Park Map
Camping is only allowed at designated campgrounds along the Parkway for tent and RVs (up to 30 feet). They have restrooms, drinking water, RV dump stations and at least one wheelchair-accessible campsite, plus ranger programs and access to hiking trails. Each campsite has a table and fireplace. Seasons generally run May through October. Cost per night for 2007 is $19. Linville Falls, Julian Price Park and Mt. Pisgah offer reservations for about 40 percent of sites, others are first come, first served.
- Crabtree Meadows (MP 339.5) 71 tents, 22 RVs, camping supplies, restaurant, telephone. (828) 675-4236 (coffee shop).
- Doughton Park (MP 241.1) 107 tent sites, 20 RVs, fishing, camping supplies, telephone. Extensive trail system, with hiking opportunities ranging from a short hike at Fodder Stack Trail to the strenuous 7.5 mile Bluff Mountain Trail. Limited backcountry camping at Basin Cove requires a permit requested in advance. (336) 372-8568.
- Julian Price Park (MP 297 - locator map) 129 tents, 68 RVs, fishing, telephone. Parkway's largest campground. (828) 963-5911. Reservations available May 18 through October 21, 2007 at the link above or (877) 444-6777.
- Linville Falls (MP 316.3 - Linville Falls community locator map) 50 tents, 20 RVs, fishing, visitors center. (828) 765-7818. Reservations available May 18 through October 21, 2007 at link above or (877) 444-6777.
- Mount Pisgah (MP 408.6 - locator map) 66 tents, 61 RVs, camping supplies, telephone. Parkway's highest campground (elev. aprox. 5,000 ft.). (828) 648-2644. Reservations available May 18 through October 21, 2007 at the link above or (877) 444-6777.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Park Map
Cape Hatteras has four campgrounds for tents and RVs. They have restrooms, cold showers, drinking water, tables and grills. Campgrounds are separated from the beach by barrier dunes. Three are on level ground; Frisco is among the sand dunes. Soil is sandy, so extra-long tent stakes are recommended, as are mosquito repellent and netting. Seasons generally run late May through early October. Reservations are available at Ocracoke and are required for groups at Oregon Inlet; elsewhere is first come, first served. Cost per night is $20 at Cape Point, Frisco and Oregon Inlet; $23 at Ocracoke. (252) 473-2111.
- Cape Point Campground, near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Historic District. 202 sites.
- Frisco Campground. 127 sites.
- Ocracoke Campground. 136 sites. Reservations are available at the link or at (800) 365-2267.
- Oregon Inlet Campground, near Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and Bodie Island Lighthouse. 120 sites. Reservations for groups of seven to 30: (252) 441-7425, ext. 230; groups' cost is $4 per person, including infants and toddlers.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Park Map
Primitive camping is allowed on Core Banks and Shackleford Banks. There are no designated sites. Vehicle and trailer camping is permitted only on the beach seaward of the primary dunes or in an area marked with camping signs. Permits are required and may be obtained for free at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, Lighthouse Keepers Quarters or Portsmouth Village Visitor Center. (252) 728-2250.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
GSMNP has 10 developed, or "frontcountry," campgrounds, five of which are in North Carolina. Campgrounds have restrooms with cold running water, but no showers or electricity or water hookups. Campsites have a fire grate and picnic table.
Seasons vary (backcountry camping is permitted year-round). During summer and fall, sites at Smokemont must be reserved at (877) 444-6777 or online. Otherwise, first come, first served for single sites. Fees run from $14 to $23 pernight.
Group tent camping, where allowed, requires reservations and a minimum party size of eight. Phone (877) 444-6777 or use the links below to register online.
Permits are required for backcountry camping and are free at most ranger stations and visitors centers. All backcountry shelters and some backcountry campsites require reservations. Your permit will designate the shelter or campsite you may stay in each night. Phone (865) 436-1297 for information, (865) 436-1231 for reservations.
Big Creek and Cataloochee campgrounds have drive-in horse campsites, which must be reserved at (800) 365-2267 or online.
- Balsam Mountain Campground, off Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 458.2 (Map). 46 sites; maximum RV length 30 feet. $14/night.
- Big Creek Campground, off I-40 at exit 451 in Tennessee (Map). 12 sites, no RVs. $14/night. One group site for up to 25 people at $44/night. Horse camping, $25/site paid upon reservation.
- Cataloochee Campground, off I-40 at exit 20 (Locator Map). 27 sites; maximum RV length 31 feet. $17/night. Three group sites for up to 25 people each at $35/night. Horse camping, $20/site paid upon reservation.
- Deep Creek Campground, north of Bryson City (Map). 108 sites; maximum RV length 26 feet. $17/night. Three group sites for up to 20 people each at $35/night.
- Smokemont Campground, north of Cherokee (Map). 140 sites; maximum RV length 35 feet. Reservations accepted (at link) up to five months in advance for May 15-Oct. 31. $17-$20/night. One group site for up to 15 people at $26/night and two group sites for up to 20 people at $35/night.
- Tow String Horse Camp, north of Cherokee (Map). Two sites for up to six people and four horses. Limited amenties include pit/vault toilet, fire ring, horse stalls, picnic tables. $20/night.