Camping in the Smoky Mountains

Camping in the Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park encloses most of the Smoky Mountains. Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the country, with over 9 million visitors every year. With over 800 square miles of terrain, the Great Smoky Mountains offers one of the most wondrous nature reserves in the eastern half of the country. Attendant with its popularity is a diverse range of options for those wishing to camp under or among the towering spires of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Appalachian Trail Shelters

The most famous long trail in the country, the Appalachian Trail runs directly through the center of the Smoky Mountains on its way from Georgia to Maine. Interspersed along the trail's length in the Smoky Mountains are trail shelters. Essentially three-walled cabins, these shelters are perfect for backpackers looking for a place to roll out their sleeping pad. Hiking to trail shelters typically requires a permit that can be picked up at either of the two main lodges.

Cabins

A variety of cabins are available to rent in the area surrounding the national park. Renting a cabin is one of the cushiest ways to camp in the Smoky Mountains. Some have hot tubs and big-screen TVs.

Car Camping

For those less inclined toward hoofing their gear into the backcountry, Smoky Mountains National Park has a number of campsites for car campers, complete with RV hook-ups. These sites can be found in numerous spots around the park and include various amenities. While all campgrounds of this type have water and bathrooms, some even feature camp stores for s'mores supplies.

Article Written By Louie Doverspike

Based in Seattle, Louie Doverspike has been a professional writer since 2004. His work has appeared in various publications, including "AntiqueWeek" magazine, the "Prague Post" and "Seattle Represent!" Doverspike holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hamilton College.

Write for Trails.com
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