Elkmont Campground Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tennessee
Elkmont Overview
Elkmont Campground has 220 campsites and is located on the shores of the Little River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The sites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Tents of the sites are walk-in only for tents. Some of the parking spurs are steep – so double check the photos to make sure your rig will fit okay.
Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grill. The campground has drinking water, flush toilets but no hookups. he nearest dump station is located across from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, about five miles away. Firewood is available for sale at the campground. There’s also a camp store, amphitheater, vending packings and camp host. Cell service is not available in the area.
Elkmont – Area Recreation
Elkmont Campground is an ideal basecamp to visit the wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also ground zero if you want to see the amazing synchronous fireflies (or lightning bugs) light up the sky. The fireflies are best viewed in late May or early June. Click HERE for more information on the Synchronous Fireflies Event!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the United States with 8-10 million enjoying the many outdoor recreational activities. The Park is renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its mountains, and South Appalachian mountain culture. It’s also a popular place to watch fireflies dance around in the evening. Some of the outdoor recreation opportunities at Great Smoky Mountains National Park include auto touring, bicycling, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, wildlife viewing and picnicking. There are also many historic sites and buildings you can explore.
Cades Cove campground is also nearby and in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s about 22 miles away and has 159 campsites.
Make a Reservation for Elkmont
Amenities
- Amphitheater
- BBQ Grills
- Camp Store
- Campfire Center
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service - None
- Drinking Water
- Equestrian trail
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Grills
- Ice
- Pay Phone
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- Trash Collection
- Wood
Activities
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Creek
- Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Photography
- Picnicking
- River
- Stargazing
- Walking Trails
- Wilderness Area
- Wildlife Viewing
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
865 430-5560
Lat / Long:
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Campsite Types
- ADA
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
220
Campsite Vehicle Size:
Up to 35 feet.
Season:
April – November
Elevation:
2,150
Elkmont Comments & Reviews
Visited Elkmont Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Elkmont?
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Are there electrical outlets in the bathrooms at Elkmont?
Hi Jan,
Wish we could help, but you’ll need to call the campground directly to inquire as to whether there are electrical outlets in Elkmont campground bathrooms: 865 430-5560
Making a reservation here(during peak seasons) online and/or on the phone is nearly impossible. I finally got a site, and arrived at the campground to see almost half the sites empty, many being more desirable than the one I was able to get.
I am disabled and have tried to get an accessible site, but none are ever available. Then when I visit, I find them empty.
Elkmont is the most popular campsite and the prime spots go first. You can reserve 6 mos out so if you plan to visit in June and wait till May or June to book a site your most likely out of luck. The Great Smoky Mountains website post the reservation windows. I camp there 4 times a year. There will always be no shows and people that will book one day and screw up a week or week end for alot of vacationers.and campers. It is a crap shoot. Best of luck.
If you are talking about camping during the fireflies, many sites are rented by locals who don’t bring trailers….they just want access to see the fireflies, so they come out later in the evening.
Our favorite campground. Just so peaceful! Great hiking trails, historical structures & beautifully scenic. We camp there for a week every fall.
My most favorite campground in the Smokies. camp here for a week every year in September have for years. love it.
Does Elkmont honor America the Beautiful passes? Where can I see a map of the campground?
Hi J,
Yes, Elkmont Campground does honor America the Beautiful passes. Also, we’ve added the Elkmont Campground map to the camping page. Click on ‘Campground Map’ to view.
FYI – Elkmont Campground does not have a dump station. The nearest dump station is located across from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, about five miles away. RVers should plan accordingly – fill water tank and dump waste tanks prior to arrival at Elkmont.
Also, the pay phone was removed by the vendor several years ago.
Thanks,
TW (CG Host)
Thanks TW!
We will update our (Dump Station) info on Elkmont campground.