Overview
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for visitors, the park has implemented a reservation system for various activities and facilities. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the reservation process for your trip to the Smoky Mountains.
Backcountry Permits and Reservations
Exploring the vast wilderness of the Smoky Mountains requires careful planning and reservations. Here’s what you need to know:
Backcountry Camping
- Reservations are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry.
- The reservation system is open up to a year in advance, with the exception of frontcountry campgrounds and horse camps, which are only available up to six months in advance.
Backcountry Trails
- No reservations are required for day hikes, but permits are necessary for overnight stays.
- The park offers 800 miles of trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail.
Backcountry Shelters
- The park has 15 backcountry shelters available for overnight stays.
- Reservations are required and can be made up to a year in advance.
Frontcountry Campgrounds
The Smoky Mountains also offer frontcountry campgrounds for those who prefer a more accessible camping experience. Here are the details:
Cades Cove Campground
- Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- The campground is open year-round, but some loops are closed during the off-season.
Smokemont Campground
- Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- The campground is open year-round.
Reservation Timelines
- Backcountry reservations can be made up to a year in advance, with the exception of frontcountry campgrounds and horse camps, which are only available up to six months in advance.
Fees and Permits
- The fee for backcountry camping permits is not explicitly stated, but it is included in the overall cost of the reservation.
Additional Considerations
Parking Tags
- A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in the park.
- Front country campers parked at their designated campsite are exempt from this requirement.
Bear Activity
- Bear activity is high from May to August, and visitors should be prepared for encounters during this time.
Contact Information
- Phone Number: 865-436-1200
- Website: www.nps.gov/grsm
References
- The Points Guy. (2024, June 21). These 9 national parks will require reservations this summer. Retrieved from https://thepointsguy.com/news/national-park-reservations/
- Recreation.gov. (n.d.). Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee – Recreation.gov. Retrieved from https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2739
- Recreation.gov. (n.d.). Cades Cove Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Retrieved from https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232488
- National Park Service. (2024, June 13). Permits & Reservations – Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm
- National Park Service. (2020, February 6). How the Reservation System Works – Great Smoky Mountains. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/reservationfaqs.htm