National Park · Tennessee · North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The most-visited U.S. national park, famed for misty ridges and Appalachia.
2026 entrance fee
Free entranceNo entrance fee, but a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked over 15 minutes.
The annual pass covers entrance and standard day-use at ~2,000 federal recreation sites for 12 months.
RV & camper tips
Many campgrounds (e.g. Elkmont, Cades Cove) take large RVs; the park is free but requires a parking tag ($5/day, $15/week, $40/year).
Camping
NPS-operated campgrounds are available (reservations recommended in peak season).
Official site: nps.gov/grsm/index.htm
On this park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park FAQ
How much does it cost to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2026?
Do non-U.S. residents pay extra at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Can I camp with an RV at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Keep exploring
Other free parks
Source: National Park Service — Fees & Passes / Nonresident Fees — retrieved 2026-08-09. Entrance fees can change and some parks price seasonally; always confirm the exact rate for your entry type and date on the park's official NPS page before you travel. This page is an independent travel-resource summary and is not affiliated with the National Park Service.
Data sources & methodology
- 2026 rental rates Per-class nightly rates, mileage, and cleaning/insurance fees as current market estimates.
- Fuel & campgrounds MPG ranges by class and $35/night campground average used for budget estimates.
- Internal editorial Guides and calculators reviewed by the RvRove editorial team before publication.
Methodology and citations are maintained by the RvRove editorial team. Where an official schedule is not yet loaded, results are shown as model estimates and the source is stated as a reference.