The Smoky Mountains are the most visited national park in the country — and for good reason. The scenery is dramatic, the drives are legendary, and the campground options range from full-hookup resorts with every amenity to quiet wooded sites where you fall asleep to the sound of a creek. The challenge is knowing where to stay and how to get a reservation.

Here's where to actually camp in the Smokies — and what to know before you book.

Before you book: understand the layout

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The two main gateway towns are Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge on the Tennessee side, and Cherokee on the North Carolina side. Where you stay affects everything — traffic, access to trails, and how much of the park you can realistically reach.

If you want to be close to the action: Tennessee side, near Gatlinburg. If you want quieter access and less traffic: North Carolina side, near Cherokee.

1. Elkmont Campground — Best inside the park National Park Service campground, Tennessee side

Elkmont is the largest campground inside the park and one of the most sought-after reservations in the national park system. Sites are wooded, the Little River runs through the property, and the location puts you minutes from some of the best hiking in the Smokies — Laurel Falls, Alum Cave, and the Chimney Tops trailheads are all close.

RV length limit is 35 feet on most sites. Electric hookups are available on some sites. Book as far in advance as Recreation.gov allows — these fill up months out during peak season.

Book on Recreation.gov → [affiliate link]

2. Cades Cove Campground — Best for wildlife National Park Service campground, Tennessee side

Cades Cove is a broad valley in the western part of the park with some of the best wildlife viewing anywhere in the Smokies — white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and occasionally coyotes are all regularly spotted. The campground sits at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop, an 11-mile scenic drive that's one of the park's signature experiences.

No hookups — this is a dry camping situation inside the park. Generator hours are restricted. Sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. The trade is worth it for the location.

Book on Recreation.gov → [affiliate link]

3. Cosby Campground — Best for avoiding crowds National Park Service campground, Tennessee side

Cosby is the least visited of the major Smoky Mountains campgrounds, which makes it the best kept secret in the park. It sits in the quieter eastern end of the park near some excellent and less-trafficked hiking — the Mount Cammerer trail is one of the best long hikes in the Smokies and starts right here.

Smaller sites — RVs over 25 feet may find it tight. No hookups. If you're self-contained and want to feel like you actually have the Smokies to yourself, Cosby is the move.

Book on Recreation.gov → [affiliate link]

4. Sun Outdoors Smoky Mountains — Best for families with kids Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Sun Outdoors is the full-amenity family resort option in the Smoky Mountains corridor. Swimming pools, planned activities, playgrounds, and full hookups on well-maintained sites. It's not a wilderness experience — it's a base camp with amenities that keeps kids happy while you're using it as a launching point for park day trips.

Pull-through sites accommodate larger rigs comfortably. The Pigeon Forge location puts you close to Dollywood if that's on the itinerary, and the park entrance is a 20-minute drive. For families with young kids who need a pool at the end of a hiking day, this is the honest first choice.

Book on Campspot → [affiliate link]

5. Smoky Bear Campground & RV Park — Best full-hookup alternative Cherokee, North Carolina

If full hookups and a location away from the Gatlinburg traffic chaos matter, Smoky Bear Campground in Cherokee is the most consistent recommendation on the North Carolina side. Clean facilities, well-maintained sites with electric, water, and sewer, and easy access to the park's southern entrance.

Pull-through sites available for larger rigs. Cherokee itself is worth your time — the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation runs excellent cultural sites and the Museum of the Cherokee People is genuinely one of the best museums in the region.

Book on Campspot → [affiliate link]

6. Greenbrier Campground — Best for a quieter Tennessee-side base Gatlinburg area, Tennessee

Greenbrier sits on the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River just outside the park boundary on the Tennessee side. Full hookups, shaded sites, and a river-adjacent location that keeps temperatures noticeably cooler than downtown Gatlinburg in summer. Good base camp for accessing the park's Tennessee trails without paying Gatlinburg resort prices.

Book on Hipcamp → [affiliate link]

What to know before you go

Reservations are essential. Peak season runs May through October. NPS campgrounds inside the park book up months in advance on Recreation.gov. If you're going in summer without a reservation, plan on staying outside the park boundary.

RV length limits matter. Most NPS sites inside the park cap at 35 feet. A few cap lower. Check before you book — the park website lists length limits by campground and loop.

Traffic in Gatlinburg is genuinely bad. If you're staying near Gatlinburg and want to access the park in the morning, plan to be at the entrance by 8am or earlier during peak season. The Sugarlands Visitor Center parking fills by 9am on summer weekends.

Bear boxes are provided, use them. Black bear activity in the Smokies is real. Every campground has bear-proof food storage. Use it every night without exception.

Gear for a Smoky Mountains RV trip

The Smokies get real weather — afternoon thunderstorms in summer, cold nights even in June at elevation, and occasional snow in spring and fall. Pack accordingly.

• Leveling blocks — many NPS sites are uneven. Best RV Leveling Systems →
• Bug spray — the Smokies have mosquitoes and ticks. Best Natural Bug Sprays for Camping →
• Sewer hose kit — for full-hookup sites outside the park. Best RV Sewer Hose Kits →

Bottom Line

For a first trip: book Elkmont or Cades Cove inside the park as far in advance as possible. The NPS campgrounds are the real experience.

For families with kids who need amenities: Sun Outdoors Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge — pools, activities, and full hookups with easy park access.

For a quieter full-hookup base: Smoky Bear Campground in Cherokee for North Carolina side access without the Gatlinburg crowds.

Go in May or October if you can. The crowds are lighter, the weather is ideal, and the fall color in October is some of the best anywhere in the eastern US.

Not sure what to do once you're there? See our full guide to the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains with your RV. Best Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains →

‍