Smokemont Campground

Bradley Fork near Smokemont Campground, Great Smoky Mountains

Smokemont is the Smokies' year-round anchor on the quieter North Carolina side, with 142 sites strung along the Oconaluftee River near Cherokee. It's an easy, forested basecamp — flush toilets, cold running water, and gentle riverside sites — and one of only two park campgrounds that stay open through winter. Elk are often grazing the fields around the nearby Oconaluftee Visitor Center at dawn and dusk. It's roomy and relaxed rather than remote, and a great launch point for the NC side and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET
Reservation Tips: Search 'Smokemont Campground' on Recreation.gov; the 6-month window opens at 10 AM ET.
Season Dates: Open year-round (reduced loops in winter)

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET
Reservation Tips: Search 'Smokemont Campground' on Recreation.gov; the 6-month window opens at 10 AM ET.
Season Dates: Open year-round (reduced loops in winter)
Fills Up Speed: Steady in summer and fall; generally easier to book than the Tennessee-side campgrounds
Per Night Cost: Approximately $21–25/night (verify current rate on Recreation.gov)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 142
Site Types: Tent, RV (no hookups)
Hookups: None — dry camping only

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets
Showers Available: No showers — none anywhere in the park
Potable Water: Cold running water / spigots available
Nearby Facilities: Cherokee, NC (~4 miles) for gas, groceries, and paid showers; Oconaluftee Visitor Center nearby.

Access

Accessibility: Flush toilets and cold running water available throughout the campground.

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: Bradley Fork and Smokemont Loop trails from camp, riverside relaxing, ranger programs
Trailheads Nearby: Bradley Fork Trail and the Smokemont Loop begin at the campground
Wildlife Viewing: Elk frequently graze near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center (~2 miles); best at dawn and dusk.
Best Time To Visit: Spring for wildflowers; fall for foliage and the elk rut.
Vibe Check: Forested, riverside, and relaxed — roomier and quieter than the Tennessee-side campgrounds.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a quiet, roomy, year-round riverside base on the NC side. ❌ SKIP IF: You need hookups/showers or want to be close to Gatlinburg.
Tips Advice: One of only two year-round campgrounds — a solid winter base.
Watch for elk near the Oconaluftee fields at dawn/dusk.
No showers in the park; nearest are in Cherokee.
Store all food in your vehicle.

More details

Park Area: Oconaluftee / Cherokee side (North Carolina)
Family Friendly Notes: Roomy, relaxed setting with ranger programs and easy riverside trails make it accessible to families. No showers on-site (nearest in Cherokee, 4 miles).
Review Summary: Campers describe Smokemont as a roomy, relaxed riverside base and value that it stays open year-round. Reviewers highlight nearby elk viewing and the quieter North Carolina feel, while noting the standard park limits of no showers and no hookups.