Great Smoky Mountains National Park will implement changes to its
current backcountry reservation and permitting process early next year.  As
reported last March, the National Park Service approved the Park’s proposal
to begin collecting fees for use of the Park’s backcountry campsites and
shelters. The changes include a $4 per person per night fee for backcountry
camping.  The fee will be used to provide increased customer service for
backcountry trip planning, reservations, permits and the backcountry
experience.

A park-specific reservation and permit system, to which users will
have 24/7 access, will allow backcountry campers to make reservations and
obtain permits online from anywhere internet access is available.
Reservations may be made at any time up to 30 days in advance, allowing
maximum ...