Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers exceptional RV camping across 10 campgrounds with over 1,000 sites, featuring America's most biodiverse landscape, historic Appalachian culture, and year-round outdoor adventures. Unlike other national parks, entry is completely free, while strategic locations like Gatlinburg RV rentals and Cherokee camper van options offer prime access to this 800-square-mile wonderland that welcomed over 14 million visitors in 2024, making it America's most visited national park.
Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park captures the essence of America's Appalachian heritage with over 800 square miles of pristine wilderness, historic mountain culture, and incredible biodiversity. Famous for being America's most visited national park and the only major park with free admission, it showcases some of the country's most spectacular natural wonders like Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, and the historic Cades Cove valley with its preserved 19th-century homesteads and abundant wildlife.
You'll discover limitless adventure during your RV trip to the Smokies, from hiking over 800 miles of trails to exploring historic cabins and waterfalls like Laurel Falls and Rainbow Falls. You can drive the scenic 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road to spot black bears, deer, and wild turkeys, or journey to Cataract Falls for incredible photography opportunities. There's no shortage of amazing spots for wildlife viewing and cultural exploration, from the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont to the preserved log cabins scattered throughout the park. Pack your camera and binoculars because you'll encounter diverse wildlife from black bears and elk to over 200 bird species and 1,500 types of flowering plants.
Summer and fall are peak seasons for RVers, with summer temperatures reaching a pleasant 70 to 80 degrees in the valleys, while fall brings spectacular foliage that draws millions of visitors. Spring offers wildflower blooms and fewer crowds, while winter transforms the mountains into a peaceful wonderland perfect for quiet exploration, though higher elevations may experience snow and ice.
The park welcomed over 14 million visitors in 2024, making it the most visited national park in America. This popularity makes advance planning essential for securing campground reservations, especially during peak summer months and fall foliage season when campgrounds fill quickly.
US441/Newfound Gap Road is currently closed on the TN side between Sugarlands and Newfound Gap due to a landslide and washout. The road is open on the NC side between Cherokee and Newfound Gap.
Park Headquarters Road is closed due to construction through September. To hike the Gatlinburg Trail or the Fighting Creek Nature Trail (Cataract Falls), visitors should park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Old NC 284 is open from Big Creek to Cataloochee creek, however there is no access to Cataloochee Valley due to road damage.
Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday from June 18 to September 24. This allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the cove without the presence of vehicles on the roadway.
Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga Round-Bottom Road) are closed. The 9-mile paved section of Balsam Mountain Road remains open; visitors may still access Balsam Mountain Campground.
All vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes require a parking tag. Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types: Daily ($5), Weekly ($15), or Annual ($40).
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border and can be accessed through multiple entrances. The main routes include Newfound Gap Road (US 441) connecting Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina, and various side roads leading to different areas of the park. Most park roads accommodate RVs, though some mountain roads have steep grades and sharp curves requiring careful driving.
Tennessee Gateway Access: Gatlinburg RV rentals position you perfectly for the park's main Tennessee entrance, providing direct access to Elkmont, Cades Cove, and popular hiking trails. This vibrant mountain town offers world-class attractions, dining, and the famous Gatlinburg SkyLift while serving as your basecamp for Smoky Mountain adventures.
North Carolina Gateway Access: Cherokee camper van rentals offer excellent access to the park's North Carolina entrance and the Blue Ridge Parkway connection. This location provides opportunities to explore Cherokee cultural sites and serves as a gateway to the park's less crowded eastern areas.
You can park your RV at designated campgrounds and visitor centers throughout the park. Since March 2023, the park requires parking tags ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual) for vehicles parked inside park boundaries, though you can drive through without stopping for up to 15 minutes free.
Limited public transportation serves gateway communities like Gatlinburg and Cherokee. The Gatlinburg Trolley system provides local transportation within Gatlinburg. Once inside the park, transportation options include hiking, biking, and seasonal ranger-guided programs.
Smokemont Campground features 142 sites and operates year-round, making it one of only two campgrounds open during winter months. Located on the North Carolina side near Cherokee, this campground accommodates RVs and offers excellent access to hiking trails and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The Bradley Fork runs through the campground, providing scenic waterfront sites and excellent fishing opportunities.
Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with 200 sites, located eight miles from Gatlinburg at 2,150 feet. Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet with paved driveways, gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground runs alongside the Little River, offering waterfront camping opportunities. Amenities include flush toilets, potable water, and 20 walk-in tent sites. Open seasonally with reservations required through Recreation.gov.
The Balsam Mountain Campground is open from May to October, offering 46 sites for both tents and RVs. Balsam Mountain is the highest campground in the park, offering majestic views of mountains and lush hardwood forest. RVs up to 30 feet long can be accommodated, although there are no pull-offs, so RVs and trailers may use sites along the road. This campground provides picnic tables, fire grates, and an ample cleared space for hanging out around the campfire.
You can find a dishwashing station on the western side of the campground just past campsite 38. Restrooms with running water are available by campsite 32 and by the camp host’s campsite. The ranger station is at the entrance, and there is an amphitheater at the southern end of the campground where they have activities during the summer. You are required to make reservations and can be done so up to six months in advance. Dogs and cats are welcome as long as they are supervised and properly restrained at all times.
Cherokee/Great Smokies KOA, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is in the heart of Cherokee tribal country and bordered on one side by the Raven Fork River and the other by three trout ponds that are perfect for fishing. Being near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, this is the place to be for adventures. Outdoor activities near the campground include horseback riding, tubing rentals, zipline tours, and whitewater rafting. At Cherokee/Great Smokies KOA, you can enjoy the swimming pool, hot tub, dog park, pavilion, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and much more!
Whether you’re here to visit the University of Tennessee, the Knoxville metro area, or the Great Smoky Mountains, Clinton/Knoxville KOA is conveniently located near them all. Even the biggest rigs can set up quickly with the access on and off the spacious and level pull-through RV sites. No RV? Then camp beneath the mountains in one of the sites for tents or in the convenience of one of the cabins. There’s also plenty to do at Clinton/Knoxville KOA, with the spacious pool and wading area for toddlers, exercise room, and playground area for kids and adults. The expanded kitchen and pavilion are adaptable for large groups and gatherings.
The aptly named Murphy/Peace Valley KOA is a great place to stay if you are looking for a serene getaway with tons to see and do. You can enjoy the beautiful nearby natural sites like the Great Smoky Mountains and Valley River or live it up at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino. Delicious local cuisines, southern hospitality, and dynamic views make Murphy/Peace Valley KOA an ideal spot to stay. This KOA offers tons of amenities, like Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, cable TV, a dog park, and a stocked river for fishing. Sites can accommodate rigs up to 66 feet long and offer hookups with 50-amp service.
In the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Newport/I-40/Smoky Mountains KOA makes for a majestic visit filled with spectacular views and southern hospitality. A nature lover’s dream, it’s worth the visit to this region just to catch a sunset. Hit the trails and hike through Cherokee National Forest or enjoy the flavors and culture of the charming southern town. Newport/I-40/Smoky Mountains KOA also delivers on amenities such as cable TV, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and a dog park. Firewood and propane are available on-site for purchase, and pull-through sites can accommodate rigs up to 75 feet.
The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA campground puts you in the heart of everything, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, theme parks, plenty of live music, big-city attractions and amenities, nature and outdoor recreational activities, and more. The Pigeon Forge trolley picks up and drops off right at the campground, and the concierge desk provides information and facilitates ticket purchases. The campground itself has plenty to offer, including a heated pool and sauna, fishing and bike rentals, a pavilion, a dog park, recreational facilities and planned activities, a jumping pillow, a Kamping Kitchen, and a snack bar and café.
