Tenting at Smokies Shelters

[WMR]

Tenting still permitted at shelters in Smokies, due to COVID. Next question is, are there decent tent sites? Heard from another hiker that the areas around the shelters are not good for tenting - no flat spots, etc. Any truth to that?

[NY HIKER 50]

I don't know but if the area has that kind of problem I usually pull out the hammock. Heck. who needs the shelter I can stop anywhere.

[HankIV]

Tri-corner knob, didn’t see good tent spots. Russell Field plenty. Gatlinburg, no tenting.

[RockDoc]

I got to Russell Field shelter fairly early NOBO, and there were already six tents staked out, way before the shelter was full. Later that evening there must have been ten tents staked within 50 ft of the shelter which by then was full. This was in mid April. A lot of people prefer tenting, for obvious reasons.

[NY HIKER 50]

I got to Russell Field shelter fairly early NOBO, and there were already six tents staked out, way before the shelter was full. Later that evening there must have been ten tents staked within 50 ft of the shelter which by then was full. This was in mid April. A lot of people prefer tenting, for obvious reasons.

Remember my comment about the hammocks?

[HooKooDooKu]

I don't know but if the area has that kind of problem I usually pull out the hammock. Heck. who needs the shelter I can stop anywhere.

Wrong
Given that the OP is specifically talking about tenting in GSMNP, park regulations allows camping ONLY at designated campsites, and rules that apply to tents apply to hammocks as well.

[Starchild]

In general AT thru hikers have found spots to tent (legally) at all AT shelter sites. Some easier than others. Also scout out for poop before you set up camp, some shelters have poop fields instead of privies and people don't always stay in the places they should.

[PatmanTN]

Tri-corner knob, didn’t see good tent spots. Russell Field plenty. Gatlinburg, no tenting.

Best Tri-Corner tent spots are near the horse hitch rail at the top of the knob.

Swung through Spence Field Thursday April 21st and by 4PM the shelter seemed to be fully occupied and I counted 26 tents in the surrounding area. Most I've personally seen there over the years.

[rmitchell]

It varies by location. Most limited at Siler's Bald, Double Springs, Peck's, and Tricorner. Mollies has some decent sites and Derrick has great sites.

Be aware that Russell Field is already closed due to bear activity.

Report was that hikers left Russell Field Shelter to go look at a bear while bear #2 stole their food

[scope]

Wrong
Given that the OP is specifically talking about tenting in GSMNP, park regulations allows camping ONLY at designated campsites, and rules that apply to tents apply to hammocks as well.

Not necessarily wrong. I think his point is that you can hang a hammock where there are trees, so pretty much anywhere. So, yeah, he can't just stop anywhere in GSMNP to camp in the hammock. But at the places he can, he's allowed to hang within reasonable vicinity to the shelter (nearest trees).

[WMR]

And now Cosby Knob closed due to bears. Got a text this morning from NPS and confirmed with call, reservation at Cosby Knob cancelled.

[Kfried]

I was at tri knob 3 days ago- lots of hammock options and very little flat ground.3A289256-F7B2-4C52-9724-EC900CB197C1.jpg

[Kfried]

Tri corner…

[One Half]

Wrong
Given that the OP is specifically talking about tenting in GSMNP, park regulations allows camping ONLY at designated campsites, and rules that apply to tents apply to hammocks as well.

I think current guidance is that even those with permits FOR the shelters are allowed to tent "due to covid." So yes, thru hikers can tent (per usual).

[gpburdelljr]

I think current guidance is that even those with permits FOR the shelters are allowed to tent "due to covid." So yes, thru hikers can tent (per usual).

But only near shelters.

[HooKooDooKu]

But only near shelters.

Yeah, the "per usual" is that you can "tent" near shelters, NOT just anywhere you can hang a hammock.

[HooKooDooKu]

But only near shelters.

Yeah, the "per usual" is that you can "tent" near shelters, NOT just anywhere you can hang a hammock.