Smokemont Campground
Inside the park · 3 mi from Cherokee
142 sites near the Cherokee entrance on the NC side. A calmer, less crowded alternative to Elkmont with equal river access.
Price
$25–$30
per night
Booking
Seasonal
Type
Campground
You'll book on Recreation.gov. We don't handle reservations.
Score breakdown
Weighted from seven categories.
Why it scores this way
Smokemont scores well on value and holds a real remote score compared to the TN campgrounds. Booking odds are meaningfully better outside leaf season.
See methodology →Best for
- Anyone escaping the Tennessee-side crowds
- Blue Ridge Parkway day trippers
- Fly fishers
- Families
Good to know before booking
- Blue Ridge Parkway begins nearby
- Fly fishing on the Oconaluftee
- Cherokee has restaurants and gas
- No hookups
Best time to camp here
- Best months
- April – November
- Higher demand
- October leaf weekends
- Weather note
- Fall leaf season pushes weekend bookings hard.
Amenities
Essentials
- Toilets
Site features
- Firepits
- Picnic tables
Access & activities
- Trailhead access
- Ranger programs
Tags
Approximate location
Nearby alternatives
Three campgrounds close by, each with a different trade-off.
Data note. Scores are editorial estimates from published park data, amenity lists and seasonal booking patterns — not live availability. Booking availability shown on partner sites is authoritative.
Disclosure. CampingPoints may earn a commission when you book through some partner links. This never affects a campground's score or ranking.
Last reviewed: January 2026
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