Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elkmont Campground
Elkmont sits in what was once a bustling logging town, and you can still see remnants of the old cabins scattered through the forest. The 220 sites are spread across several loops under a canopy of ancient hemlocks and tulip poplars, with some sites large enough for big rigs. The campground fills up fast during peak season — reservations open five months ahead and disappear within hours for summer weekends.
Access is paved all the way in via Little River Road, but expect heavy traffic during leaf season and summer. The historic district with preserved cabins is worth exploring, and several major trails including Cataract Falls launch from here. Open March through October, with prime time being late April through early June before the crowds hit.
Historic Smoky Mountain basecamp under ancient hemlocks
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Elkmont Campground Road B, Elkmont, Tennessee Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Gatlinburg, Tennessee |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 220 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $25.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | March-October |
| Land manager | NPS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |