

Check weather forecasts and advisories for wildlife, including bear sightings - plus tips on the best spots. It's open every day of the year except Christmas. If you are arriving at the park at the main entrance on US 441 near Cherokee, stop by the Oconaluftee Visitor Center first to talk with knowledgeable rangers (or call 82 ahead of time). Since there are so many options, do your research ahead of time to find the right fit for you. For mile high camping with cool summer nights, go to less crowded Balsam Mountain.įor even more options, stay just outside the park in one the privately owned campgrounds that offer all sorts of extras and amenities. Stay by rushing rivers with summer tubing at Deep Creek or in a scenic valley with elk at Cataloochee. On the North Carolina, there are several national park campgrounds to choose from. Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the only way to spend the night inside the park boundaries (except for the remote Mt LeConte Lodge).
