Do I need to pay to park my vehicle in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

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Within our nation's park system, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds the distinction of being the most frequented park in the country. Notably, it remains one of the rare parks that doesn't require an entry fee - a condition established through early land donations in the early 20th century, pivotal to the park's inception. You do not have to pay to enter or drive through the park, but all motor vehicles parked within the park boundary for more than 15 minutes will need parking tags. No fees apply for parking periods under 15 minutes, allowing visitors to enjoy quick stops at scenic spots without charge.


Do I need to pay to park my vehicle in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? 

Starting March 1st, 2023 all motor vehicles parked within the park boundary for more than 15 minutes will need parking tags. These tags come in three options: a daily tag for $5, a weekly tag for $15, and an annual tag for $40. The generated revenue will be reinvested within the park, supporting various initiatives to enhance visitor experiences, preserve natural resources, and maintain essential infrastructure like trails, roads, and historic sites.

Do I need an entrance pass for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? 

While parking fees will be enforced park-wide, the usage of roads remains free of tolls. Additionally, no fees apply for parking periods under 15 minutes, allowing visitors to enjoy quick stops at scenic spots without charge. It's important to note that purchasing a parking tag doesn't guarantee a spot at specific locations; parking remains first-come, first-served.

How much do the Smoky Mountains National Park Parking tags cost? 

  • Available in three durations: Daily ($5), Weekly ($15), and Annual ($40).
  • Tags are non-replaceable, non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-upgradable.
  • Each tag corresponds to a single vehicle and must display the matching license plate number.
  • Tags can be purchased online or onsite but must be physically displayed in vehicles.
  • They're not tied to specific locations but are necessary for parking anywhere within the park.
  • Motorists passing through or parking for less than 15 minutes are exempt from needing tags.
  • Interagency passes cannot substitute for parking tags.

 Where can I purchase the Smoky Mountains National Park Parking tags?

Daily, weekly, and annual parking tags are available for purchase at the stores listed below. Hours may vary seasonally. Daily and weekly parking tags purchased in person must be used starting on the date of purchase. Daily parking tags expire at 11:59pm ET on the date of purchase. Weekly parking tags expire at 11:59 pm ET 7 days from the date of purchase. 

In-person sales locations:

  • Gatlinburg Welcome Center - 1011 Banner Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Sugarlands Visitor Center - 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Greenbrier Grocery - 2406 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • The Great Smokies Welcome Center - 7929 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
  • Cades Cove Visitor Center - 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882
  • Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store - 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN 37882
  • Clingmans Dome Visitor Center - 7078 Clingmans Dome Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
  • Oconaluftee Visitor Center - 1194 Newfound Gap Highway, Cherokee, NC 28719
  • Swain County Visitor Center - 2 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC 28713
  • Visit NC Smokies Visitor Center - 91 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

 

Automated Fee Machines

Daily and weekly parking tags are available for purchase by credit card from Automated Fee Machines, available year-round, 24 hours a day. Daily and weekly parking tags purchased at Automated Fee Machines must be used starting on the date of purchase. Daily parking tags expire at 11:59pm ET on the date of purchase. Weekly parking tags expire at 11:59pm ET 7 days from the date of purchase. 

Automated Fee Machine Locations:

 

Online:

 

Enjoy the convenience of purchasing your parking tag before you arrive.
  • Daily and weekly parking tags are available for purchase online through recreation.gov. Visitors MUST print and display their parking tag. Park staff will not print the tag for you.
  • Visitors are required to enter the date of their visit and their license plate number at the time of purchase. Tags may be purchased six months in advance of your visit. 
  • Daily and weekly parking tags expire at 11:59 pm ET on the date printed on the tag.


How do I display the Smoky Mountains National Park parking tags? 

  • Annual tags must be affixed to the front, lower passenger side windshield.
  • Daily and weekly tags should be placed face-up on the front, lower passenger side dashboard. 

Annual and a daily parking tag displayed on a vehicle's windshield