Free Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, AT (NC/TN section)
Not allowed inside the national park (permit required there), but the bordering National Forests allow free dispersed camping with no permit, 14-day limit.
- Land manager
- Pisgah & Nantahala National Forest (USFS)
- State
- North Carolina
- Free campsites listed
- 4
Campsites
-
Long Hungry Road Dispersed (Lake Santeetlah)
No permit required National Forest
Nine lakeside sites with fire rings and picnic tables, well-spaced.
Stay limit: 14 days · Amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables
-
Wesser Bald Fire Tower Dispersed
No permit required National Forest
Short hike required to reach the site; panoramic ridge views, near the AT.
Stay limit: 14 days · Amenities: None
-
Black Balsam Knob Dispersed
No permit required National Forest
Near Sam Knob trailhead; short walk to sites, extremely popular for sunrise/sunset.
Stay limit: 14 days · Amenities: None
-
Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4/#5
No permit required National Forest
Trout-stream-adjacent sites.
Stay limit: 14 days · Amenities: None
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to camp near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, AT (NC/TN section)?
No permit is required for any of the free campsites listed in this region.
Is camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, AT (NC/TN section) free?
Yes — all 4 campsites listed here are free dispersed camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, AT (NC/TN section), with no reservation or fee.
What's the stay limit near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, AT (NC/TN section)?
The stay limit is 14 days at all campsites listed in this region.