Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials will change its current backcountry reservation and permitting process  on Feb. 13.

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 flexibility ...