If you don’t mind throwing on a few extra blankets at night, winter camping in the Smokies can be a rewarding experience! The Cades Cove Campground is one of just two in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is open all year round, and it offers primitive campsites with flush toilets and water (but no showers or electricity). While these services may seem limited, the flipside is that you’ll enjoy a peaceful stay in one of the most beautiful areas of the park! Here are the top 4 reasons to stay at Cades Cove Campground in the winter:
1. Stunning Winter Scenery
If you think that Cades Cove is a scenic destination in the summer months, just wait until you see the valley blanketed in snow! The area is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with snow-capped mountain peaks and white-tailed deer meandering across the landscape!
Just like the campground, Cades Cove Loop Road is open all year round for your enjoyment and you’ll have the luxury of waking up right at the entrance to this popular drive! Have your camera ready to capture some incredible photos to show your family and friends back home!
2. Easier to Get a Campsite
Another one of the top reasons to stay at Cades Cove Campground in the winter is that it is much easier to get a campsite! While you’ll still need reservations, there is a significant drop in visitors compared to the peak times of summer and fall. The camping fee is $30 per site per night, and you are not required to have a parking tag when you are parked at your designated camping site. Keep in mind that a parking tag is required if you decide to park anywhere else in the park for more than 15 minutes.
3. Excellent Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Cades Cove offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and you may even see some critters wandering past your campsite! You’ll definitely see small wildlife like birds and squirrels during your stay, and you might catch a glimpse of a coyote darting through the fields! You may even see a black bear as it comes out of its den for a snack!
Despite the common belief that bears hibernate during the winter season, black bears in the Smokies are not true hibernators at all!
4. Fewer Crowds in the Area
It’s no secret that Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the park, but there are fewer crowds during the winter! This means that you can enjoy the peaceful solitude of camping and drive the 11-mile loop road without the traffic congestion of the summer months! You can also take advantage of quiet historic sites and empty trails as you explore the area around the campground!
Plan Your Winter Camping Trip
Now that you know the reasons to stay at Cades Campground during the winter, you won’t want to miss the chance to experience this unique camping adventure! Before making your reservations, be sure to check out these top tips for winter camping in the Smoky Mountains!
