The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a nonprofit residential environmental-education center inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend. Its overnight summer camps for ages 4-17 range from Firefly Camp (4-9) and Discovery Camp (9-12) to teen wilderness treks and Smokies science investigations, exploring biodiversity, backpacking, and hands-on ecology. All programs include meals, lodging, and instruction; financial aid is available.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Jay GMe and my wife met Tohmi? I believe her name was, at an old school house this past week and she recommended us visiting Spruce flat falls and we loved it. Give her a big Thanks from her Wisconsin friends.
★★★★GusgraphyBeautiful place for kids, nice gift shop, friendly and nice staff, gorgeous place to see. Kids learning about local species of animals and swim daily. One bad thing - mosquitoes, my daughter had bites all over her legs and arms. She had protective clothes and anti mosquitoes spray, however they got her good. I wish staff would supervise kids so they could put necessary protection for kids and dress properly.
★★★★★Leyla ColemanThere are some lovely trails - Spruce Flats Falls and Middle Prong Trail. The second runs parallel to magnificent waterfalls and is an easy stroll considering it's in the mountains. The picture I'm uploading is Spruce Flats Falls. If you go into the GSMI ranger station, you'll get detailed, helpful information about which trails to hike, what courses they offer (emergency responder course? Naturalist course? Yes please!) and backpacking trips they do every year. When I went, there were some kids on a field trip- a common sight. Beautiful and well worth the trip. It's a gorgeous drive through Tremont, as well.
★★★★★Carson ElmoreI learned so much and felt like I really experienced GSM while at Tremont. Their leaders are well-versed in a variety of topics from biodiversity to management policy, and they know the trails like the back of their hands. You'll go off the beaten path with Tremont, and learn more about these mountains and yourself than you ever thought possible. A truly incredible place.
★★★★★Ruth YoungFirst of all this is 1 of my favorite places in the Smokys. The Visitor center here is small compared to others but I did find a couple of unique items. This is the institute that offers so many great educational experiences. Be sure to check on line to see what is being offered. Some classes very family oriented some not so much. Some of them even include overnite accommodations. I have taken a Monarch Tagging event & bird banding event and would give them both 5 stars. Both events children were allowed & you could tell how much the children enjoyed the experience. I hope to go again this year. There is a trail out the area that is supposed to be not difficult. Information available at the office. Also if you take a left out of center you will go on an absolutely great adventure. I sometimes take a picnic lunch & sit by the river. Just stunning beauty and it changes with the season. The road is gravel but well maintained. At the end of the road u can park and walk across s bridge. You see a nice smaller waterfall & will have the choice of many trails. This area is just spectacular.