Campgrounds in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Campgrounds at Cades Cove, Cosby, and Elkmont on the Tennessee side accept reservations, which can be made up to six months in advance. The America the Beautiful pass does not provide discounts for camping; however, the Senior and Access passes do provide discounts on camping fees.
Abrams Creek Campground. This first-come, first-served small campground (16 sites) is on the extreme western edge of the park, way off the beaten path. It can be hot and humid here in summer. Several trails, including Gold Mine, Cane Creek, Rabbit Creek, and Little Bottoms begin at or near the campground. It's closed late October through late April. The camping fee is $17.50. Off Happy Valley Rd. On western section of Foothills Pkwy., turn southeast on Happy Valley Rd. and follow approx. 2 miles to sign at access road to Abrams Creek campground 865/436–1200 park information line www.nps.gov/grsm.
Cades Cove Campground. This is one of the largest campgrounds in the Smokies, with 159 sites, the one with the most on-site services, and one of only two in the park open year-round (the other is Smokemont on the North Carolina side). It has a small general store with a snack bar, bike rentals, horse stables, hayrides, an amphitheater, picnic area, and an RV dump station. This is a popular campground and often fills up in summer and fall. Reservations must be made at least one day ahead of arrival and can be made up to six months in advance. The camping fee is $21–$25. 10042 Campground Dr., at entrance to Cades Cove Loop Rd. 877/444–6777 or 865/448–2472 for information www.recreation.gov.
Cosby Campground. This large campground is set among poplars, hemlocks, and rhododendrons, near Cosby and Rock Creeks. Most of the campsites are for tents only, and RVs/trailers are limited to 25 feet. Of the 157 total sites, 26 can be reserved in advance by telephone or online. Bears are in the area, and several campsites may be closed temporarily due to aggressive bear activity. Nearby are many opportunities for hiking, with trailheads for Snake Den Ridge and Gabes Mountain Trails. This campground is rarely very busy and nearly always has sites available even when others are full. It's closed November through early April. The camping fee is $17.50.127 Cosby Park Rd., off TN 32 877/444–6777 or 423/487–2683 to check site availability www.recreation.gov.
Elkmont Campground. Easy hiking trails and the ability to wade, tube (bring your own inner tubes), fish, and swim in Little River, which runs through the campground, make Elkmont ideal for kids. Here also is the Elkmont Historic District, with its old vacation cabins to explore. Even though it is the largest campground in the park, with 200 tent/RV sites plus 20 walk-in sites, it is often fully booked. Rates are $21–$25; reserve in advance by phone or online (reservations must be made at least one week ahead and can be made up to six months in advance). It's closed early November through late March. 434 Elkmont Rd. 877/444–6777 or 865/430–5560 for information www.recreation.gov.
