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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reopens Look Rock Campground After 9-Year Closure

Following a nine-year closure due to water utility systems failure, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee) has reopened Look Rock Campground.

According to a press release, the 68-site campground opened last Saturday, October 15, and will be open until November 13.

“Since the new section of the Foothills Parkway opened in 2018, this area of the park has become a stand-alone destination, and I’m pleased that after a long but steady effort, we are able to once again provide a camping opportunity along one of the most scenic drives in the park,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. 

“We are grateful for the voices who supported us in our efforts to secure the needed funding for repairs, including the Friends of the Smokies and their donors.”

In 2019, the park was granted funds to install a handicap-accessible vault toilet, enabling the opening of the picnic area with limited services. 

All campground sites were renovated with the addition of new picnic tables as well as fire rings. In a bid to modernize camping facilities, ten sites were renovated to accommodate larger RVs. The ten sites will be the first-ever electric and water hookups at a park campground.

“The Friends of the Smokies stand at the ready to enhance and improve visitor opportunities across the park,” said Friends of the Smokies President Jim Hart.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), the park received $4.7 million for the renovation through campground fees, donation monies, and federal funds, which included a special federal fund source that requires philanthropic partner matching funds. 

With its prime location, Look Rock Campground offers a unique camping experience. The campground is nestled along the Foothills Parkway between Walland, Tennessee, and Chilhowee Lake. 

The 17-mile Foothills Parkway section was recently repaved using $31 million in funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA)

Featured image from the National Park Service

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IrisNova
IrisNova
March 21, 2024 7:07 pm

Camping fans! The Look Rock Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is back and better than ever! Enjoy the revamped amenities and beautiful surroundings for a cozy camping getaway!

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reopens Look Rock Campground After 9-Year Closure! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/tennessee/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-reopens-look-rock-campground-after-9-year-closure/