Permits

[comanche8f]

I have read that you need permits to stay at some campsites along the way. One source even said you needed to get one in advance. So does anyone know of any places that you need permits in advance? Or can everything just be paid for along the way?

[Poedog]

Along the way? Are you attempting a thru? You need a permit for the Smokies, but not for any particular campsites, other than up in Baxter of course.

[norts]

You also need a permit for the Shenandoahs , but you fill that out as you enter, no cost. The Smokies you can do on line(the permit was $20 last year)and then print it out. Need to do that before you get to the Smokies.
Taz

[johnnybgood]

You can pick up a free registration permit at the kiosk / or Ranger station prior to entering SNP. I believe one also can be printed out in advance on line if you know the week you plan on hiking the park.

[comanche8f]

Along the way? Are you attempting a thru? You need a permit for the Smokies, but not for any particular campsites, other than up in Baxter of course.

You also need a permit for the Shenandoahs , but you fill that out as you enter, no cost. The Smokies you can do on line(the permit was $20 last year)and then print it out. Need to do that before you get to the Smokies.
Taz

Yes, I am doing a thru hike, and appreciate it

[Slo-go'en]

The Smokies permit is good for 30 days and it takes most people about 3 weeks to get to the Smokies from Springer. Therefore, it is possible to buy and print your permit just before you leave for the trail. Use a laser printer or make sure you store it in a waterproof bag if you use an ink jet printer.

There are a few places along the way like libraries where you can get on line and print a permit, but it's a lot easier if you get this out of the way before hand. And on the park service web site, when you go to pay for the permit the first payment option you see is asking for your checking account # and bank routing. You have to scroll down to see the credit/debit card option.

[comanche8f]

Is it true that you cannot tent in Smokey Mtn Park?

[Slo-go'en]

Is it true that you cannot tent in Smokey Mtn Park?

Yes and no. If and only if the shelter is full to capacity (when you get there) can a thru hiker tent in the immediate vicinity of the shelter. You can't go too far from the shelter as that's where people crap. And if it's raining, which it often is during the spring, being in the shelter is nice no matter how full it is.

[Don H]

You might want to read this:

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm