Campground
Look Rock Campground
Look Rock sits up on the Foothills Parkway on the park's western edge — a roughly 68-site campground notable as one of the few in the Smokies with any electric hookups (about 10 sites). A short walk leads to the Look Rock observation tower, where a 360-degree view takes in both the Smokies and the Tennessee Valley. It's an open, breezy, higher-perched base that's a change of pace from the deep-forest campgrounds. Note: Look Rock has been closed recently — confirm it has reopened before you plan around it.
Quick facts
- Reservation System
- Recreation.gov
- Reservation Window
- 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET
- Reservation Tips
- Check current open status first, then search 'Look Rock Campground' on Recreation.gov; electric sites book first.
- Season Dates
- Seasonal — and reported closed in recent seasons. Verify current open status on Recreation.gov or the NPS site before planning.
Reservations & season
- Reservation System
- Recreation.gov
- Reservation Window
- 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET
- Reservation Tips
- Check current open status first, then search 'Look Rock Campground' on Recreation.gov; electric sites book first.
- Season Dates
- Seasonal — and reported closed in recent seasons. Verify current open status on Recreation.gov or the NPS site before planning.
- Fills Up Speed
- Verify it is open first; when operating, electric sites are the first to go
- Per Night Cost
- Approximately $25/night standard; about $30/night for electric sites (verify current rates)
Sites & RV fit
- Sites Total
- Approximately 68 (about 10 with electric hookups)
- Site Types
- Tent, RV; a limited number of electric sites
- Hookups
- Limited — about 10 sites with electric hookups (rare for this park); the rest are dry
Facilities
- Bathroom Types
- Flush toilets
- Showers Available
- No showers — none anywhere in the park
- Potable Water
- Cold running water / spigots available
- Nearby Facilities
- Maryville and Townsend, TN for gas and groceries.
Access
- Elevation
- About 2,600 feet
Rules & safety
- Bear Country
- Yes
- Food Storage Requirements
- Active bear country. Store all food and scented items in your vehicle; never leave food unattended.
- Pets Allowed
- Yes
- Pet Restrictions
- Leashed pets (6 ft max) allowed in the campground and on roads, not on most trails.
- Quiet Hours
- 10 PM – 6 AM (typical)
What it is like
- Onsite Activities
- Short walk to the Look Rock observation tower, Foothills Parkway overlooks, stargazing
- Stargazing Quality
- Open, higher setting away from town lights — good for stargazing when skies are clear.
- Scenic Views
- The nearby Look Rock tower offers a 360-degree view of the Smokies and the Tennessee Valley.
- Best Time To Visit
- Late spring through fall, if open; the tower is a sunset favorite.
- Vibe Check
- More open and breezy than the deep-forest campgrounds, with big views close by.
- Camp Here If Skip If
- ✅ BOOK IF: It's open and you want electric hookups and big views. ❌ SKIP IF: It's closed for the season, or you want deep-forest seclusion.
- Tips Advice
- Confirm the campground is open before you plan — it has been closed recently.
- If it's operating, book an electric site early; there are only about 10.
- Walk to the tower for sunset.
- No showers in the park.
More details
- Park Area
- Look Rock / Foothills Parkway (Tennessee)
- Family Friendly Notes
- Look Rock tower and observation deck accessible for all ages; no showers in park; open setting may appeal to families seeking big views rather than deep-forest experience
- Review Summary
- Campers who have stayed at Look Rock highlight the rare electric sites and the nearby observation-tower views. Recent reviews and park notices, however, flag that the campground has been closed, so confirm current status before relying on these.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Is Look Rock open?
It has been closed in recent seasons. Confirm current open status on Recreation.gov or the NPS site before planning a trip here.
Does it really have hookups?
Yes — uniquely for this park, about 10 sites have electric hookups. Most sites are still dry camping.
What's the view tower?
A short walk from the campground, the Look Rock observation tower offers a 360-degree view of the Smokies and Tennessee Valley.
Are there showers?
No. There are no showers anywhere in the park; the campground has flush toilets and cold water.
Is it bear country?
Yes. Store all food in your vehicle and keep a clean site.
More at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Elkmont Group Campground
Four tent-only group sites for 15-30 campers in the Smokies. Reserve early - there are only four of them.
Elkmont Campground
211 reservation-only sites near Sugarlands. Tent pads, flush toilets, no hookups or showers. Classic Smokies base camp.
Deep Creek Campground
Creekside camping at 1,800 ft: 92 sites, flush toilets, no hookups. Book 6 months out.
Cades Cove Campground
159 year-round sites at the mouth of the Smokies' most famous valley — store, bikes, and bears out front.
Smokemont Campground
142 riverside sites on the quiet NC side — open year-round, with elk grazing nearby.
Elkmont Campground
The park's largest camp — ~220 riverside sites near Gatlinburg, and firefly-show central in June.
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Sources
- NPS - Great Smoky Mountains Camping
- Recreation.gov
- OpenStreetMap
- The Dyrt - Smokies Camping Guide
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.