Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion

Great Smoky Mountains National Park charges no entrance fee — it is one of the few major national parks where no vehicle pass is required to enter. Camping fees vary by facility and are paid at the time of reservation through Recreation.gov; nightly rates differ by campground type (frontcountry, group, equestrian, cabin). The America the Beautiful Annual Pass does not cover camping fees at this park but is worth carrying if you plan to visit other fee-charging parks on the same trip. Cabin reservations at the Appalachian Clubhouse and Spence Cabin are priced differently from standard campsites — check Recreation.gov for current rates.

All reservable campgrounds enforce a 14-day maximum stay (3-day maximum for picnic pavilions), and most have no hookups — generators should be used only during designated hours to respect neighboring campers. Cell service is limited to nonexistent throughout much of the park, particularly in remote areas like Cataloochee Valley and Big Creek; download offline maps before arrival. Pets are allowed in campgrounds but must be on a leash (6 ft maximum) at all times and are not permitted on most trails — confirm trail rules before planning a pet-friendly trip. Bryson City, NC and Gatlinburg and Townsend, TN are the nearest towns for groceries and fuel on their respective sides of the park.