Camping out in the Smokys could be one of the best ways to spend your holidays, especially if you seek adventure and enjoy nature and outdoor activities. It is one of the best ways to spend a holiday with your family or friends.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the top tourist spots in Tennessee, with easy access from nearby towns. It offers countless things to do. It might take several trips to experience every activity and visit each spot in the Smokys.
Camping is one of them, and it makes your stay more exciting compared to other lodging options. You can spend one day, a weekend, or an entire week amid mountains and take in the natural beauty in all its glory. It will take you away from work stress and offer you enough time for bliss and peace.
Therefore, if you plan to camp in the Smokys, prepare by following some essential camping tips.
1. Choose your camping ground
There are plenty of entry points to the Great Smokys, but if you’re coming from Gatlinburg, setting base at Greenbrier campground is a good choice. The campground is full of activities like the swimming hole, fishing in the Pigeon River, campfires to roast marshmallows or freshly caught fish, and enjoying bonfires and barbecue dinners at night. It offers a complete camping experience in the wild, within walking distance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
2. Prepare a backpacking checklist
You can find all the camping gear you may need at your camping ground, but it’s best to go prepared. Make a list of all the items you’ll need, including fishing poles, swimming costumes, barbecue items, and other basic supplies. In addition, you need to pack some extra clothes, food, water bottles, a first-aid kit, and emergency fire-starting essentials.
Pack your things in a backpack, especially if you plan to go hiking on the nearby trails. Backpacks are easier to carry when camping and roaming around in the mountains. With the essential gear, you will be ready to explore without wasting time packing and unpacking.
3. Decide how you want to camp
If you are planning to travel with a large group, decide how you are going to camp and for how long. You can set up a car camp, a tent, an RV camp, a camping cabin, or a pet-friendly camp. You can set up different camps based on everyone’s convenience and affordability.
You will find running water and flush toilets in the restrooms, electricity, picnic tables for lunch, and other campground amenities. However, you may only find a shower on some camping grounds.
Moreover, you need to know how many tents or camps you can set up per group. The open campgrounds year-round only allow two tents and two vehicle camps with one trailer or RV in the RV site accommodating no more than six people per campsite. If traveling with more people, you should book two campsites.
4. Read up on the rules and regulations
There are certain parameters for pet-keeping, waste disposal, safety rules for swimming and white water rafting, fishing, and staying safe from wild creatures or starting a campfire in the woods as an amateur.
Similarly, the camp authorities have certain policies regarding cancellations, refunds, payment systems, and early bookings. Remember to be mindful of your fellow campers and follow the quiet hours between 10 PM and 6 AM. Avoid turning on generators between 8 PM and 8 AM for your safety, and avoid any areas marked for black bears.
Ensure you stay on your hiking trail, or you may get lost or encounter wild creatures. Always carry a map and a compass with you and go hiking with your fellows or the entire group. Also, ensure you finish your hike before it gets dark.
5. Survey the surrounding areas
It is better to carry a campground map to get an idea of the surrounding areas so that you can plan your vacation accordingly.
If you plan to explore Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, choose your campsite accordingly. As vast as camping grounds are, there is a front-country and backcountry variety. Front-country site is road accessible, while the backcountry site is within walking distance from the roads that will take you to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Downtown Gatlinburg, and towards Pigeon Forge.
Moreover, see if you want to camp out in a quieter, family-friendly, kid-friendly area or amidst all the camping activities and hype. Backcountry camping may require you to be more wilderness-savvy but offer more peace and relaxation if that is your holiday goal.
6. Make reservations on time
Planning your holiday and making reservations sooner rather than later is better. Late bookings may cost you more, especially during busy seasons. Moreover, you can pick the perfect camping spot if you book in advance. It is especially useful if you are traveling with larger groups and need to book more than one campsite.
Christmas and the fourth of July are the peak seasons when numerous activities and special festivals occur in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Therefore, book as early as possible if you plan to visit during this time of the year.
Alternatively, if you seek peace, avoid visiting during busy seasons. Although the Smokys is a year-round holiday destination, January, February, and March are slightly less crowded. You may visit during this time if you want to avoid big crowds. You will get reservations at much lower prices than during the holiday season.
Conclusion
Camping is an adventure you must experience at least once in your lifetime. Camping in the Smokys is the best option in Tennessee, where you can go with your entire family and take pets with you. However, it would help if you prepared for it. Pay attention to the tips mentioned above to be able to plan the perfect camping getaway in the Smokys.
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