Visit Townsend, TN for tubing, fly fishing at the Little River, or golfing at Laurel Valley. The Townsend/Great Smokies KOA can accommodate rigs up to 60 feet long on semi-sunny sites or heavily wooded and secluded sites featuring water and electric only or deluxe patio sites with full hookups, up to 50-amp service and a built-in firepit. Firewood and propane are available on-site. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. At the campground, go swimming in the pool or rent a bike to explore the area. Bring the pup! The campground offers a dog park on-site as well.
Some of the best that Appalachia has to offer can be found in and around Asheville, North Carolina. The Asheville West KOA in Candler is a convenient location just off I-40 for your next stay in the region. Just minutes from the Biltmore Estate as well as downtown Asheville, there is no shortage of fun or excitement when staying at the Asheville West KOA. The campground offers big rig-friendly RV pull-through sites that are large and level, as well as tent sites and cabins. Wi-Fi and cable TV allow you to stay connected, and the RV sites include 30-and 50-amp max hookups. Although the Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both nearby, you can also take in beautiful views surrounded by flora and fauna in on-site nature trails easily accessible from any of the campsites. Other amenities at the campground include a pool, Kamping Kitchen, and a dog park. Firewood is available for purchase along with propane.
Cades Cove Campground offers 159 sites in the heart of the park's most popular wildlife viewing area. Open year-round, this campground provides easy access to the famous 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, where visitors regularly spot black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet and features flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store nearby.
If an easy walk to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is what you have in mind, then Cosby, Tennessee, makes for a perfect base. The Gatlinburg East/Smoky Mountain KOA connects right to the hiking trails of the Smokies and the many adventures it has to offer, like rafting and off-roading. Big rigs are welcome in 100-foot pull-through sites featuring deluxe patios with full hookups, up to 50-amp service, cable TV, and a fire pit. Cool off at the pool and keep warm by your campfire with firewood and propane available for purchase on-site. Pets are welcome too.
Along Abrams Creek with a beautiful mountainous backdrop, the Abrams Creek Campground is one of the most popular in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but is secluded enough not to seem crowded, no matter how full it is. Open from April until October, 16 spacious campsites can accommodate small RVs and trailers up to 12 feet in length but do not have any utility hookups. Each site does have its own picnic table, campfire ring with a grill for cooking, and a large cleared area for sitting around the fire.
Because there are so many bears in the area, you must keep your food and other scented items in your car, preferably in the trunk or a bear-proof box. Restrooms are available just to the north of the campground between campsites 12 and 13. Pets are welcome, but they must be adequately restrained and supervised at all times during your visit. Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance.
Deep Creek Campground offers 92 sites near Bryson City, North Carolina, providing access to popular tubing areas and hiking trails to waterfalls. This campground accommodates RVs up to 26 feet and features flush toilets, potable water, and easy access to the Deep Creek Trail system leading to multiple waterfalls.
Cataloochee Campground features 27 sites in a remote valley famous for its elk herd and preserved historic buildings. This first-come, first-served campground accommodates RVs up to 31 feet and provides flush toilets, potable water, and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. The area requires driving on narrow, winding roads, not recommended for large RVs.
Look Rock Campground offers 68 sites and is the only campground in the park providing electrical and water hookups (10 sites). Located on the Foothills Parkway with stunning mountain views, this campground accommodates RVs up to 48 feet. The campground operates seasonally and provides vault toilets, potable water, and incredible sunset viewing opportunities.
Cosby Campground provides 157 sites in a quieter section of the park, offering a more secluded mountain experience. Located in Tennessee near the park's northeastern entrance, this campground serves as an excellent basecamp for hiking trails leading to waterfalls and mountain peaks. Sites accommodate various RV sizes with typical national park amenities, including fire rings and picnic tables.
