North Carolina / Swain County / Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smokemont Group Camp

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 9, 2025 and operates through October 31, 2025. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance through Recreation.gov.

About

Situated in the southern district of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Smokemont Group Camp provides a scenic mountain setting for group camping excursions. At 2,200 feet elevation, the campground offers a moderate climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The three group campsites can accommodate tents and RVs up to 40 feet, with paved roads and driveways throughout. The campground sits surrounded by ridge after ridge of forested mountains, close to the Bradley Fork River where campers can fish for trout or splash in the cool mountain stream. Direct access to trails including the Smokemont Loop Trail and Bradley Fork Trail makes this an ideal base for exploring the park's 800+ miles of hiking trails. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with the park home to approximately 1,500 black bears along with deer, elk, and countless other species. Each group site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post. The campground provides seasonal flush toilets and potable water, though no hookups or showers are available. Food storage regulations are strictly enforced due to bear activity. The adjacent Smokemont Campground offers additional facilities, and the town of Cherokee is six miles south with grocery stores, fuel, and cultural attractions including the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

Directions

From Cherokee, NC: Take Newfound Gap Road (US 441) north 6 miles and turn right at Smokemont campground sign. From Gatlinburg, TN: Take Newfound Gap Road (US 441) south 27 miles and turn left at Smokemont campground sign.

Nearby Campgrounds