Smokemont Group Campground
The Quick Take
Smokemont Group Campground is not your typical campground -- it exists solely for organized groups, with just three reservable sites designed for larger parties willing to pay the premium rate. Sitting at around 2,200 feet near the park's south entrance, it puts you minutes from Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the start of Newfound Gap Road, which is about as convenient as Smokies camping gets. The trade-off is real, though: no flush toilets, no showers, and no electrical hookups mean your scout troop or family reunion needs to come prepared for a more rustic experience than nearby individual Smokemont Campground offers. You do get potable water, food lockers for mandatory bear-country food storage, and a dump station. If you are organizing a group trip and want a base camp near Cherokee with easy access to the park's most popular corridor, this is your spot.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 3 sites are reservable.
Book at Great Smoky Mountains LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
Accessible paths to restrooms and parking areas. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Fires:Campfires are permitted only in fire rings.
- Generators:Quiet hours are 10 pm-6 am.
Pro Tips
With only three group sites, this campground books fast for peak summer and fall weekends. Make your reservation the moment the booking window opens on Recreation.gov -- waiting even a few days for a Saturday in October means you are out of luck.
The Bradley Fork trailhead is practically at your doorstep, giving your group access to some of the quieter backcountry in the south district without needing to drive anywhere. The hike to Chasteen Creek Cascade is a manageable group outing that most fitness levels can handle.
Stock up on firewood, ice, and supplies in Cherokee before you arrive -- the campground sells firewood but has no camp store. Bear-proof food storage is mandatory here, and the provided food lockers fill up fast with a full group, so bring extra rope and dry bags as backup for hanging food if needed.
