Smokemont Campground is located in the south side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The campground is just a few minutes from the town of Cherokee, which is in the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern band of Cherokee Region.
Smokemont campground is open all year. There is a dump station and potable water. No electric, no showers and no flushable toilets.
If you do not have reservations, check the Late Arrival List, at the ranger/host station. If there are campsites available for campers who do not have a reservation, those available sites will be posted on the list. Set up ONLY on one of the sites listed as available. All other sites are assigned to campers with reservations. Return to the campground office the next morning to check in and pay for your campsite.
Smokemont has a lot of great hikes right from your site. Bradley fork joins the Oconaluftee River here. Sometimes in winter, the main road through the park, as well as the adjoining southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway, is closed due to snow and ice. This is a great opportunity to road bike or run without any vehicle traffic. For technical mountain biking, check out Cherokee’s Fire Mountain.
Be sure to purchase heat treated firewood in Cherokee at Gas stations. This prevents invasive pests from decimating the forests.
In Cherokee, enjoy cultural attractions, artisan shops and dining. Be sure to check out Talking Leaves Book store in Cherokee for gifts and literature.
Pro Tip: Stop by the Oconaluftee Visitor Center for maps and guidebooks to the many hikes from Smokemont campground