Do you love to camp? Experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a new way by planning a backcountry camping trip! This guide provides some helpful information, from the best hikes and campsites to what you need to know about making reservations. So if you want some ideas for great places to enjoy backcountry camping in the Smoky Mountains, then keep reading!
Why Should You Go Backcountry Camping?
While you can certainly camp at any of the front country campgrounds, why not get outside your comfort zone a little? One of the main reasons why you should go backcountry camping is that you can explore longer hiking trails and really take your time. You can relax in the fresh mountain air and take a much-needed rest during or after a long hike rather than making the trip back right away. Watch the sunset, sit around a warm crackling campfire, and sleep under the stars. What’s more? Great Smoky Mountains National Park camping is an excellent opportunity to make even more great memories with your hiking buddies!
Popular Backpacking Hikes
There are over 80 different backcountry campsites, so you certainly have plenty of options to choose from! Here are just a few of our favorite backpacking hikes and camp sites:
- Mount LeConte via the Alum Trail: After you complete the 11-mile hike, camp at the backpacking shelter located at the summit of Mount LeConte. This is the third-highest peak of the Smoky Mountains. Get up early the next morning for views of the spectacular sunrise.
- Twentymile Loop: This trail is a total of 17.6 miles. At 4.5 miles from the trailhead, hikers will reach campsite #113 at Birch Spring Gap. You can also continue on to campsite #12 near Gregory Bald. The area is known for its stunning flame azaleas during the spring and summer.
- Mount Cammerer via the Low Gap Trail: This hike starts at the Low Gap Campground near Cosby Campground. You’ll hike 11.2 miles to the Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower and gain a total of 3,150 feet in elevation. A couple of backcountry campsite options in the area include Gilliland Creek (campsite #35) and the Davenport Gap Shelter.
Backcountry Camping Regulations
When you stay at a backcountry campsite, keep in mind that you are required to have both a Smoky Mountain parking pass and a backcountry camping permit. Great Smoky Mountains National Park camping reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance for a maximum of 7 nights on one permit. While the maximum group size is 8 people, some campsites may have a lower requirement. Here are a few more tips and things you should know:
- Dogs are prohibited on backcountry campsites
- You must print your camping permit beforehand and carry it with you at all times.
- All food/scented items must be hung on a cable system regardless of what type of sealed container they are in.
- You must pack everything out; the Leave No Trace policy includes all trash, food, equipment, etc.
Remember, backcountry campsites are only open in the warmer months because of their secluded locations along the trails. If you want to hike year-round, frontcountry campgrounds like Cades Cove Campground are open all year (weather permitting)!
Now you know more about backcountry camping in the Smoky Mountains. How about another place to stay overnight in the national park? Read our guide to staying at LeConte Lodge!
