Can you backcountry camp in the Smokies?
Backcountry Camping Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires all backpackers to stay in designated campsites and shelters while camping in the backcountry. The park now requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping as well.
Do you need a permit to backpack in the Smoky Mountains?
Reservations and permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. To make reservations, please visit the backcountry permit website. As of February 2013, Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park.
Can you camp anywhere in the Smoky Mountains?
1. Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. 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 Boondock in the Smoky Mountains?
Gatlinburg is the most toured campground of the The Great Smoky Mountains boondocking sites. Some of the best and well-known hikes and drives are located near this campground.
Do I need a permit to camp in Smoky Mountain National Park?
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.
What do I need for backcountry camping?
What to Bring Backpacking
- Hiking boots or shoes.
- Backpack.
- Tent.
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
- Stove and fuel.
- Kitchen supplies.
- Plenty of food.
- Water bottles and water-treatment supplies.
Are bear canisters required in the Great Smoky Mountains?
That’s why all backcountry users are required to hook their packs to bear cables overnight. Every backcountry site in the park should have one of these cables so you don’t need a bear canister within the park.
Are bear canisters required in the Smoky Mountains?
They’re required in a number of parks out West, including areas of Yosemite, Grand Teton and Olympic national parks. Canister requirements are more rare in the Eastern U.S. but do exist. Friends of the Smokies has provided food-hanging cables for nearly all backcountry sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Do you need bear spray in the Smoky Mountains?
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.
