TN/NC · Southeast
Great Smoky Mountains
The most-visited national park in the US and somehow still wild. Layered ridge views, black bear sightings, and firefly season that draws thousands, but the backcountry trails are empty. No entrance fee (just a $5 daily parking tag), multiple campgrounds, dispersed camping in the national forest next door.
- No entrance fee, though you need a parking tag ($5 a day) to park longer than 15 minutes
- Most biodiverse temperate forest in the world, with more tree species than all of northern Europe
- Appalachian Trail runs through the park, so serious hiking without driving far
- Black bears are often seen in Cades Cove, especially early in the morning from spring through fall
- Waterfalls, old-growth trees, and mountain ridges within minutes of the road
Free camping near Great Smoky Mountains
Cherokee National Forest: Cosby Dispersed Zone
Cherokee National Forest
Free dispersed camping along forest roads east of the park boundary. Hiwassee and Nolichucky ranger districts. No permit needed, 14-night limit.
How to get there
Take TN-32 south from Cosby toward the national forest boundary. Dispersed camping begins where the NF signs start.
Nantahala National Forest: Tsali Area Dispersed
Nantahala National Forest
Dispersed camping near Fontana Lake, on the NC side. Great base for hiking into the park via the Appalachian Trail. Mix of forest road access.
How to get there
From Robbinsville NC, take US-129 north toward Fontana. Look for NF signs and dispersed pullouts.
Dispersed camping ground rules
- Usually a 14-night limit in one area, then you move on
- Camp at least 200 ft from water, trails and roads
- Pack out all trash. Leave no trace.
- Check local fire restrictions before building a campfire
- No potable water: bring or filter everything you drink
Rules vary by forest and BLM field office, so check with the local ranger district or field office before you go.
Find more free spots
Get an app like iOverlander to find places to camp on public land for free in the states. Other campers post what's there, how rough the road is and whether a ranger moved them on.
- iOverlander (opens in a new tab)Free. Campsites reported by other travelers, with recent notes on access, signal and rangers.
- Campendium (opens in a new tab)Free to browse. A map of free campsites across the US, much of it on public land, with reviews.
Spots change. Read the newest reports and any posted rules before you set up, and pack out everything you bring in.
When to go
- January
- February
- March
- April: best month
- May: best month
- June
- July: month to skip
- August: month to skip
- September
- October: best month
- November: best month
- December
WanderRank Scores
Daily Cost
$15 to $50
per day (food + transit)
Campsites: $23/night
or free on nearby public land
Plus gas for the drive
Recommended Stay
3 to 7
days · easy difficulty
Drive time from your airport
Safety
It's illegal to approach bears within 50 yards (150 feet) in the park, or to get close enough to change what they're doing. Never feed wildlife.
Avoid if
- You hate traffic. Cades Cove on summer weekends is a parking lot
- You need backcountry solitude in July. Even the trails fill up
- You want rocky mountain terrain. This is lush forest, not Rockies-style scenery