Big Creek is a small tent-only campground with 12 sites available. Open from mid-March until the end of October, this campground is great for backpackers and hikers. The campground features restrooms with running water, picnic tables, and food storage lockers. Reservations are required up to six months in advance. Pets are welcome, but you must keep them properly restrained and supervise them at all times.
Numerous private campgrounds surround the park in gateway communities like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee, and Townsend. These private facilities offer full hookups, modern amenities from Wi-Fi and laundry to swimming pools and recreation areas. Notable options include Gatlinburg East/Smoky Mountain KOA and Adventure Bound Camping Resort-Gatlinburg.
If you are an equestrian, you can bring your horses camping at one of the park’s six-horse camps that are open from March to the end of October. Each site accommodates six people and four horses. These campgrounds offer picnic tables, fire rings, and water for horses with easy access to backcountry trails for horseback riding. Advanced reservations are required.
The Great Smoky Mountains offer exceptional backcountry camping opportunities with permits required for all overnight stays. The park's wilderness provides access to pristine camping locations, though reservations are strongly recommended during peak seasons. Backcountry sites require hiking to reach and offer primitive camping experiences.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across North America for your next adventure.
If you would like to stay in the park with a large party, seven areas can accommodate group camping. Open from March or April to October, all of these campgrounds are tent-only, but they do offer restrooms and picnic areas. Smokemont, Elkmont, Deep Creek, Cosby, Cataloochee, Cades Cove, and Big Creek all have group campgrounds available, but spaces must be reserved in advance.
If you want to enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst wildflowers and lush forest, Collins Creek is the perfect place. Under the shade of ancient trees, you can unwind at picnic tables and take in the sights of this serene setting. This shady spot offers a quiet respite during your RV getaway.
The spring is a great time to get out of the big rig and onto your bicycle, thanks to the refreshing temperature and beautiful spring blossoms cascading around the park. You’ll cycle through magnificent views of mountain ranges, lush forests, and mystifying waterways. You can bike on most roads in the park, although you’ll want to use caution on steep, windy, and narrow roads. The exception is Cades Cove Loop Road, which is only open to bikers during limited hours from May to September.
The strenuous eight-mile hike to Ramsey Cascades Trail is well worth the trip since you’ll wind up at the tallest and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park. You’ll be greeted by winding rivers and whispering streams along this scenic hike. Make sure you bring water and comfortable shoes—this round-trip hike can take five to seven hours.
If you want to conquer the highest peak on the Appalachian Trail during your RV trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome is the place to be. Late spring is a perfect time to hike or climb this majestic peak. There are several trails you can take to hike to higher ground, where you can soak in stunning panoramic views at the observation deck.
For more Appalachian mountain adventures, check out our Blue Ridge Parkway road trip guide and Asheville RV camping guide.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 65 species of mammals, 200 varieties of birds, and 67 fish species. Bird watching enthusiasts should get out those binoculars to see a myriad of unusual birds, including the northern saw-whet owl, chestnut-sided warblers, and downy woodpecker. You might also get to see the spectacular wild animals that live at the park, like wild elk, black bears, and river otters.
A fun way to soak in the autumn season and colorful foliage is to take a ranger-led hayride through this mountainous oasis. You’ll enjoy open-air views of the beautiful Cades Cove Loop Road. If you want more unique ways to explore the area, take a horse-drawn carriage ride or wagon ride through the wondrous natural trails of the park.
If you don’t want to miss the magnificent waterfalls dotted around the park, hire a private company to take a guided tour. You’ll hike through idyllic scenery, hop over mountain streams, and learn about the incredible natural history of this beautiful landscape. A fall RV trip to this region is a perfect time to take a waterfall tour and get some great pictures of the colorful foliage all around you.
Once home to early Appalachian settlers, Cades Cove is now an excellent place for RVers and drivers to take an auto tour of one of the most scenic areas of the park. You can soak in gorgeous views of grassy valleys and lush mountain forests or view local wildlife right from the car. You might be able to spot white-tailed deer, coyotes, and black bears.
