Parking Fees for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park are encountering a major change: The park now charges parking fees. You’ll need a paid parking tag whether you’re at a busy visitor center, a remote trailhead, or anywhere else in the park. Here’s what you need to know about this new, required charge.

Why did the park start charging parking fees?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park, with nearly 13 million visitors in 2022. The result is more wear and tear on trails and facilities. Unlike many other national parks, the Great Smoky Mountains does not charge entrance fees. The park needed a fresh source of revenue to meet increasing maintenance and staffing needs. Fees stay right here, funding everything from trail repairs to trash removal.

Do I pay to park only in specific places?

Tags are not location-specific. You need a parking tag if you park anywhere for longer than 15 minutes.

What’s the cost?

You’ll pay $5 for a one-day tag, $15 for a one-week tag, or $40 for an annual tag. These prices apply to all types of vehicles. You cannot transfer a tag between vehicles. Each vehicle must have its own tag.

How do I buy a parking tag?

There are three ways to buy tags:

• Online: Get a daily or weekly tag at Recreation.gov. You can do this in advance of your vacation and can specify the dates for which you need the tag. You must print out your tag and display it on the dashboard.
• At an automated fee machine: The park’s three self-service machines are open 24 hours a day and only accept credit cards. You use the tag starting the day you buy it.
• At visitor centers: Nine visitor centers in the park sell parking tags. Opening times vary, so check here for locations and hours.

Does my tag guarantee a parking space?

A parking tag does not reserve a space anywhere. To improve your chances of finding a space, arrive early and avoid peak times when the park is busiest.

What happens if I don’t have a tag?

You risk getting a warning or citation. Park authorities could tow your car.

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