Archived Outdoors

Park reopens campgrounds, visitor centers

Park reopens campgrounds, visitor centers

Some campgrounds, visitor centers and previously closed roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are reopening.

The following areas were accessible as of Monday, June 8:

  • Campgrounds: Cades Cove and Smokemont Campgrounds, Anthony Creek Horse Camp.
  • Visitor services: Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome Visitor Centers and Great Smoky Mountains Association Bookstores, Backcountry Information Office at Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cable Mill and Mingus Mill.
  • Roads: Abrams Creek Road, Cataloochee Road (to Palmer Chapel only due to road washout), Forge Creek Road, Rich Mountain Road.

Beginning Monday, June 15, the following areas will be accessible: Elkmont Road, Elkmont Campground, Spence Cabin.

Precautions adopted to support these reopenings include installation of protective barriers between staff and visitors; capacity limits for visitor centers; installation of social distancing floor decal reminders and closure of theater and museum spaces in visitor centers. At campgrounds, services are limited to online reservations only; restroom facilities are appropriately disinfected and cleaned and group campsites remain closed. A return to full operations will continue to be phased. 

Park managers urge visitors to follow public health guidance for a safe and responsible visit by choosing trails and overlooks without congested parking areas; visiting early in the morning; staying in vehicles while viewing wildlife to avoid crowded conditions; maintaining social distance from other visitors and wearing face coverings where social distancing is not possible. 

For the most up-to-date information about facility openings, service hours and access, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Park rangers remain available to answer questions and help with trip planning via email or phone during business hours at 828.506.8620 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.