During your autumn RV vacation to this amazing park, you won’t want to miss a hike on one of its most popular trails: the Chimney Tops Trail. While some of the trail is steep, the trek amidst spectacular streams is well worth the work it takes to ascend to the top of one of the park’s most recognizable peaks. You’ll be in for a treat for some incredible views of the mountainous countryside you can’t get anywhere else in the park.
The autumn is an excellent time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park because it is the time of year when the park bursts into life with colors of yellow, orange, and red. Mid-September through early November is the best time to see the drastic colors of the different native trees that grow here like the mountain maple to the scarlet oak. Some of the best sites to take some stunning fall pictures during your RV trip to the park are Clingmans Dome, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Foothills Parkway.
You won’t want to miss a hike to Rainbow Falls. On a sunny summer afternoon, you can enjoy an ethereal view of a rainbow caused by the mist from this 80-foot high waterfall. The hike to this majestic sight is 5.4 miles round trip on the Rainbow Falls Trail. This moderate hike is well worth the trek to get some stunning pictures of nature’s glory.
If you want to park the RV and explore the park with the help of an expert, you’ll love the regularly scheduled ranger-led hikes and walks that take place during the summer months. From hiking the Sugarlands under a starry night sky to venturing to Andrew’s Bald, these tours, led by the experts, help you learn about the natural history and cultural heritage of this majestic environment.
The summer is an excellent time of year to get out of the RV and out on the horseback riding trail. In the park, four stables run horseback riding programs between March through November. You’ll ride past striking views of wildflowers, towering forests, and magnificent waterfalls, unlike any place else in the country.
If you love fishing, you’re in luck with an RV trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park because fishing is permitted in all of the park’s 2,900 miles of streams. There are many different varieties of fish that call this raw wilderness home, from smallmouth bass to headwater trout. If you’re not from Tennessee or North Carolina, you’ll need to buy a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license, which can be purchased online or in some of the nearby towns.
One of the best ways to beat the heat in the summer is to go on a wild adventure. White water rafting in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is both fun and wild. During your RV trip to this enchanting landscape, get out from behind the wheel and hire a private company to splash through big waves and coast down gorgeous rivers with the help of an expert guide.
When the snow is deep enough, you can cross country ski through a winter wonderland inside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Popular routes include the Clingmans Dome Road and Blue Ridge Parkway since they are closed to vehicles during the winter months. Get out of your travel trailer and coast along snow-blanketed trails, snow-capped trees, and icicle-filled rock faces to soak in the winter magic of the Smoky Mountains in a way unlike any other.
If you want to take some incredible winter photographs, park your motorhome and head to Mingo Falls. When it gets cold enough, Mingo Falls freezes into a stunning sight of a frozen waterfall. The hike to reach the falls is just under a half-mile, so it’s a perfect stop to take some wonderful, wintery shots.
If you want to see a gorgeous winter wonderland, you won’t want a miss a chance to hike on Alum Cave Trail, where you’ll be greeted by snow-covered forest and mystical icicles in Alum Cave. While you’ll want to be cautious depending on the weather this time of year, Alum Cave is a magical concave bluff, making it a perfect backdrop for some amazing pictures during your RV trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Sugarlands Visitor Center, open daily except on Christmas Day, is a great place to learn about the natural history of the park, as well as learn about the early settlers of the Appalachian region. You will enjoy an educational orientation movie and tour through some exhibits that highlight the heritage of this beautiful area. You can grab a souvenir at the gift shop or take a walk on one of the nearby trails afterward, too.
A winter RV getaway is a great time to explore the over 90 historic structures dotted around the park, including barns, mills, and cabins. Some of the best spots to see these spots is to head to Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and Oconaluftee. While visiting some of these locations, you will learn about the history of the early settlers of this land thanks to self-guided tour booklets provided at each site.
