Deep Creek Campground
00 review107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN, USA, 37738
Deep Creek Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Fees are $30 per site per night, applicable to tent and RV sites during the peak season. Discounts and taxes are not stated.
Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider(828) 488-3184GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
About this campground
Nestled alongside one of the Great Smoky Mountains' most beloved waterways, Deep Creek Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where the soothing sounds of rushing water provide the perfect soundtrack to your mountain escape. This primitive camping haven maintains the simple pleasures of outdoor living with essential amenities like flush toilets and fresh drinking water, while intentionally preserving the wilderness atmosphere by forgoing modern conveniences like showers and electrical hookups.
Deep Creek Campground offers options for both tent and RV camping, making it versatile for different camping preferences. The sites are categorized as 'Standard Nonelectric' and do not include modern hookups.
Historical SignificanceDeep Creek Campground serves as your gateway to living history, situated within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—home to one of America's finest collections of authentic log structures east of the Mississippi. These carefully preserved buildings whisper stories of Appalachian settlers who once called these mountains home, offering glimpses into a simpler time when communities thrived in harmony with the rugged landscape.
Weather and SeasonsDeep Creek's mountain weather keeps campers on their toes with its delightfully unpredictable personality. While gentle winters invite year-round exploration and summers bring that quintessential Southern warmth and humidity, the mountains have a mind of their own. Seasoned visitors know to pack like onion layers and keep rain gear handy, as afternoon thunderstorms can roll through without warning, bringing refreshing relief and dramatic skies that photographers dream about.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 1,700 feet above sea level, Deep Creek Campground enjoys the sweet spot of mountain elevations. This goldilocks altitude delivers refreshingly mild winters that rarely see harsh extremes, while summer brings that characteristic Southern mountain warmth—humid enough to remind you you're in Appalachia, yet tempered by cool mountain breezes and the refreshing spray from nearby creek waters.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits cradled in nature's embrace, where ancient mountain ridges rise like gentle giants around the crystal-clear waters of Deep Creek. Spring transforms the landscape into a wildflower wonderland, with trilliums, bloodroot, and lady slippers carpeting the forest floor. Come autumn, the mountains burst into flames of scarlet, gold, and amber, creating a natural amphitheater of color that draws leaf-peepers from across the country.
Geological RegionTucked into the southeastern corner of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek Campground occupies a geological wonderland where ancient mountains meet pristine waterways. This rugged terrain, carved by millennia of flowing water and weather, showcases the raw beauty of Appalachian geology, with Deep Creek itself serving as both sculptor and centerpiece of this magnificent mountain landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not advertise specific ADA-compliant amenities or features.
Sites SizeCampsites are varied and suitable for tents and RVs, though exact dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacySites are shaded by trees, offering a moderate level of privacy.
Total Campsites92 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers are recommended to book sites near Deep Creek for easy access to fishing and scenic views.
Best CampsitesSites along Deep Creek are in high demand for their proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in is required upon arrival
- current office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by noon.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy: 6 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDeep Creek Campground offers 92 individual sites, most with picnic tables, tent pads, and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground opens April 18, 2025, and closes October 26, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot available. All sites require reservations.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee if made after 12:00 AM the day before the scheduled arrival date. No-shows incur additional fees.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Deep Creek Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The nearby Deep Creek provides a unique setting for water-based recreation, such as tubing and wading. The area also features historical attractions within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hiking
Hiking trails are easily accessible from the campground and include scenic paths along Deep Creek. Highlights include an easy 1.6-mile roundtrip hike to see both Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls.Fishing
Deep Creek offers high-quality fishing opportunities, with trout being the most commonly caught species. Fly fishing is especially recommended during the spring, when aquatic insect hatches are abundant.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is encouraged, with black bears and other native species frequently seen in the area. The park's biodiversity offers opportunities to observe various flora and fauna.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground is located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which preserves over 90 historic structures. Nearby, campers can visit preserved log buildings and self-guided museums.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, as the campground is primarily seasonal.Water Sports
Tubing on Deep Creek is a highlighted activity, especially during the summer months.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in established fire rings. Firewood must be heat-treated and certified.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh bear activity has been reported in the area. Visitors are advised to follow food storage regulations strictly and remain vigilant.
Active alertsBear safety alerts and food storage regulations are strictly enforced.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Bryson City, NC (approximately 3 miles from campground) offers medical facilities and emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 18 - October 26, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, including bear-proof dumpsters. Campers are instructed to use these facilities to maintain a safe and clean environment.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Deep Creek, offering fishing and wading opportunities.
Common complaintsCommon complaints are not documented.
HostHost presence is seasonal; specific contact details unavailable.
Campground Map
107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN, USA, 37738
Driving directionsFrom downtown Bryson City, NC: Follow signs to Deep Creek, 3 miles away.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and is located near Bryson City. Information about seasonal accessibility or road conditions is not explicitly stated.Nearby places
Bryson City - 3 miles. Gatlinburg, TN - Distance not provided.
Nearby supplies
Bryson City, NC (approximately 3 miles away) offers grocery stores and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Deep Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Deep Creek Campground is highly regarded for its scenic location and proximity to water-based activities. However, the lack of showers and modern amenities may be a drawback for some visitors.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Campers praise the natural beauty and access to waterfalls and hiking trails. The peace and quiet, coupled with the ability to engage in activities like fishing and tubing, are frequently highlighted.
Common Concerns
Criticisms include the lack of showers and cell phone service. Some visitors may find the lack of electrical hookups inconvenient.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing all necessary supplies, as there are no camp stores nearby. It's also advisable to practice bear safety strictly, as encounters are not uncommon.
Seasonal Insights
The campground sees high activity during the summer months due to tubing and fishing opportunities. Spring and fall offer quieter visits with colorful natural scenery.
Camper Quotes
"Deep Creek is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers! The waterfalls are stunning, and the trout fishing is fantastic." "No cell service and no showers, but the scenery more than makes up for it."
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews are provided.
Accessibility Features
No reviews address accessibility features explicitly.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, but owners must follow leash and waste disposal rules. No specific reviews mention experiences with pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025