How much does camping cost at Elkmont Campground?

Camping fees at Elkmont Campground are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elkmont Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elkmont Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Elkmont Campground before I book?

Yes! Elkmont Campground has 30 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Elkmont Campground?

Elkmont Campground is open April 03 to September 07. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elkmont Campground?

Elkmont Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Elkmont Campground have?

Elkmont Campground has 220 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elkmont Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elkmont Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elkmont Campground?

Elkmont Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elkmont Campground?

Popular activities at Elkmont Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elkmont Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elkmont Campground?

Fire policies at Elkmont Campground: Firewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.29

1.4K reviews

434 Elkmont Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Top 17% in TNFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

B-Report Card

Featured in:Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park#1

Quick Facts

2,150 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

220 campsites

Season

Open from March 14 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

2,150 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

220 campsites

Season

Open from March 14 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Elkmont Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-Riverside: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC Riverside: $30.00; TENT ONLY...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 189 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

865-430-5560 FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 1-877-444-6777

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Elkmont Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

434 Elkmont Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Elkmont Campground

434 Elkmont Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Nearby places

Gatlinburg (9 miles, approximately 15-minute drive)

Pigeon Forge (approximately 30-minute drive)

Townsend (approximately 20 miles, 30-minute drive).

Driving directionsFrom Cherokee, NC: Take Newfound Gap Road (aka U.S. 441) North through the park into Tennessee. Turn left at Sugarlands Visitor Center. Follow Little River Road approx. 4.5 miles. Turn left at the Elkmont Campground sign and proceed 1.5 miles to the campground office. From Gatlinburg,TN: Take Newfound Gap Road (aka U.S. 441) South into the Park. Turn a right at Sugarlands Visitor Center. Proceed 4.5 miles to the Elkmont entrance and turn left at the Elkmont Campground sign. Go 1.5 miles to the campground office.

Weather at Elkmont Campground

Current alerts(13)

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
A maximum of six people may occupy a campsite. The park stay-limit is 14 consecutive days. Reservations which exceed the 14 consecutive day limit may be cancelled and refunded.
A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Front country campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag.
Cades Cove and Smokemont are the only campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are open year round.

Best Time to Camp at Elkmont Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the campground's most spectacular scenery — the hardwood ridges around Elkmont erupt in color (peak typically late October to early November) while daytime highs are comfortably cool (about 50–70°F) and nights drop into the 30s–40s. This weather is ideal for crisp, long hikes, photography along the Little River and easier wildlife viewing with fewer biting insects. Expect heavier crowds on leaf-peeping weekends, so midweek visits or early November trips offer the best combinationof Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 17% in TN

Fall delivers the campground's most spectacular scenery; peak foliage late Oct–Nov.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 03 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 14 to November 30.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Elkmont Campground

Elkmont Campground sits along the Little River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a short drive from Gatlinburg. Operated by the National Park Service, this large foothill campground serves as a base for exploring the park's trail network and trout streams. Tent and RV sites are available, along with group camping options, and the campground enforces designated quiet hours and a strict no-show policy.

Elkmont Campground offers a mix of tent and RV camping options, with specific accommodations for group and walk-in sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the campground's most spectacular scenery — the hardwood ridges around Elkmont erupt in color (peak typically late October to early November) while daytime highs are comfortably cool (about 50–70°F) and nights drop into the 30s–40s. This weather is ideal for crisp, long hikes, photography along the Little River and easier wildlife viewing with fewer biting insects. Expect heavier crowds on leaf-peeping weekends, so midweek visits or early November trips offer the best combinationof Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation2150 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Little River flows through camp, its water tumbling over boulders and forming swimming holes between the sites. Old-growth hemlocks and hardwoods shade most of the campground. At 2,150 feet elevation, Elkmont sits in forests that harbor black bears, synchronous fireflies in late spring, and more tree diversity than all of northern Europe. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Laurel Falls, and Jakes Creek Trail start near the campground loops. In fall, the surrounding hardwood ridges turn color, with peak foliage typically arriving late October to early November.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within Elkmont Campground. However, nearby Gatlinburg has a variety of lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground offers proximity to the historic Elkmont resort community and remnants of the Little River Lumber Company’s logging camp. Rangers and interpretive programs are occasionally available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

The maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of six people are allowed per site.

Groups

Group sites accommodate multiple vehicles and are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Feedback indicates that the group sites have a shared restroom facility.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, via their website, mobile app, or contact center at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityNine campsites are ADA-accessible, equipped with wide concrete driveways, raised fire rings, and accessible picnic tables. Three of these sites offer 5-amp electrical service for medical equipment.

Site SizeTent pads are generally 16x16 feet and accommodate one large or two small tents. Campsites vary in size, with some suitable for RVs up to 30 feet.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site. Many sites near the river offer more seclusion, while others are closely spaced without natural dividers. "The L-loop is generator-free and more secluded," according to a camper.

Total Campsites220 campsites

Recommended SitesSites B08, B10, and D01 are praised for their riverfront locations. Walk-in sites B22 and B23 offer seclusion and quiet.

Best CampsitesRiverside sites in loops B and D sit closest to the Little River and offer the best scenery. The L-loop is generator-free and more secluded than other areas. Walk-in sites provide additional privacy. Many sites near the river offer more seclusion, while others are closely spaced without natural dividers.

Need help booking Elkmont Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Elkmont Campground offers a variety of amenities that cater to both tent and RV campers. "Elkmont Campground has 200 tent/RV campsites with paved driveways, gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables." Nine ADA-accessible sites include wide concrete driveways and accessible picnic tables. Flush toilets and potable water spigots are available, but electric, sewer, or water hookups are absent. There is no RV dump/fill station on-site, with the nearest station located six miles away.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Elkmont Campground

Elkmont Campground offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration. The campground’s proximity to trails, rivers, and historic sites makes it a hub for adventure.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail and Elkmont Nature Trail from camp.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing permitted in Little River and nearby trout streams; campground sits on river.

