Can you camp anywhere in the Smokies?

Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. 2. You may not stay at any backcountry campsite for more than 3 consecutive nights. You may not stay consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter.

Can you primitive camp in the Smoky Mountains?

A handful of the free campsites near Great Smoky Mountains do have basic amenities such as picnic tables, designated firepits, and vault toilets – but plan for the experience to be completely primitive.

Does GPS work in Smoky Mountains?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not provide any characterization on the accuracy or precision on commercial, consumer-grade hand-held GPS equipment or GPS-enabled mobile devices such as smart phones. In general, visitors can comfortably assume that most devices are capable of 5 meters of hoizontal accuracy.

Do you need bear spray in the Smokies?

Bear spray is legal for self defense in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Although you probably won’t need to use it, the peace of mind and security of knowing you have it on your hip so you can enjoy your hiking, camping or swimming is priceless.

Can you sleep in your car in the Smoky Mountains?

“What you can’t do in any location in the park that isn’t a campground is sleep in your parked car overnight. That’s considered illegal camping and violators may be cited and fined.

Can you sleep in the Smoky Mountains?

Communities surrounding the national park offer a wide choice of accommodations including hotels, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. The park offers several different types of campsites: Frontcountry – RV and tent camping in a developed campground that has restrooms.

Can you park overnight in the Smokies?

Reservations and permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. To make reservations, please visit the backcountry permit website.

Is there an app for Smoky Mountains?

Download the official Gatlinburg app, brought to you by the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. Our FREE app moves mountains of information! Learn about special events, festivals, attractions and outdoor adventure. Discover our unique restaurants, maps and much more!

Can you drive to the top of the Smoky Mountains?

If you want to drive through high elevation areas of the national park, the Clingman’s Dome Road is a must-visit destination. This popular drive begins at the Newfound Gap parking area and leads to Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies at an elevation of 6,644 Ft.

Will a whistle scare a black bear away?

Bears are not fearful of noises like whistles. Studies have shown loud noise to be ineffective in deterring bears. If you want to carry a whistle in bear country, do so for emergency SOS signaling. Instead, carry bear spray while hiking.

Do you need a permit to camp in the Smoky Mountains?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires that you obtain backcountry permits for overnight camping in the park. Reservation fees are $4 per person, per night, with a maximum charge of $20 per person. Permits are good for 7 nights.