Smokemont Campground
35.5565, -83.3116 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Smokemont Campground—open year-round—is the closest family campground to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the South District of the park. At 2,198 feet (670 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.
- Every day
- All Day
Loops A and B of Smokemont Campground are open year-round. Loop C is open March through the end of October. Loops D and F are open mid-May through the end of October. The dump station is open year-round.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Camping fee is per site, per night.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Campsite reservations are required and may be made up to six months in advance.
- Drinking water
- Yes - year round
- Dump station
- Yes - year round
- Firewood for sale
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - year round
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Ice for sale
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - year round
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - year round
- Amphitheater
- No
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed · up to 40 ft
- Trailers
- Allowed · up to 35 ft
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Developed Campground
Accessible paths to restrooms and parking areas.
Seven accessible campsites. Restrooms are accessible.
Fires are permitted only in established fire rings provided at each campsite.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
From Cherokee, NC: Take Newfound Gap Road (US-441) North 6 miles. Turn right at campground sign. From Gatlinburg, TN: Take Newfound Gap Road (US-441) South 27 miles. Turn left at campground sign.
This campground is in the mountains and weather can rapidly change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy. Be prepared with layers and rain gear in all seasons.
All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be sealed in a vehicle or in a camping unit constructed of solid, non-pliable material, or as otherwise directed, at all times when not in use. Campfires are permitted only in fire rings. You may collect dead and downed wood in the park for campfires. 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. Quiet hours are 10 pm-6 am. Generator use is prohibited 8 pm-8 am. Your stay is limited to 14 consecutive days at a time. You may have up to six people per campsite. No more than two motor vehicles or one vehicle with trailer are allowed per campsite. Please keep wheels, including trailer wheels and guest cars, on the pavement. Park only in designated spaces. All tents must be pitched on the pad, where provided.
Smokemont Campground is a heavily forested area with a variety of tree species, both evergreen and deciduous. Depending on the time of year, you may find yourself surrounded by complete greenery or various stages of fall colors. A paved road winds through the campground with paved pull offs for each site.
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Drive to Smokemont Campground
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