Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains

Blue-hazed ridgelines, wildflower coves and the most-visited park in America.

Best time
April – June, October
Duration
3–5 days
Avg. budget
$110 / day
Scenic score
9 / 10
Camping score
9 / 10

Where you'll want to sleep

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Checks availability with the partner directly — not a confirmed booking on our end.

Elkmont CampgroundMinialife's pick

Elkmont Campground

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Fall asleep to the Little River and wake up in the synchronous-firefly zone.

$30 / nightCheck availabilityPartner link · Hipcamp
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Glamping

Best for: Comfort in nature

Park-adjacent quiet without the Gatlinburg traffic.

$329 / nightCheck availabilityPartner link · Glamping Hub
Camp LeConte RV Resort

Camp LeConte RV Resort

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Walkable to town, then five minutes to the park entrance.

$85 / nightCheck availabilityPartner link · Hipcamp
Smoky Mountain Creekside Cabin

Smoky Mountain Creekside Cabin

Cabin

Best for: Privacy & cooler nights

Classic Smokies cabin nights are half the reason people come.

$245 / nightCheck availabilityPartner link · Glamping Hub

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Don't bring everything — rent what makes sense here

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Checks availability with the partner directly — not a confirmed booking on our end.

Mountain Bike Day Rental

Mountain Bike Day Rental

From $65 / day

BikeSee rental optionsPartner link · Arrive Outdoors
Two-Person Tent + Bedding Kit

Two-Person Tent + Bedding Kit

From $35 / day

GearSee rental optionsPartner link · Arrive Outdoors

The moments you came for

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Clingmans Dome Sunset

Clingmans Dome Sunset

2 hrs

Six states on a clear evening — and it's the easiest big view here.

VariesExplore activityPartner link · Viator
Cades Cove Loop Road

Cades Cove Loop Road

Half day

Best wildlife odds in the park, and cars-free some mornings.

VariesExplore activityPartner link · Viator
Alum Cave to Mount LeConte

Alum Cave to Mount LeConte

Full day

The one hike locals send visitors on — varied the whole way up.

VariesExplore activityPartner link · Viator

Plan your road trip

Route map for Great Smoky Mountains is coming soon

We only show driving routes, stops and distances once they come from a live mapping provider — we won't estimate them for you.

On the way you'll find

  • Fuel & EV charging
  • Coffee & food
  • Rest stops
  • Hotels & lodging
  • RV services
  • Grocery stores

Tennessee & North Carolina

Pack for Great

Essentials worth having

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Insulated 32oz Bottle

Insulated 32oz Bottle

One fill in the morning is all most day hikes need.

$38 / itemViewPartner link · REI
Merino Base Layer

Merino Base Layer

Handles a 30-degree swing between sunrise and lunch without a change.

$89 / itemViewPartner link · REI
Headlamp 400 Lumen

Headlamp 400 Lumen

The difference between finishing a sunset hike and turning back early.

$45 / itemViewPartner link · REI
Pocket First-Aid Kit

Pocket First-Aid Kit

Twenty dollars now beats cutting a trip short over a blister.

$28 / itemViewPartner link · REI
Packable Down Jacket

Packable Down Jacket

Weighs nothing in your pack and saves every cold evening.

$165 / itemViewPartner link · REI

Everything else you need to know

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