The NPS is toying with the idea of implementing a parking permit system in the GSMNP. The is a public input period so that people can express their thoughts on the NPS website. They are also thinking about doubling camping fees. The park will remain free to get into and tour but if you park to hike you will be required to have a permit. WATE and WBIR news covered this so if you want to see what the news stories said go to their websites.It's kind of difficult to NOT STOP somewhere in the park to see the sights. 14.1 MILLION people came to the GSMNP last year.

I’m not sure what the answer is, but the place is a zoo during the busy season and other parks are becoming the same way. Something has to change. Maybe bus service to trail heads and Clingman’s Dome?If it’s like many other national facilities, an ATB pass works as a parking permit.

We will be there this Father’s Day weekend. I have read that the main trail heads will need a parking permit. Anywhere else will be whatever parking is available. Not a big hiker, so we will see. I wonder if Clingmans Dome is going to charge?

It seems it has reached a point where something needs to be done. Need has exceeded supply and present status no longer meets needs. I would not be surprised at a doubling of the camping fees especially during high season. I am hoping the additional money will be retained by the park service and used to improve the park.

Would fee-based parking permits include those people who have lifetime senior citizens or "golden" passes provided by federal parks across the US?

Parking fees would be 5 dollars per day 15 dollars per week 40 dollars per year. 14.1 million people visited the park last year more people are expected to come to the GSMNP this year. I live around here so the times I choose to go to the park are few and far between because of the congestion. I've seen the 11 mile Cades Cove loop bumper to bumper all 11 miles worth. There is a problem definitely but I don't think this idea will make much difference. With other national park entry fees at 40 dollars plus I really don't think a 5 dollar per day parking pass will stop people from coming. Go to the National park website and give your feed back. It's only being talked about as yet. Nothing is set to be put in place.

Parking permits in the GSMNP | Good Sam Community

djsamuel
Nomad
Apr 15, 2022
charlestonsouthern wrote:
Would fee-based parking permits include those people who have lifetime senior citizens or "golden" passes provided by federal parks across the US?

According to the FAQ list from the park, the passes like the golden passes will not cover the parking fee. Everyone will have to pay.
Mayor30
Explorer
Apr 18, 2022
Maybe we're doing something different in Pa,but for the past 20 + years the parks have been upgraded with more FHU sites and new bathouses and concession stands. And the rates are pretty reasonable. In Va state parks we paid $48 for a W&E hookups. In Pa you can get FHU for less than that.For state residents it's $27 for electric and $40 for FHU.They charge $4 more per nite for a Friday and Saturday but give a senior discount of $4.50 a nite.
ken56
Explorer
Apr 18, 2022
Mayor30 wrote:
Maybe we're doing something different in Pa,but for the past 20 + years the parks have been upgraded with more FHU sites and new bathouses and concession stands. And the rates are pretty reasonable. In Va state parks we paid $48 for a W&E hookups. In Pa you can get FHU for less than that.For state residents it's $27 for electric and $40 for FHU.They charge $4 more per nite for a Friday and Saturday but give a senior discount of $4.50 a nite.

This is the National Park, not a state park. Tennessee state parks are well run and very nice. Some of the best state parks I've been in.

Forum Discussion

Parking permits in the GSMNP

About Campground 101

Related Content

Pickup truck permit issues

Canada Nat Parks Permit Question

No motor home permit and no tourist permit

GSMNP

Permit question