How much does camping cost at Smokemont Campground?

Camping fees at Smokemont Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Smokemont Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Smokemont Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Smokemont Campground before I book?

Yes! Smokemont Campground has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Smokemont Campground?

Smokemont Campground is open January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025, noted as peak season.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Smokemont Campground?

Smokemont Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Smokemont Campground?

Fire policies at Smokemont Campground: Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Certified heat-treated firewood is mandatory.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Smokemont Campground have?

Smokemont Campground has 142 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Smokemont Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Smokemont Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Smokemont Campground?

Smokemont Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Smokemont Campground?

Popular activities at Smokemont Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Smokemont Campground

4.45

1.4K reviews

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Great Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park#2

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

142 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service (Great Smoky Mountains)Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Smokemont Campground is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

142 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service (Great Smoky Mountains)Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Smokemont Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A standard nightly rate of $30 applies to all campsites, including tent-only, RV nonelectric, and standard nonelectric sites. Fees do not include...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 1.4K reviews

408 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomshikingstaff

Some mention

noise

"Smokemont Campground is highly rated for its natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and cleanliness. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the convenience of its location near Cherokee, NC."

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Campground Map

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Smokemont Campground

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Nearby places

Cherokee, NC (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Gatlinburg, TN (27 miles, approximately 45 minutes)

Bryson City, NC (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Fuel, groceries, and camping supplies are available in Cherokee, NC, 6 miles away. Ice and firewood are available at the Smokemont Riding Stables within the campground.

Driving directionsFrom Cherokee, NC: Take Newfound Gap Road (aka US 441) North 6 miles. Turn right at campground sign. From Gatlinburg, TN: Take Newfound Gap Road (aka US 441) South 27 miles. Turn left at campground sign.

Access is via Newfound Gap Road (US 441), which is paved and well-maintained. The route is accessible year-round, though closures may occur during winter due to snow and ice. The road is moderately winding but suitable for RVs and vehicles with trailers.

Best Time to Camp at Smokemont Campground

Fall is the peak season. Mid-October usually delivers prime leaf color along the Oconaluftee valley, with daytime highs around 50–65°F and nights dipping into the 30s–40s. The crisp weather makes hiking and photography ideal, though weekends and peak color weeks draw crowds. Reserve early. Summer brings warm days and afternoon thunderstorms. Spring arrives with rushing streams and dogwood blossoms. Winter offers occasional snow and quieter trails. Pack layers and rain gear year-round. Mountain weather shifts quickly.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in NC

Fall is peak season; mid-Oct delivers prime leaf color along Oconaluftee valley.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025, noted as peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations are required during peak seasons and can be made up to six months in advance.
Current Alerts: The section of US441 that runs through the park may close due to snow, wind, or other severe conditions. Other routes to Smokemont Campground are available. Refund requests due to 441 closures are not approved. If Smokemont campground is inaccessible, you will be notified via email and text. During November-April the office may be open intermittently; during these months campers occupying their site must be able to provide proof of occupancy when requested by park staff.

About Smokemont Campground

Smokemont Campground sits along the Oconaluftee River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 2,200 feet elevation. The 142-site campground is a base for hiking, fishing, and exploring the park, with Cherokee just minutes away. Sites run $30 per night and accommodate both tents and RVs, though privacy is limited in some loops.

Smokemont Campground supports a range of camping styles, including tent camping and RV camping. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at any site. The campground also includes specific loops for generator use and non-generator areas.

Historical Significance

A logging community thrived here in the early 1900s before the land became parkland. Nearby Mingus Mill, operational since 1886, still grinds corn into meal. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center displays authentic log structures from Appalachian mountain life. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians maintains deep ties to this ancestral homeland.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the peak season. Mid-October usually delivers prime leaf color along the Oconaluftee valley, with daytime highs around 50–65°F and nights dipping into the 30s–40s. The crisp weather makes hiking and photography ideal, though weekends and peak color weeks draw crowds. Reserve early. Summer brings warm days and afternoon thunderstorms. Spring arrives with rushing streams and dogwood blossoms. Winter offers occasional snow and quieter trails. Pack layers and rain gear year-round. Mountain weather shifts quickly.

ElevationPerched at 2,200 feet in the heart of the Smokies, Smokemont occupies a sweet spot where mountain breezes keep summer temperatures comfortable and winter remains relatively mild. This moderate elevation means you'll experience the best of mountain weather without the extremes found at higher altitudes—cool mornings that invite an extra cup of coffee, pleasant afternoons perfect for exploration, and evenings that call for cozy campfire gatherings.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders the Bradley Fork River and spreads beneath towering tulip poplars, hemlocks, and dense rhododendron thickets. At this elevation, cove hardwood forests transition into higher ecosystems where northern and southern plant species overlap. Metamorphic rock formations and crystal-clear streams define the terrain. The surrounding ridgelines often disappear into the mist that gave the Smokies their name. Spring brings wildflowers to the forest floor, summer delivers thick green canopy, and autumn sets the hardwoods ablaze with color. Winter reveals mountain vistas through bare branches.

