Near Great Smoky Mountains
Live federal data (RIDB) + curated · TN
Showing places within ~40 miles of Great Smoky Mountains, nearest first.
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TWIN CREEKS PICNIC PAVILION
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 2 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 15m
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Overview Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion is the largest in the park, surrounded by the scenic forest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in a secluded and private section of the Smokies, this pavilion is a popular place for group trips. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of which accessible near the picnic area. Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular a

SPENCE CABIN
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 4 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 9m
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Overview Spence Cabin is an ideal place to hold a small family gathering or family reunion away from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns. It is also an excellent location for a meeting or training session for a small group of people, or for a small wedding or reception. The outdoor patios are great places to relax and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the Great Smoky Mountains. The cabin is situated within the Elkmont Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Recreation There are numerous hiking trails within or near Elkmont, including the Littl

APPALACHIAN CLUBHOUSE
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 4 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 9m
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Overview The Appalachian Clubhouse is a historic building constructed in 1934 in the Elkmont Historic District. The structure has been rehabilitated by the National Park Service to closely resemble its 1930's appearance, with the addition of few modern amenities such as electricity and running water. The building was originally used a gathering spot by lessees and guests of the Appalachian Club whose members, mostly from Knoxville, built rustic cabins nearby to serve as weekend or summer retreats in the years before the Park was created. Today the 3,000 square foot clubhouse provides an excell

ELKMONT CAMPGROUND
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 4 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 10m
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Overview Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Recreation The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise

ELKMONT GROUP CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 5 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 10m
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Overview Situated in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this site offers an ideal setting for group camping excursions and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Recreation Visitors can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the nearby Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkm

GREENBRIER PICNIC PAVILION
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 8 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 20m
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Overview Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this picnic pavilion creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, offering over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from the picnic area. But hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. Visitors can

METCALF BOTTOMS PICNIC PAVILION
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 8 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 11m
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Yes
Overview Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this picnic pavilion creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, offering over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from the picnic area. But hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. Visitors can

COLLINS CREEK PICNIC PAVILION
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 11 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 4m
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Overview Collins Creek, tucked into picturesque mountain ranges and surrounded by pristine mountain streams, is the perfect backdrop for your party or family get-together. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Collins Creek never disappoints. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with nearby trails including the 3.9-mile Smokemont Loop Trail, Bradley Fork Trail and Newton Bald Trail. The Oconaluftee River offers some of the best trout fishing in the park. Downstrean from the confluence with the Bradley

SMOKEMONT GROUP CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 13 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 4m
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Overview Situated in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this sunny group camp offers an ideal setting for camping excursions. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, this is America's most visited national park. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from shor

SMOKEMONT CAMPGROUND
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 13 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 4m
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Yes
Overview Situated in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this campsite offers an ideal setting to enjoy the outdoors. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, this is America's most visited national park. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, offering over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, le

DEEP CREEK GROUP CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 14 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 49m
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Overview Located next to one of the most popular creeks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek Group Camp provides traditional primitive camping with the stunning backdrop of the mountains. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Deep Creek never disappoints. The camp offers 92 individual sites, all with grills, tables and campfire rings, perfect for a meal or a late-night s'mores session. Hookups and showers are not provided, but flush toilets and drinking water are available. Deep Creek is in the southeastern portion o

DEEP CREEK PICNIC PAVILION
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 14 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 49m
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Overview Deep Creek Picnic Pavilion, surrounded by pristine mountain streams and clear blue skies, is the perfect mountain backdrop for your party or family get-together. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Deep Creek never disappoints. Recreation Picnicking is the most popular activity at Deep Creek Pavilion, but visitors also enjoy an excursion to one of three scenic waterfalls in the nearby area. From Deep Creek Campground, walk Deep Creek Trail 0.7 miles to the junction with Indian Creek Trail. On your way you can view elegant T

Deep Creek Campground (NC)
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 14 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 49m
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Yes
Overview Located next to one of the most popular creeks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek Group Camp provides traditional primitive camping with the stunning backdrop of the mountains. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Deep Creek never disappoints. The camp offers 92 individual sites, all with grills, tables and campfire rings, perfect for a meal or a late-night s'mores session. Hookups and showers are not provided, but flush toilets and drinking water are available. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National P

TOW STRING HORSE CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 14 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 2m
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Yes
Overview Saddle up your horses for a camping trip in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the North Carolina portion of the park, this campsite offers miles of horse trails with a breathtaking scenic backdrop. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. You MUST have a HORSE to camp at Tow String Horse Camp! Recreation With access to several of the Smokies' popular horseback riding tra

