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Great Smoky Mtn/Elkmont
Overview
Elkmont Campground stands as the largest and most sought-after destination for those visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located within the historic Elkmont district, this site provides a rustic camping experience where the rhythmic sounds of the Little River and Jakes Creek define the environment. It is widely recognized for its deep connection to the park’s early 20th-century history, including the preserved structures of Daisy Town and the former Appalachian Clubhouse.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just eight miles from the vibrant gateway city of Gatlinburg, TN, the park offers a secluded mountain escape at an elevation of approximately 2,150 feet. The campground is enveloped by dense hardwood forests, providing a lush green canopy that offers cool shade during the summer months. Travelers will find themselves immersed in the natural biodiversity of the Smokies, with direct access to cooling mountain streams and a vast network of wilderness trails right from their doorstep.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional national park facility, Elkmont focuses on a primitive, natural experience. The park features paved RV pads and gravel tent sites, each equipped with a fire ring and a heavy-duty picnic table. While there are no water, sewer, or electric hookups at the individual sites, the campground provides clean restrooms with flush toilets and cold running water. A convenient dump station and potable water fill-up are located near the entrance to accommodate self-contained rigs.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts are perfectly positioned to explore the Sugarlands Visitor Center and iconic trailheads such as Laurel Falls and the Alum Cave Trail. A scenic drive leads visitors to the historic Cades Cove loop for wildlife viewing or into downtown Gatlinburg for unique shopping and dining. During the early summer, the area becomes a global hotspot for observing the rare synchronous firefly display, an event that brings a magical glow to the Elkmont valley.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is the premier choice for dry-camping enthusiasts and nature lovers who prioritize scenic beauty over modern resort amenities. Because of the winding access roads and specific site dimensions, it is best suited for small to mid-sized RVs or van lifers looking to disconnect. It is a perfect fit for families and hikers who want a peaceful, immersive atmosphere while staying inside the borders of the nation’s most visited national park.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Hiker Man
Stayed by the river on October 18th -19th I was a really nice campground Bathrooms were nice and kept up. Got up in the morning and went up to newfound Gap and hiked to Charlie's bunion beautiful hike especially during the fall! If you want to see the full video we made there you can check it out on our YouTube channel - Ad Adventure with Nick and Rachael
Jody Gilliam
Absolutely amazing. Camped my entire life but first time ever at a national park. Site c7 right next to the restrooms. Tent pad and picnic table and space for camper and fire ring at nearly all sites. . It was amazing. Saw several turkeys on site. No electricity but generator hours 8 a - 8 pm. Absolutely stunning. No Verizon service. Vzw less than 10 miles away towards sugarland to call text loved ones. Camp store was very friendly and offered camping basics. Restrooms were amazingly clean. Cleaned daily. Even if you don’t get a site on the river the camp is so quiet it can be heard from several 100 feet away.
D B
I really like this campground, however the beautiful setting compensates for several negatives. The location is great with a beautiful river next to the campground and streams running throughout. The spots are nicely separated. You do need to put away (essentially) everything each night due to bears and that’s a bit of a hassle but not much you can do about that. The bathrooms are old and there is no soap. There are also no showers but bathrooms were kept fairly clean. The ice is overpriced and I think their supplier is shorting them on ice - a 7 pound bag seemed to have about 4 pounds of ice. There are several great trails nearby. If you can deal with the (relatively) minor issues, it’s a great place to stay.
David & Rachel M
Favorite Campground. Have stayed several times. Peaceful. The riverfront sites are great. We were in the B section this time. Easy check in. Bathrooms were clean. Dishwashing stations are convenient. Wood was $9.87 a bundle and ice was $5 a bag. People need to slow down driving through. Saw several cars speeding through campground going WAY over the 5mph speed limit. Lots of people and kids out walking & biking, and sites to close to road to be in such a rush on such a small roadway.
Laura Dunn
I've been camping in the campground for forty years. My parents brought me as a baby, and I definitely feel like I'm at my "summer home" when I visit. The campground is very dear to my heart; however, I will say my last few visits have been met with frustration. I now have children of my own and have been fussed at by park rangers for allowing the use of sidewalk chalk on pavement of my specific rented spot. I've also been fussed at for allowing my four year old to ride her old-fashioned, non-electric scooter directly in front of our rented spot. I've seen others fussed at for their tire narrowly missing the drive pad and touching 1 inch of the grass. The rangers I think need something to do. Maybe if they gave them a chainsaw and a paint bucket, the old Elkmont town restoration could go quicker? I think this nit-picking of what children are allowed to do in a primitive campground is excessive. The whole point of getting away is to find creative, healthy activities to connect and enjoy nature, family, and friends. Please remember that when you walk around critiquing families who are minding their own business, trying to relax.