Reptiles & Amphibians Class
Discover the secret lives of reptile and amphibian species in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Sign Up Today!
Part of our Naturalist Certification Program.

Tremont Events
Workshops, school, programs, hikes, camping trips and more!
Click here for calendar

Tremont Jobs
A unique opportunity to work inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Check out our jobs page.

Current Road Closures
The park is now distributing road closure information via Twitter. Click here to check closures.

Tremont eNews
Email us to sign up for our
bi-weekly enewsletter including Tremont and park information and articles
by our naturalists.

Walker Valley Reflections
The Spring Annual Report Edition of Walker Valley Reflections is out! You'll see it in your mailbox soon, but check it out here first.
View online.

Plans to Improve Tremont
Click here to learn more from Tremont
about the Environmental Assessment
that the park released on improving our facilities.


Campers will be outside most of the time and should bring rugged clothes that can get dirty. Please label items with child's name. Items needed while in front-country

AROUND TREMONT CAMPUS (Monday, Friday and Saturday ONLY)

Optional items: reading material, slippers for dorm, additional toiletries

Items needed DURING BACKCOUNTRY TRIP (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)

  • Swimsuit
  • Three T-shirts
  • Two pairs of shorts – no jeans
  • One long-sleeve fleece or synthetic blend pullover (no cotton sweatshirts)
  • One pair of long pants – no jeans
  • Two or three pairs of thin synthetic liner socks
  • Two or three pairs of outer wool socks (no cotton socks while hiking!)
  • Undergarments for each day
  • Bandana
  • One pair comfortable hiking boots – must already be broken-in!
  • One pair old tennis shoes for swimming & crossing streams (NOTE: sandals, flip-flops and Crocs will not be allowed for use at campsite or swimming!)
  • Gallon-size ziplock bags – for keeping clothes dry
  • WATERPROOF RAINGEAR A MUST!! We recommend a sturdy jacket and pants – not thin plastic material as thin as a garbage bag.
  • Sunscreen – preferably fragrance free
  • Hat (wide-brimmed or baseball cap for sun protection)
  • Small flashlight with extra batteries – a headlamp is preferable
  • Two water bottles with secure lids – each water bottle should carry at least 32 ounces of water. Nalgene brand bottles are recommended because they attach easily to water purifiers.
  • Sleeping bag – synthetic (not cotton!) and thin is best. The bigger and bulkier your sleeping bag is, the heavier it will be to carry. Plus, if it gets wet, it may be very heavy.
  • Compression sack (for your sleeping bag) – highly recommended.
  • Day pack – we will provide day pack if you do not own one.
  • Optional items: Playing cards, camera and film, compass. pencil and notebook (must be small and easy to pack)

    • Cotton vs. synthetic – When cotton clothes get the least bit wet, they stay wet and will not dry for days on end. Wet cotton clothes only add unnecessary weight and insulate the human body very poorly. Therefore, clothes, socks and sleeping bags made of cotton are strongly discouraged. Synthetic blends such as polyester, fleece, or wool, on the other hand, dry quickly and insulate to keep you warm even when wet. Liner socks with an outer wool layer work great. Talk to your local outdoor outfitter for suggested products.

    What NOT to Bring: snacks, food, candy, gum (all of these attract insects into the dormitory and tents). Also don’t bring: cell phones, radios, iPods, CD players, hair dryers, curling irons, any electronic equipment, or money (our store will be open at registration and on the last day of camp).