ANTHONY CREEK HORSE CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 15 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 0m
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Yes
Overview Anthony Creek Horse Camp is located near the gently rolling waters of Anthony Creek. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Anthony Creek never disappoints. You MUST have a HORSE to camp in Anthony Creek Horse Camp! Recreation With access to several of the Smokies' popular horseback riding trails, equestrians will never be bored. Anthony Creek Trail intersects the campground and takes travelers up Bote Mountain, a 3,000 foot altitude gain. Although the trek is fairly strenuous, the trail is one of the most popular in the area

CADES COVE GROUP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 15 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 0m
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Overview Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures, popular biking and hiking trails and scenic waterfalls and streams. Tucked in the mountains under a lush, shaded canopy, this group campground offers the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer. Recreation The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, turnoff at the sign and follow the directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is

CADES COVE CAMPGROUND
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 16 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 0m
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Overview Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints. Recreation The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead.

ROUND BOTTOM HORSE CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 17 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 14m
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Yes
Overview Saddle up your horses for a camping trip in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the North Carolina portion of the park, this campsite offers miles of horse trails with a breathtaking backdrop. Whether blanketed in bright spring wildflowers or vivid fall colors, the scenery at Round Bottom never disappoints. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. You MUST have a HORSE to camp at R

COSBY CAMPGROUND
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 18 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 30m
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Overview Back country camping in a developed front country campground. Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer. This campground is usually quieter and without the hustle and bustle of the busier campgrounds. All campsites have a fire ring, picnic table and several trees. Tent pads are 16ft x 16ft. RV sites are less common and reservations are recommended on busy weekends. Some RV sites also include a tent pad. View map and site desc

COSBY GROUP CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 18 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 30m
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Overview Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade beside Cosby Creek. This group campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail. Hiking is not the only reason for visiting t

COSBY PICNIC PAVILION
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 19 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 32m
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Overview Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this picnic pavilion creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. Picnic pavilion is along Cosby creek. The picnic area is sheltered and accessible. Just across the parking area is an accessible restroom. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby, including the App

BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 20 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 9m
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Overview Balsam Mountain Campground is located in a relatively remote part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities without the crowds which are sometimes common in other parts of the park. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. The Balsam Mountain area features several trails that are less heavily used compared to other areas of the park. The campground offers a short natur

CHEOAH POINT CABIN 2
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 21 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 40m
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Overview Located in the Cheoah Point Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest, this cabin is part of a campground that includes tent and RV sites. The campground is situated on a peninsula in Santeetlah Lake, surrounded by mixed hardwood forest, and this cabin offers a view of the lake. Cheoah Point Cabin 2 is reservable from April 15-October 31. Recreation Cheoah Point Recreation Area includes a campground, swim beach and boat ramp. Santeetlah Lake is ideal for fishing, power boating, non-motorized boating, sailing, jet skiing and water skiing. Anglers can find bass, walleye, trout, c

CHEOAH POINT CABIN 1
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 21 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 40m
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Overview Located in the Cheoah Point Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest, this cabin is part of a campground that includes tent and RV sites. The campground is situated on a peninsula in Santeetlah Lake, surrounded by mixed hardwood forest. Cheoah Point Cabin 1 is reservable from April 15- October 31. Recreation Cheoah Point Recreation Area includes a campground, swim beach and boat ramp. Santeetlah Lake is ideal for fishing, power boating, non-motorized boating, sailing, jet skiing and water skiing. Anglers can find bass, walleye, trout, crappie and bream. The Wauchecha Bald Trai

CATALOOCHEE HORSE CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 22 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 19m
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Overview Located in the scenic Cataloochee Valley, tucked in a cool and shady canopy, this campground offers the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer, including some of the most coveted horseback riding trails in the park. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the preservation of Southern Appalachian culture, the Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. You MUST have a HORSE to camp at Cataloochee Horse Camp! Recreation With access to some of the most popular trails in the area, includi

BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 23 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 33m
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Overview Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry camping in a front country setting. There are flushing toilets and potable water. This is a tent only campground with a short walk from the parking area. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek parallel the campground offering the visitor a pleasant soundscape and peaceful beauty. Big Creek is an oasis for hiking, swimming, wildlife, fishing, and relaxation. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from

