Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
RV & camping guide
Great Smoky Mountains by RV
1 h 27 min from TYSCamping score 9/10Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- TYS
- Airport drive
- 1 h 27 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 3–5 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- Standard vehicles are suitable for main roads; check rental agreements for restrictions on unpaved gravel secondary routes.
Book in this order
Your route
TYS
McGhee Tyson Airport (Knoxville)
Great Smoky Mountains
About 1 h 27 min · 47 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Vehicle & road notes
Which vehicle
Standard vehicles are suitable for main roads; check rental agreements for restrictions on unpaved gravel secondary routes.
parking
Mandatory Parking Tags
Display a daily, weekly, or annual tag in your windshield when stopping at trailheads or overlooks. Tags are sold at visitor centers and automated machines, but a tag does not guarantee a physical space.
signal
Limited Cellular Service
Expect total signal loss in deep valleys and along large sections of Newfound Gap Road. Download offline maps and park brochures before leaving your gateway accommodation.
fuel
No In-Park Fuel Stations
Gasoline is not sold within the national park boundaries. Fill your tank in Gatlinburg, Townsend, or Cherokee before starting high-elevation drives.
Campground reservations
Parking Tag and Campground Booking Official Check
Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a valid parking tag for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes. While there is no entry fee or timed reservation for general driving, all campgrounds require advance booking via Recreation.gov. Popular areas like Cades Cove may have seasonal vehicle-free hours that require checking the official NPS schedule before your visit.
Official source2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Prefer a car and campground trip?
- ✓ Compare suppliers at TYS
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at TYS
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at TYS
- ✓ Compare suppliers at TYS
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at TYS
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at TYS3 · Where to park the rig near Great Smoky Mountains
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
Campsites near Great Smoky Mountains on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check campground availabilityRV parks near Great Smoky Mountains on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check campground availabilityTraveling by RV near Great Smoky Mountains?
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
Harvest Hosts membership: 5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
Your route
Day 1 · High-Elevation Ridges and Overlooks
Newfound Gap → Kuwohi
Day 2 · Cove History and Wildlife Habitats
Cades Cove Loop Road → Abrams Falls Trail
Day 3 · Riverside Walks and Farm History
Oconaluftee Visitor Center → Mingus Mill
Viator
Tours & experiences near Great Smoky Mountains
Explore guided activities around Great Smoky Mountains. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Great Smoky Mountains
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
Can I take an RV to Great Smoky Mountains?
Yes, Great Smoky Mountains is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.
Where do I pick up an RV for Great Smoky Mountains?
The nearest airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (Knoxville) (TYS), about 1 h 27 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.
Do campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains need reservations?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a valid parking tag for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes. While there is no entry fee or timed reservation for general driving, all campgrounds require advance booking via Recreation.gov. Popular areas like Cades Cove may have seasonal vehicle-free hours that require checking the official NPS schedule before your visit.
More Great Smoky Mountains guides
Great Smoky Mountains: full trip plan Fly into TYS: flights, car & first night No reservation? Entry rules & backup plans Road trip: Smokies & Blue Ridge Loop Great Smoky Mountains: Best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains: Things to do Great Smoky Mountains: Itinerary Great Smoky Mountains: Glamping