Geological RegionSmokemont sits within one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, where ancient Appalachian peaks have been sculpted by millions of years of wind, water, and time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site harbors more biodiversity than all of northern Europe, with over 19,000 documented species calling these mountains home. At 2,200 feet elevation, the campground rests in the transition zone between cove hardwood forests and higher elevation ecosystems, creating a unique environment where northern and southern plant species mingle. The surrounding geology tells a billion-year story written in metamorphic rock, crystal-clear streams, and mist-shrouded ridgelines that gave the Great Smoky Mountains their name.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers scenic views of forested mountains, streams, and the Bradley Fork River. Many sites in the F Loop are close to the river.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges. Camping facilities are focused on tent and RV setups.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural programs are available nearby, such as visits to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village. These attractions are approximately 6 miles away.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Upon arrival, check-in is required at the campground office. Late arrivals must check-in the following day by noon.

Check-out

Check-out time is officially noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into loops A, B, C, D, and F. Sites pack close together in places, especially D Loop. F Loop restricts access to RVs and includes pull-through options. No showers are available on-site.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via the mobile app, or by contacting the call center.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available during less crowded times, particularly in the off-season. Availability decreases during peak season, and reservations are strongly advised.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the date of check-in are refunded with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (after midnight prior to check-in) forfeit the first night's use fee. No refunds are given for same-day cancellations or no-shows.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible sites for individuals with disabilities, though specific accessibility features such as paved paths or restroom adaptations were not detailed.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents and RVs of different dimensions. Some pull-through sites are available for larger RVs.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies significantly. Many reviewers mentioned that campsites are close together, especially in the D loop. "The campsites are very close together with little privacy," said one reviewer.

Total Campsites142 campsites

Recommended SitesRiverfront sites in F Loop recommended for peace and proximity to water. A Loop sites offer easy restroom access.

Best CampsitesRiver-adjacent sites in F Loop offer the sound of flowing water and better scenery. Sites in D Loop sit closer together with less privacy. F Loop is RV-only, with some pull-through spots for larger rigs.

Need help booking Smokemont Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no showers or electric, water or sewer hook-ups in the park. Some accessible sites have a 5 amp electric hookup for medical equipment use. TENTS are NOT allowed in Loop F in Smokemont Campground.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Smokemont Campground offers a variety of activities to suit nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration. The Bradley Fork River nearby provides opportunities for fishing and cooling off on hot days. Hiking trails, including the Smokemont Loop and Bradley Fork Trail, are accessible directly from the campground.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh bear activity is reported, with an average of 339 negative encounters annually. Visitors must follow bear safety guidelines. The terrain may become slippery after rainfall.

Active AlertsThe section of US441 that runs through the park may close due to snow, wind, or other severe conditions. Other routes to Smokemont Campground are available. Refund requests due to 441 closures are not approved. If Smokemont campground is inaccessible, you will be notified via email and text. During November-April the office may be open intermittently; during these months campers occupying their site must be able to provide proof of occupancy when requested by park staff.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Certified heat-treated firewood is mandatory.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital is Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, 6 miles away. Police and fire services are available in Cherokee. The nearest ranger station is Oconaluftee Ranger Station, located nearby.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are provided for trash disposal. Campers are required to secure their food and scented items to prevent wildlife encounters.

Water FeaturesLocated near the Bradley Fork River, offering opportunities for fishing and wading. Several sites are riverfront.

Camp HostCampground hosts are generally helpful but have received complaints about being overly strict or intrusive.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not available in the campground. "There is no cell service anywhere in the park," noted one camper. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

Weather at Smokemont Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

1.4K reviews

Recommended

Smokemont Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Smokemont Campground is highly rated for its natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and cleanliness. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the convenience of its location near Cherokee, NC.

Review Summaries

Based on 1426 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, friendly staff, well-maintained campsites, and proximity to natural attractions like the Bradley Fork River and hiking trails.

Based on 1426 reviews

Common Concerns

Campsites are close together, leading to limited privacy. Noise from generators and other campers is a frequent concern. Lack of showers is a noted drawback.

Based on 1426 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Reserve river-adjacent sites for a more soothing experience. 2. Bring bathing wipes or plan for off-site showers. 3. Purchase firewood and ice at the nearby horse stables. 4. Check generator rules...

Based on 1426 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer and fall, with quieter off-season periods in winter. Winter campers appreciate the lack of crowds but note limited amenities.

Based on 1426 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful campsites that are well-maintained and cleaned. Bathrooms are nice and the atmosphere is pleasant." - Neko Robinson-Heim "There is a river stream that runs through the campgrounds and acts...

Based on 1426 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

River-adjacent sites in the F loop are highly recommended by campers. Site-specific reviews praise the proximity to the stream but note that sites are close together.

Based on 1426 reviews