BIG CREEK GROUP CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 23 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 33m
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Overview Big Creek Group Camp is located in the far northeastern corner of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near the Tennessee-North Carolina border. With the gentle waters of Big Creek running alongside the site, and a handful of trailheads within walking distance, this campsite offers an ideal setting for group camping excursions. Recreation Numerous hiking and horseback riding trails are accessible from the campground and in the surrounding areas. Most notably, the Appalachian Trail is easily reached via the Chestnut Branch Trail, a 2.1 mile trail for hikers only, beginning down the

BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 24 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 34m
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Overview The only horse camp in the Great Smoky Mountains with potable water and flushing toilets! Pack up your horses for a getaway at Big Creek Horse Camp, located on far northeastern side of Smoky Mountains National Park, approximately 16 miles from Newport, Tennessee. This campsite sits along the gently rolling waters of Big Creek and offers miles of horse trails with breathtaking scenic backdrops. You MUST have a HORSE to camp in Big Creek Horse Camp! Recreation The rolling terrain surrounding the campsite makes for some of the best horseback riding trails in the park. Numerous trails are

CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 24 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 20m
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Overview Cataloochee campground is located in the historic Cataloochee Valley--a relatively remote part of Smoky Mountain National Park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities like hiking and fishing, without the crowds, which are sometimes common in other parts of the park. Recreation The Cataloochee Valley features an extensive trail system that is less heavily used compared to other areas of the park. The two main trails, Caldwell Fork and nearby Rough Fork Trail, run mostly parallel to one another in the central portion of the valle

ABRAM'S CREEK CAMPGROUND
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 24 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 0m
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Overview Abram's Creek Campground is located in a relatively remote area of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities like hiking and fishing, without the crowds, which are sometimes common in other areas of the park. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular ac

Look Rock Campground
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 24 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 3m
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Overview Look Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Foothills Parkway West. The campground offers 68 campsites in a high country wooded landscape. It offers a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. There are 10 sites with electric hookups. There are no shower facilities at the campground. Avoid GPS directions leading you along Montavale Rd, Happy Valley Rd, or Flats Rd if you are towing a trailer or vehicle. Recreation The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hikers paradise. Visitors to Look Rock Cam

CATALOOCHEE GROUP CAMP
DevelopedNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park· 24 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 23m
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Overview Cataloochee Group Camp in the remote and historic Cataloochee Valley, is surrounded by some of the most rugged mountains in the park, providing excellent hiking opportunities as well as ideal fishing conditions in the area's many creeks. Because of its relatively secluded location, visitors can enjoy the best that the Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer, without encountering crowds, which are sometimes common in other areas of the park. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with a number of trails easily accessible from the Cataloochee Valley. Mo

CHEOAH POINT CAMPGROUND
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 28 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 30m
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Cheoah Point Campground lies on a peninsula of the vast Lake Santeetlah in the hills of western North Carolina. The lake and surrounding landscape provide countless recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Santeetlah sits in the Nantahala National Forest, which covers 1.3 million acres of mountain lands. Old forests grace the hills and valleys, with some of the canyons reaching deep into the earth, providing ample hiking opportunities in the beautiful terrain. Cheoah Point is situated in a forest of mature hardwoods at an elevation of 1,760 feet. The campground covers steep terrain and many of the campsites overlook the lake. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a shor

RATTLER FORD GROUP CAMPGROUND
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 31 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 29m
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Rattler Ford Group Campground sits near the swift-moving Santeetlah Creek in the Nantahala National Forest. Groups of up to 25 guests can enjoy the creek, which is popular for fly fishing, as well as nearby Lake Santeetlah, which provides countless water sports and activities.The campground offers four sites, each with varying facilities, but all able to accommodate several tents and up to 25 guests. Multiple tables are available at each site, as well as lantern posts and campfire pits. Each site also provides an oversized grill. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided at the campground, as well as hot showers. Some of the sites are situated near the creek.Large trees and thick forests

Harmon Den Campground
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 31 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 39m
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Harmon Den Campground is nestled on a mountainside beneath a forest of mixed hardwoods in the Pisgah National Forest. The camp is in a secluded area off of Cold Springs rd. in Haywood County, and the individual sites provide ample privacy. The upper loop is reserved for horse campers while the lower loop is reserved for tent camping and small trailers. There are no hookups, no dump station, and no drinking water at this time. There is a vault toilet facility for each camping loop as well as bear-proof garbage cans. The area trails are horse and hiking use only, NO bikes. The campground is an ideal base for exploring the miles of nearby trails and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery, with
Rattler Ford Campground
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 31 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 29m
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No — first come
Rattler Ford has four units that accommodate 25 people per unit. Showers, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court are available. A trout stream and hiking trails are nearby.
Round Mountain Campground
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — Cherokee National Forest· 34 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 49m
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Yes
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. For facility specific information, please call (423) 638-4109.

