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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Tags

An entrance pass is not required to access Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, valid parking tags are required on any vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  All revenue will stay in the park to provide sustainable, year-round support focusing on improving the visitor experience, protecting resources, and maintaining trails, roads, historic structures, and facilities. Visitors who simply drive through the park do not need a parking tag.

Parking Tag Basics

  • Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types:
    • Daily - $5
    • Weekly - $15
    • Annual - $40
  • Parking tags are not replaceable, refundable, transferable, or upgradable.
  • Each tag is valid for a single vehicle and must include a license plate number matching the vehicle in which it is displayed.
  • Parking tags are available for purchase both online and onsite.
  • Display of physical parking tags in each vehicle is required. Digital representations are not accepted.
  • Parking tags are not location-specific. A parking tag is required to park anywhere within the boundaries of the Smokies.
  • Parking tags are not required for motorists who pass through the area or who park for less than 15 minutes.
  • Interagency passes (senior, access, etc.) are not accepted in lieu of a parking tag.

Parking Tag Purchase Options

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.

Park it Forward tag

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