Campers are opposing a $4 per camper per night fee proposed for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was the mildest of three proposals. The other two would charge $10 per reservation plus either $5 or $2.25 per person per night. Camping at any of the park’s fifteen shelters or 86 campsites has thus far been free.
The new fee would pay for an online reservation system and 24-hour call center for all backcountry campsites, and would be used to fund the hiring of two backcountry rangers to address problems such as dogs on trails, and permit and camping violations.
Camping next to Asheville City Hall remains free.
