Where to camp Smoky Mountains?

The Cosby Area doesn't get a whole lot of people and it's also one of the prettiest parts in my opinion. There are backcountry sites #34, #35, and #29. You can pick up a free permit at any rangers station in the park.

I've been backpacking in the Smokies many, many times. Last time was the first week of July. October is a very popular time in the park, so the trails might be busy. Some campsites are by reservation only, so if you plan to stay at one of those, you better get your reservations now. I could make suggestions, but am not sure what type of hike you would like: challenging, easy, creek side, mountain view? What area of the park? Near Cherokee or Gatlinburg or other?

Have you looked through the camping and hiking information on the National Park Service website?

If not, I recommend checking there. They provide a lot of information, which can be overwhelming when you don't know where to start, but at least it's there.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/feesandreser...

Most backcountry campsites require you to use the shelter, in the interest of reducing footprints and interference with nature.

I've camped at Elkmont, which, if not private, is at least tucked into the woods and next to a lively stream that offers relief from the heat in the summer and is close enough to other sites of interest. Elkmont is very tent-friendly.

I've also hiked up LeConte via Alum Cave Trail (totally worth it, by the way) and there's a shelter at the top, and I've stayed at Kephart, which follows along a neat stream and provides glimpses into the past logging life of the area.

If you check out this pdf. map of the park. http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/upload/GSMNP... , you can find tent-friendly campsites by looking for numbered areas in pink, green and blue (reservations may or may not be required, check the map key in the lower lefthand corner).

Hope this helps you!

EDIT: Also, they're doing some road maintenence this spring, so check this pdf. for the roads that are inaccessible: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/upload/park-...

call the ranger station. if i'm not mistaken, the park is only open seasonally because of snow and cold. and they'll know about parking and open trails and whatnot.

otherwise, you can do day-hikes just south of there around the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser. the 30-mile stretch from there to Fontana Dam is a very challenging one.

Camp where you please in National Forest, subject to

restrictions of the District Office, so go Google all that.

In addition to traveler information use Google Earth to

check likely meadows, ponds and the like. Let writer

suggest inflatable boat. Stearn's makes nice kayak that

retails with foot pump. I bought one for a woman once.

Waterproof your sleeping bag and stuff using plastic trash

bags that are sealed with a knot. Keep your boat loads light.

I favor islands for camping but my sea kayak isn't inflatable.

Stay out of creeks and rivers as upstream paddling isn't practical.