resort district, and the high-altitude LeConte Lodge, reachable only by foot. The list also details numerous designated backcountry sites—ranging from the remote Bone Valley near Hazel Creek to the ridges near Cades Cove—requiring permits and offering primitive wilderness access.

Elkmont Campground

Large campground located near the historic "Daisy Town" district. It sits alongside the Little River and provides direct access to the Jakes Creek and Little River trails.

LeConte Lodge

Situated at 6,593 feet near the summit of Mount LeConte, this is the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States. Accessible only via hiking trails; supplies are delivered by llama trains.

Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort

Located at the entrance to the "Tail of the Dragon," this resort caters to motorcyclists tackling the 318 curves of Highway 129. Includes a restaurant, shop, and camping facilities.

Proctor #86

Backcountry site located near Hazel Creek at the site of the former logging town of Proctor. Accessible via the Hazel Creek Trail or by boat across Fontana Lake.

Bone Valley #83

Remote backcountry site in the Hazel Creek area. Nearby historical features include the 19th-century Hall Cabin and the Bone Valley cemetery.

Anthony Creek #9

Located near the Cades Cove area, this site is frequently used by backpackers climbing toward the Appalachian Trail at Spence Field via the Anthony Creek Trail.

Little Bottoms #17

Situated in the Abrams Creek section of the park. Reachable via the Cooper Road Trail, offering a secluded alternative to the high-traffic Cades Cove area.

Big Walnut #97

A secluded backcountry campsite located along the upper reaches of the Hazel Creek drainage system, accessible via the Hazel Creek Trail.

Birch Spring Gap #113

High-elevation site located on the Appalachian Trail. Frequently used by hikers visiting Gregory Bald for the seasonal flame azalea blooms.

Rich Mountain #5

Located on the Rich Mountain Loop near Cades Cove, providing a primitive camping option at a higher elevation overlooking the valley.

Cane Creek #2

Backcountry site in the western end of the park, accessible via the Cane Creek and Cooper Road trails near the Abrams Creek ranger station.

Hesse Creek #3

Primitive campsite located along the Beard Cane Trail in the park's western backcountry, following the course of Hesse Creek.

Turkeypen Ridge #6

Backcountry site accessible via the Turkeypen Ridge Trail, located in the wooded ridges between the Townsend and Cades Cove areas.

West Prong #18

Located a short hike from the Tremont area, this site sits along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.

Sugar Fork #84

Backcountry campsite positioned along the Sugar Fork branch of Hazel Creek in a remote section of the park.

Other Lists

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Essentials Smoky Mountain Peaks Stunning Waterfalls Scenic Viewpoints Historic Cemeteries