Swimming4.0/5

Little River flows through camp, tumbling over boulders and forming popular swimming holes.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Park hosts ~1,500 bears; deer, birds and synchronous fireflies present nearby.

Water Sports2.0/5

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Excellent fall colors, riverscapes, wildlife and historic features for photos.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFirewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingThere are bear-proof dumpsters throughout the campground. Campers are advised to promptly dispose of garbage to avoid wildlife encounters.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is largely unavailable. Users frequently noted, "There is zero cell service at this campground," with some saying they had spotty coverage in Gatlinburg or areas closer to Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Elkmont Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.3

1.4K reviews

Satisfactory

Elkmont Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Elkmont Campground is celebrated for its proximity to trails and rivers, but the absence of showers and occasional restroom issues received criticism.

Review Summaries

Based on 1420 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1420 reviews.

N07Loved
N07 offered more privacy.
B10Mentioned
Highly recommended sites included B10 and H05 for their proximity to the river.

What Campers Love

Campers praised the peaceful atmosphere, riverside sites, and the availability of firewood and ice. Many enjoyed the central location for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.

Based on 1420 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints included the lack of showers and inconsistent restroom cleanliness. Some campers were also frustrated with the lack of cell service and high prices for firewood.

Based on 1420 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring your own soap and hand sanitizer," "Book riverside sites for the best experience," and "Buy firewood off-site to save money," were common tips from reviewers.

Based on 1420 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak seasons are summer and October, with high demand for riverside sites. Winter closures limit access from November to March.

Based on 1420 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The sound of the river was the perfect white noise," "The bathrooms needed attention," and "Fireflies were magical," were recurring sentiments.

Based on 1420 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA sites received positive feedback for their accessibility features but were noted to be near noisy restrooms.

Based on 1420 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly policies were appreciated. Reviewers noted that pets are not allowed on trails but can stay in campsites.

Based on 1420 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Elkmont Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-Riverside: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC Riverside: $30.00; TENT ONLY...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 189 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

865-430-5560 FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 1-877-444-6777

Go if

You want to camp steps from the Little River or nearby trails and don't mind roughing it without showers, especially at river-side sites like B10 and H05 or the more secluded N07.

Skip if

You need on-site showers or dependable restroom conditions, since facilities here draw regular complaints.

Nearby alternatives

Three hand-reasoned picks from nearby campgrounds — one per reason you might prefer it over this spot.

Campgrounds you may also like

4.6

(302)

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Big Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, accessed via a remote road that filters out casual visitors. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground offers tent and primitive sites along Big Creek, with flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store. Hikers use it as a base for trails into the park's backcountry, and anglers fish the creek for trout.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, TN, 37821

Big Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering tent-only sites along a trout stream near Gatlinburg. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground attracts visitors seeking swimming holes, creek access, and trailhead proximity without RV traffic. The setting emphasizes quiet and seclusion, with flush toilets, potable water, and standard fire rings at each site.

Cataloochee Campground

3576 Ranger Station Rd

Cataloochee Campground sits in the remote Cataloochee Valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a historic enclave known for its reintroduced elk herd and preserved Appalachian homesteads. Operated by the National Park Service, the mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike valley trails, fish mountain streams, and watch elk grazing in open meadows, especially during the fall rut when bulls bugle across the landscape.

Cosby Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service as a large seasonal base camp for hikers and wildlife watchers. Spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables draw tent and RV campers who value clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, and direct trail access. The campground enforces quiet hours and a strict no-show policy, with a dump station and flush toilets but no showers.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

Big Creek Group Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Newport, North Carolina, operated by the National Park Service. This primitive group site offers access to Big Creek's cascades and trout streams, with hiking trails departing directly from camp. Spring brings peak wildflower displays and strong waterfall flows, drawing anglers and photographers to this quieter corner of the park.

Balsam Mountain Campground

253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Balsam Mountain Campground sits in the high-elevation forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Cherokee, North Carolina. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, potable water, and designated quiet hours during peak season. Visitors come for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in cooler mountain air, with fall foliage drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts to trails that empty out as summer crowds disperse.

Balsam Mt. Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Balsam Mt. Campground sits high in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, operated by the National Park Service. This mid-elevation forest campground offers cooler summer temperatures and early fall foliage, with flush toilets, potable water, and tent and RV sites. Reviewers praise clean facilities, helpful hosts, and excellent hiking and wildlife viewing in quiet surroundings.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

Big Creek Horse Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a National Park Service equestrian facility near Newport, Tennessee. This very small primitive campground serves riders exploring the park's backcountry trail system, with designated stalls, flush toilets, and potable water. Visitors come for spring wildflower rides, waterfall access, and wildlife viewing along less-traveled park routes.

Campgrounds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elkmont Campground

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 58% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 724 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Getting there
Grade B+.Bugs & weather
Grade B.Scenery

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Belonging
Grade C.Value
Grade C.Facilities

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Tennessee grades overall

About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Elkmont Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!

Directions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.

Featured in these camping guides

Elkmont Campground appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park#1 (featured pick)

Elkmont Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Elkmont Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Elkmont Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Elkmont Campground

Planning Tips

About Elkmont Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Elkmont Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Elkmont Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Tsali Recreation Area

Look Rock Campground

Cades Cove Campground

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Elkmont Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Elkmont Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Elkmont Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Elkmont Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Tsali Recreation Area

Look Rock Campground

Cades Cove Campground