Backcountry permit rolling releaseTimed release
Permits may be obtained up to one month in advance of the first night of the trip itinerary. Trip window: Year-round.
National Park Service · TN
Great Smoky Mountains Backcountry Permits
Site- and date-specific backcountry camping and Appalachian Trail shelter permits for the most-visited U.S. national park, reservable up to one month in advance.
Permit requiredovernightVaries
Access requirement
How to get a permit
Permit rules
QuotaPermits are site and date specific; backpackers must stay at the designated campsites and shelters listed on the permit. Maximum 7 nights per permit. Shelters are single-night only.
GroupMaximum party size is 8; select locations may allow up to 12 by special permit.
Fees$6 non-refundable reservation fee per permit plus $8 per person per night; Appalachian Trail thru-hiker pass is $44.50. The former $40 cost cap has been removed.
TransferPermits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
SafetyShelter permit holders must stay inside shelters; tents are not permitted inside or outside shelters. A parking tag is required at trailheads.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
TWIN CREEKS PICNIC PAVILION
Reservable · GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC $60.00 Customers who cancel a day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 301Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov
SPENCE CABIN
Reservable · The fee is $200 per day. Due at checkout a $400 damage deposit is also charged but will be refunded if the facility is left in good condition. This Fee can not be refunded if the reservation is cancelled prior to paying the remainder of your balance. Customers who cancel facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the use fee.
Aug 25—Aug 261Aug 271Aug 281Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 311
Availability: Recreation.gov
APPALACHIAN CLUBHOUSE
Reservable · The fee is $300 per day. Due at checkout, $400 is also charged but will be refunded if the facility is left in good condition. Customers who cancel a day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
Aug 25—Aug 261Aug 271Aug 28—Aug 291Aug 301Aug 311
Availability: Recreation.gov
ELKMONT CAMPGROUND
Reservable · Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Customers that check out early or do not plan to use their reservation MUST contact the campground office the day they leave or are due to check in, in order to receive a refund. Refund requests for early departure or non use of the site made AFTER the reservation has ended will be denied. Office phone numbers are given in the Facility Contact information for each campground.
Aug 25135Aug 26144Aug 27144Aug 28104Aug 29107Aug 30144Aug 31152
Availability: Recreation.gov