The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Source:

Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:22 PM

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Increasing Fees For Front-Country Campgrounds, Picnic Pavilions

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is increasing fees by 25 percent for front-country campgrounds and picnic pavilions.

The new fees will start March 1. The park says the fees are to help with the rising costs of operations, reduce maintenance requirements and initiate needed improvements.

"Park visitors have long enjoyed camping and picnicking across the park in spectacular settings that offer space for relaxation and renewal," said Superintendent Cassius Cash. "Maintaining and servicing these facilities in the mountains presents a unique set of challenges and, with increasing costs, these fee increases are necessary to ensure the continual care and operation of these special places."

There are nine open campgrounds, seven group campgrounds, six picnic pavilions and five horse campgrounds.

Also, Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain and Big Creek campgrounds will be added to the National Recreation Reservation System to help improve operational efficiency.

Starting in March, all sites will require advanced reservation and payment online or by phone.