Group Campgrounds at Great Smoky Mountains National Park – National Park Service
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers amazing group campgrounds. These sites provide perfect spaces for large gatherings surrounded by scenic mountain views. The National Park Service manages this stunning park.
The park stretches across North Carolina and Tennessee. It’s home to diverse plant and animal life. Ancient mountains and rich Southern Appalachian culture make it a top nature destination.
Seven areas in the park offer group camping facilities. These Group Campgrounds at Great Smoky Mountains spots are ideal for creating lasting memories in nature.
Each group campground has its own special features. Big Creek can host up to 25 people. Cades Cove offers sites with and without pavilions.
Cataloochee, Cosby, and Deep Creek have multiple sites. These can accommodate 20-25 campers each. Elkmont provides options for both small and large groups.
Smokemont rounds out the choices with spacious sites. These campgrounds blend comfort with natural beauty. They offer a chance to experience the park’s wonders up close.
The National Park Service has created perfect settings for outdoor adventures. These Group Campgrounds at Great Smoky Mountains are great for family reunions or getaways with friends.
Group Campgrounds at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers various group campsites for nature lovers. These areas cater to different group sizes and have unique features. Let’s explore the options available for your next outdoor adventure.
Available Group Camping Areas
The park has seven group camping areas. These include Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont.
Elkmont Group Camp sits at 2,150 feet elevation, providing a moderate climate. Deep Creek is ideal for water activities like fishing and tubing.
Minimum and Maximum Party Sizes
Group camps require a minimum of 7 people. The maximum capacity varies:
| Campground | Minimum Size | Maximum Size |
| Elkmont | 7 | 15-30 |
| Deep Creek | 7 | 25 |
| Other Group Camps | 7 | 15-30 |
Camping Season and Operation Dates
The camping season usually runs from late March or early April through late October or early November. Dates vary by location, so check with each specific campground.
These group campsites are designed for tent camping only. Plan accordingly for your outdoor experience.
The park is home to about 1,500 bears. On average, 339 negative human-bear encounters are reported annually. Always follow safety guidelines and proper food storage practices.
Essential Camping Rules and Regulations
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has specific camping guidelines. These rules ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Let’s explore the key rules for setting up camp.
Firewood Restrictions and Guidelines
The park enforces strict firewood regulations. Only USDA-certified, heat-treated firewood is allowed. You can purchase this from local businesses or park concessioners.
Campfires are only permitted in designated fire rings. You may collect dead wood from the ground within the park for your campfire.
Equipment and Vehicle Limitations
The park has rules about what you can bring to your campsite. Trailers and campers are not allowed in group camping areas. Generator use is also prohibited in these spots.
Each site can accommodate up to six people. You’re limited to two vehicles or one vehicle with a trailer per site.
Length of Stay Requirements
You can stay at any campground for up to 14 consecutive nights. After this, you must move to a different location. Check-out time is always at noon.
The park follows a strict leave no trace policy. Make sure to clean up thoroughly before you depart.
| Regulation | Details |
| Firewood | Heat-treated, USDA certified only |
| Campfires | In designated fire rings only |
| Vehicles | Max 2 or 1 with trailer per site |
| Stay Limit | 14 consecutive nights |
Facilities and Amenities
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers diverse camping experiences. The park has 7 group campgrounds for different needs. Frontcountry camping sites are ideal for those who want to camp near their vehicles.
Each frontcountry site has a fire grate and picnic table. Restrooms with cold water and flush toilets are available. Shower facilities are found in nearby communities.
Backcountry camping options cater to backpackers seeking a rugged experience. Horse camps with hitch racks serve equestrian adventurers. These sites offer a unique way to explore the park’s beauty.
Group campgrounds are for tents only, with a minimum of eight campers. The maximum stay is seven nights. Nearby activities include auto touring, biking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Maximum capacity per site ranges from 15 to 30 people per night
- Costs vary from $30 to $75 per night depending on amenities
- Wireless internet access available at the pavilion
- Recreational equipment includes volleyball, horseshoes, and cornhole
- Laundry facilities with coin-operated machines available
Reservations are required for all group campgrounds. Some allow online bookings, while others are first-come, first-served. Book early to secure your spot in this stunning park!
Reservation Process and Payment Information
Planning a group camping trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Here’s all you need to know about reservations and fees. The national park reservation service has made securing your spot easier than ever.
How to Make Group Camping Reservations
Book your group campsite through recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777. Online reservations are convenient, but phone bookings work too. Remember, all group sites require reservations, so plan ahead!
Reservation Fees by Location
Fees vary based on your camping location and group size. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Location | Fee Range |
| Cades Cove | $30 – $75 per night |
| Smokemont | $35 – $94 per night |
| Other group sites | $30 – $65 per night |
Cancellation Policies
If plans change, a $10 service fee applies for cancellations. Canceling the day before or on arrival day costs you the first night’s fee. Always check the official park website for current policies.
Full payment is required when making a reservation. Have your credit card ready when booking. With over 2 million yearly visitors, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons!
Conclusion
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers unmatched group camping experiences. The park’s diverse campgrounds cater to various group sizes and preferences. From Cades Cove’s 150 individual sites to wildlife-rich Cataloochee, there’s something for everyone.
Campground rules ensure a safe and enjoyable stay. These include proper food storage, leash requirements for pets, and specific generator usage hours. Cades Cove features wheelchair-friendly restrooms and paved paths, showing the park’s commitment to accessibility.
Planning a group camping trip requires preparation. Make reservations early, especially during peak seasons. Don’t forget to buy a parking pass for stays over 15 minutes. Follow guidelines to create lasting memories in America’s most visited national park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s an extended FAQ for Group Campgrounds at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the requested format:
Q: What are the available campsites for group camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
A: The park offers several group campgrounds with available campsites for larger parties. These sites are designed to accommodate groups and provide amenities such as flush toilets and drinking water. Group camps are ideal for families, organizations, or friends looking to enjoy the outdoors together.
Q: Are RV hookups available at the group campgrounds?
A: No, the group campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park do not offer RV hookups. These sites are primarily designed for tent camping. However, some campgrounds in the park do offer limited RV sites without hookups. Be sure to check the specific campground details when making your reservation.
Q: What are the park stay limits for group camping?
A: The park stay limit for group camping, as well as other campsites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is 14 consecutive days. After this period, campers must leave the park for at least 7 days before returning.
Q: Are campfires allowed in the group campgrounds?
A: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings at group campgrounds. However, to prevent the spread of invasive insects, campers may only use certified heat-treated firewood that is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Alternatively, campers may collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires.
Q: What natural features can we expect to see near the group campgrounds?
A: Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers diverse natural features, including lush forests, scenic mountain views, and abundant wildlife. Many trails snake through the mountains, providing opportunities for hiking and exploration. The park experiences mild winters and hot summers, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Q: How do I make a group camping reservation?
A: Group camping reservations can be made through Recreation.gov. Follow the group camping reservation instructions on the website, select your desired dates and campground, and complete the booking process. It’s recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for peak seasons.
Q: Are there shower facilities available at the group campgrounds?
A: While flush toilets and drinking water are available at group campgrounds, shower facilities are not typically provided. However, some nearby campgrounds or communities surrounding the national park may offer shower facilities for a fee.
Q: What nearby attractions are available for group campers to explore?
A: Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers numerous attractions for group campers to explore. These include scenic drives, historic sites, waterfalls, and diverse hiking trails. The park footer on the official website provides links to trip planning resources, a photo gallery, and information on how to explore outdoors, helping you make the most of your group camping experience.
Q: Are there any rental options available for camping equipment at the group campgrounds?
A: The National Park Service does not provide rental options for camping equipment directly at the group campgrounds. However, there may be outfitters in nearby communities that offer gear rentals. It’s best to come prepared with your own camping equipment or check with local businesses for rental possibilities before your trip.
Q: What are the check-in procedures for group camping?
A: Check-in procedures may vary depending on the specific group campground. Generally, you should arrive during the designated check-in times and have your reservation confirmation ready. Some campgrounds may have a central check-in location, while others might have site-specific instructions. It’s advisable to review the details provided in your reservation confirmation or contact the park directly for specific check-in information.
