Camping - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Firewood Regulations: Beginning March 1, 2015 only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season (typically March through October at Smokemont and Elkmont and through December at Cades Cove). Visit www.nature.org/firewoodmap for a map of local stores and businesses that sell certified firewood. Additional information about this regulation.

Camping Policies

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry Camping is for backpackers. It requires hiking several miles to a site located in the Park's backcountry. Guided overnight hikes are offered by Tremont Institute and by the University of Tennessee.

Mollies Shelter (right) is one of the shelters in the national park that is available to backcountry campers as they hike to and from their campsite destination.

More Information on Backcountry Camping

Frontcountry Camping

Frontcountry Camping is camping close to your vehicle in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table.

More Information on Frontcountry Camping | Campgrounds

Group Camping

Group Camps will accommodate tents only. Trailers, campers, or other wheeled units are not permitted. Showers and electric hookups are not available in park campgrounds; however, shower facilities are available in the communities surrounding the national park. Please inquire about the nearest facilities when you check-in at the campground.

More Information on Group Camping | Group Camps

Horse Camps

Horse camps in Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide ready access to backcountry trails within the park. There are 5 drive-in horse camps.

More Information on Horse Camps