52 Weeks of Fun

Not Just Destination Finders, But Destination Storytellers

Recreation.gov

Elkmont Campground-Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.

Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago.

The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. Waterfall.

Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.

Elkmont Campground has 200 tent / RV campsites with paved driveways, gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Although most sites will accommodate tents or RVs, extreme slope or length of driveway make certain sites more suitable for tents than RVs. Please check the descriptions and measurements of individual sites.

In addition to these tent / RV sites, Elkmont has 20 walk-in sites for tents. Campers on these beautiful wooded sites will have a short walk from their parking area to their tent pad. Nine of Elkmont's campsites are wheelchair accessible ADA sites. These sites have wide concrete driveways, raised fire rings, and wheelchair accessible picnic tables. All of these sites are located near accessible restrooms. Three of the sites provide 5 amp electrical service for medical equipment.

Due to its central location and variety of amenities, Elkmont Campground tends to be heavily used during the summer vacation months and in October. Sites along Little River are in particularly high demand. Even when Elkmont is full, campsites are often available at Cosby Campground, located at the northeast corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

National Park Service
Wikipedia

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Elkmont Campground-Great Smoky Mountains National Park

With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one.

Attraction Advice

Elkmont Campground is open year-round but is first-come, first-served camping from November through April. Rates are $25 to $27 per night for up to six people per campsite. No more than two motor vehicles or one vehicle with a trailer are allowed per campsite. A select number of sites can handle larger vehicles. The check-out time is noon. Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 8 AM. Generator use is prohibited from 8 PM to 8 AM. Stays are limited to 14 consecutive days at a time.



National Park Service

Most campsites are in wooded areas in Elkmont Campground, and has access to flush toilets and hot showers.
Recreation.gov

Sites are mostly level and many can accommodate larger RVs.
Trip Advisor

The most desired and most difficult to secure campsites are those right alongside the Little River.
Trip Advisor

Tent sites include level pad and picnic table. Some are on the shore of the Little River, which runs through the campground.

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