Swan Cabin Group Camp
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 35 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 29m
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Please be advised: due to health and safety concerns, occupancy within Swan Cabin will no longer be permitted. However, group camping outside the cabin in adjacent grassy field is allowed. Nestled in a remote area of Nantahala National Forest, this primitive log cabin was built in 1931 by Frank Swan in a different location, then later it was moved to its current location near the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. The cabin and the surrounding meadows are named for the Swan Family, who came to the area from Pennsylvania in the late 19th century. Swan Cabin Group Campsite offers a peaceful, quiet retreat where visitors can relax and enjoy birdsong and views of the surrounding wilderness. This
Jake Best Campground
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — Cherokee National Forest· 37 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 40m
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Yes
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Sunburst
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 37 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 57m
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Yes
This is a relatively small facility with campsites organized into one row. The facility provides picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills, in addition to restrooms with flush toilets. Campers can purchase firewood on-site.

INDIAN BOUNDARY
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — Cherokee National Forest· 38 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 34m
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Indian Boundary Recreation Area is the crown jewel of the South Zone of the Cherokee National Forest on the Tellico Ranger District. This family-oriented campground offers a swim beach and picnic area with grills and an accessible picnic pavilion, as well as a fantastic, 3.2-mile hiking and biking trail around the lake. Spectacular mountain views, glimpses of wildlife, and a peaceful setting await visitors who come to Indian Boundary.Opportunities abound for fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife viewing and scenic driving. Other popular activities include hiking and biking the trail around Indian Boundary Lake. The recreation area contains a swim beach, boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic area an

HOUSTON VALLEY
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — Cherokee National Forest· 38 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~5h 3m
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Houston Valley Recreation Area (elevation 1,800 feet) is centrally located to both Paint Creek and Weaver Bend. It is located directly off Tennessee (TN) Scenic Highway 107.Equestrian trails and hiking trails are located close to the recreation area. An open grass area is available for games.For facility specific information, please call (423) 638-4109.Houston Valley Recreation Area has eight picnic sites and two group picnic areas in addition to the pavilion. A green-space restroom and trash cans are located a short distance from the pavilion. The pavilion itself contains three large picnic tables and is located adjacent to two single tables with grills.The recreation area is nestled along

BALSAM LAKE LODGE
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 38 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 42m
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Balsam Lake Lodge is nestled in the center of the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest within the Nantahala National Forest. The lodge overlooks Balsam Lake and offers spectacular mountain views. The lodge opened its doors to the public when the Forest Service acquired the dwelling and lake in 1982. Since then groups have rented the lodge for meetings, recreation and environmental activities. NOTE: Balsam Lake Lodge is not a campground and has no campsites available for sewer, water, or electrical hook ups. The lodge's amenities include 16 twin beds (some bunks). There are no linens, towels, and pillows available. The lodge has an accessible kitchen with all utensils and appliances, outside grills,

STANDING INDIAN CAMPGROUND
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 40 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~3h 1m
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Whether traveling with an RV or tent, Standing Indian Campground is a prime place to stop for a night or spend several days in the picturesque Nantahala National Forest. The campground's many amenities provide a comfortable home base for exploring this fun and historic section of the forest. Standing Indian is located within a 20-minute drive of Franklin, North Carolina.The campground is surrounded by 5,000' peaks and crossed by several natural streams. It sits at an elevation of 3,880 feet at the headwaters of the scenic Nantahala River, amidst lush forests of evergreen trees and rhododendrons.The Standing Indian Basin is a premier hiking destination. The campground provides access to numer

Rocky Bluff Campground
DevelopedUSDA Forest Service — National Forests in North Carolina· 40 mi from Great Smoky Mountains
~4h 56m
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Rocky Bluff Campground offers solitude in a wooded setting located just 3 miles south of the quaint town of Hot Springs and the majestic French Broad River. The campground is conviently located off of NC Scenic Byway 209 in the Spring Creek Gorge Area. Recreation opportunities abound in and around the Hot Springs area. Located on the Appalachian District of the Pisgah National Forest, Rocky Bluff Campground itself is host to three different trail heads. If you are looking for longer-distance hiking opportunities, the famous Appalachian Trail runs right through the town of Hot Springs. Other popular recreation in the area include white water rafting, kayaking, tubing and fishing on the French
Data source: RIDB.