Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Lodging

Le Conte Lodge, tel: 865-429-5704. The only place to stay within the park is on top of Mount Le Conte, one of the park's highest mountains. It is only accessible by hiking at least 5 miles over one of five trails and reservations are often required more than a year in advance. No electricity is available, however there are flush toilets. Due to the elevation daytime temperature are below 80°F even during summer. Rates vary on lodging type, but all include meals. As an interesting aside, all of the lodge's supplies are brought up by llama trains on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Camping

If you insist on being within a short walk from your car, that'll set you back between $12 and $20 a night. There are 10 "car camping" campgrounds in the park:

Abrams Creek. Mar 12-Oct 31, 16 sites, first come, first serve.

Balsam Mountain. May 14-Oct 11, 46 sites, first come, first serve.

Big Creek. Mar 12-Oct 31, 12 sites, first come, first serve. No RVs. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.

Cades Cove. Year round, 161 sites, reservations available May 15-Oct 31: 1-800-365-2267. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available. This is a very popular site for overnight and day trips.

Cataloochee. Mar 12-Oct 31, 27 sites, first come, first serve. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.

Cosby. Mar 12-Oct 31, 157 sites, first come, first serve. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.

Deep Creek. Apr 2-Oct 31, 108 sites, First come, first serve. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.

Elkmont. Mar 12-Nov 30, 220 sites, reservations available May 15-Oct 31: 1-800-365-2267. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.

Look Rock. May 14-Oct 31, 92 sites, first come, first serve.

Smokemont. Year round, 140 sites, reservations available May 15-Oct 31: 1-800-365-2267. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.

These campgronds have restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. There are no showers or RV hookups in the park. Each campsite has a picnic table and "grill." No more than six people to a campsite with a maximum of two tents or one RV and one tent. You are limited to a seven day stay during the Summer and Fall, and fourteen days during Spring and Winter. Pets are allowed if they are properly restrained.

Keep in mind that bears and other wildlife frequent camp areas. Do not leave any food, or items associated with food, out unattended. Store it in a closed vehicle, not your tent.

Backcountry

Your best bet is to camp in the backcountry for free, but a permit (available at most ranger stations and visitor centers) is required. Campers must stay in a park shelter or a designated camp site. The shelters, as well as a number of tent areas, require reservations (865-436-1231).

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