The tables below list campgrounds, shelters, and backcountry campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Click on the location to select map views and nearby waypoints. As of October, 2007, these waypoints (latitude/longitude) are reasonably accurate based on visits with a GPS, though the Park service may relocate camp sites.

Many campsites have been closed or relocated over the years. In 2012, campsite 11 was closed (storm damage). There is a new campsite 88 along the new Lakeshore Trail route between 90 and 86 (see current trail map or our Google map.) The old 88 was along Pinnacle Creek and that section of trail is no longer maintainted. Topo maps often show old campsites or former shelter locations. Old shelter sites include Birch Springs, which is now campsite 113, False Gap -- stone walls still standing, Moore Springs -- good spring, Jenkins Ridge, Little Indian Gap (burned '58, 3 low walls standing) -- see Dutch Roth photos, Rich Mountain now campsite 5, Scott Gap now campsite 16. There also used to be two shelters at both Tricorner Knob and Icewater Spring.

As of February 13, 2013, a $4 per night backcountry campsite fee is required for all backcountry campsite/shelters (reserve/pay via recreation.gov). See backcountry camping. 2009 campsite update, some closed (4 and 7), some new ones open -- see new entries for relocated campsite 21 (Huskey Gap), campsite 46 (Indian Creek), campsite 51 (Deep Low Gap).

Campsite lists (popups) sorted by locale or campsite number

Download the campsite waypoints for your GPS from either camp.gpx (use EasyGPS) or Maptech's camp.mxf, or send waypoints to your Garmin GPS.
View campsites,trails, and landforms on Google map

As of 2013, ALL backcountry campsites must be reserved and a fee is required. See backcountry camping
Canoe campsites on Fontana are 87, 72, 73, 78, 66, and those near the lake are 90, 81, 98, 74, and not so near 76.

The highest shelter is Mt LeConte at 6440'. The highest backcountry campsite is Mt Sterling at 5820' The highest drive-in campground is Balsam Mtn at 5360'. The most remote is Tricorner Knob.

2009 campsite update, some closed, some new ones open.

• GSMNP information on camping in the park (permits, reservations, etc)
• GSMNP road, trail, and campsite closures
• GSMNP maps including trail and campground maps
• Clickable GSMNP 1997 trail map zoom/pan, campsites
• clickable Google ★ map/image/topo ★ with landforms,trails, and campsites
• GSMNP hiking trails mileage, climb, elevation profiles, and map locator
• GSMNP backcountry campsite usage statistics 1979-2021
• clickable USGS quadrangle map of GSMNP, zoom/pan and 1931 topo
• GSMNP park maps (pdf's)
• book: Hiking Trails of the Smokies trail/campsite descriptions, map, elevation profiles
• GSMNP landforms maps/waypoints for waterfalls, balds, peaks
• Mt LeConte lodge backcountry lodge and shelter, daily blog
• weather at various locations in the Smokies
• Fontana lake and lake level summer pool 1700', winter level 1640' and boat ramps or google map
• Dutch Roth old black & white shelter photos 1930's
• Google Earth KML file camp.kmz for campsites and gsmnp.kmz landforms
• Appalachian Trail shelters GPS data/maps

Visits since 12/20/03    © Tom Dunigan
Last modified: Mon, 05 Oct 2020 04:50:44 -0600