Parking Tag Basics
- Valid parking tags will be required for any vehicles parking in the park starting March 1, 2023.
- Display of physical parking tags in each vehicle will be required.
- Three tag durations will be available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types:
- Daily - $5
- Weekly - $15
- Annual - $40
- Parking tags will not be refundable, replaceable, transferable, or upgradable.
- Each tag will be valid for a single vehicle.
- Parking tags will be available for purchase both online and onsite.
- Parking tags will not be required for motorists who pass through the area or who park for less than 15 minutes.
- Parking tags will not be location specific. A parking tag will be required to park in any designated parking spot anywhere within park boundaries.
- The annual parking tag is in the form of a cling that will be adhered to the vehicle’s windshield in the front, lower, passenger side.
- The daily and weekly tags will be paper and should also be displayed in the front, lower, passenger side of the dashboard.
Parking Tag Purchase Options
- Online Purchase and Ship:
Annual Parking Tags will be available for purchase online through Great Smoky Mountains Assocation. - Online Purchase and Print:
Beginning February 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. EST, visitors will be able to purchase daily or weekly parking tags online through recreation.gov. Visitors MUST print and display their parking tag. Park staff will not print the tag for you. - In Person Sales Locations:
Annual parking tags are now for sale at the following locations. Daily and weekly parking tags will be available for sale in late February. Hours vary seasonally. Find more pick up locations at NPS.gov
Gatlinburg Welcome Center
1011 Banner Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865.436.7318 EXT 323
Sugarlands Visitor Center
1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865.436.7318 EXT 347 - Automated Fee Machines:
Beginning March 1, daily and weekly parking tags will be available for purchase by credit card from automated fee machines available year round, 24 hours a day. Locations of the automated fee machines will be shared when installation is complete.
Display Your Parking Tag
Annual parking tags must be displayed in the front, lower passenger side windshield. Daily and weekly parking tags must be placed face-up on the front, lower passenger side dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have multiple vehicles in my household, can I transfer my parking tag between them?
No. Each parking tag is valid for a single vehicle and must include the license plate for the vehicle in which is it displayed.
Where should I display my valid parking tag?
Annual parking tags must be displayed in the front, lower passenger side windshield. Daily and weekly parking tags must be placed face-up on the front, lower passenger side dashboard.
If I have a parking tag, would I be guaranteed a parking spot?
No, parking tags will not a guarantee a specific parking spot in a specific location or for a specific time frame. Parking at the busiest areas will require visitors to plan ahead to choose off-peak hours, days, and seasons to better the chances of parking availability.
How will the parking tag requirement be enforced?
Failure to comply with the parking tag requirements may result in a warning, a citation, or your vehicle being towed at your expense. A variety of staff positions will assist in raising awareness of the program through presence across the park.
Find more information about this program at NPS.gov
