About Deep Creek Campground
Deep Creek Campground has 92 sites (about 60 tent-only) next to one of the park's most popular creeks, just north of Bryson City, North Carolina. At 1,800 feet, it has flush toilets, drinking water and a seasonal dump station, and no hookups or showers. RVs up to 26 feet fit on paved driveways.
2026 season
The Park Service lists the campground as closed from October 25, 2026 to May 1, 2027. Reservations are required and open up to six months ahead on recreation.gov, at $30 per site per night. The shared camping rules apply, including a 14-night limit.
What is near camp
The trailhead is at the end of Deep Creek Road, beyond the campground. From there:
- Tom Branch Falls: About 0.3 miles on a flat gravel path.
- Indian Creek Falls: A 1.6-mile round trip along Deep Creek, with benches.
- Juney Whank Falls: A short, steep climb to an 80-foot cascade under a footbridge.
- Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop: A 2.4-mile loop linking all three.
In summer, tubers float the lower creek, so expect a lively scene and a crowded lot.
Getting there
From Bryson City, take Everett Street to Deep Creek Road and follow it to the campground, about 2 miles. Bryson City has groceries, restaurants and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. A parking tag is not required at your campsite, but it is required for the trailhead lot, and federal passes do not replace it.
Rules
Check-in is at 1 p.m. and check-out at noon, with quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campground but not on trails. Black bears are active; store food in a vehicle.
Good to know
- How many sites does Deep Creek Campground have?
- 92 sites. Season: Seasonal. Closes Oct 25, 2026; reopens May 1, 2027..
- How do I reserve a site?
- Reservations for national park campgrounds are made on recreation.gov. Summer and October weekends book up early.
- Do I need a parking tag?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.