How much does camping cost at Elkmont Group Camp?

Camping fees at Elkmont Group Camp range from $38-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elkmont Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Elkmont Group Camp 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 Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Elkmont Group Camp has 31 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Elkmont Group Camp?

Elkmont Group Camp is open May 08 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 Group Camp?

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

How many campsites does Elkmont Group Camp have?

Elkmont Group Camp has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elkmont Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elkmont Group Camp. 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 Group Camp?

Elkmont Group Camp 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 Group Camp?

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

Elkmont Group Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elkmont Group Camp?

Fire policies at Elkmont Group Camp: 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. For additional information about these firewood regulations, please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/frontcountry-camping .. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.91

552 reviews

434 Elkmont Road, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, USA

Great for Groups

Featured in:Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park Group Camping Tennessee

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,150 ft

Price

$38 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season: April 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,150 ft

Price

$38 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season: April 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Elkmont Group Camp

$38.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-SITE 1: $75.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-SITE 2 AND 4: $50.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-SITE 3:...

Group Site Fee$38.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

865-430-5560 OR 865-436-1261

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Elkmont Group Camp

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Campground Map

434 Elkmont Road, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, USA

Elkmont Group Camp

434 Elkmont Road, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, USA

Nearby places

Gatlinburg: 9 miles, approximately 20-25 minutes

Pigeon Forge: 15 miles, 30-35 minutes

Cherokee, NC: 30 miles, approximately 50-60 minutes.

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 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 Group Camp

Current alerts(12)

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
A minimum of 7 people is required for group site use. Maximum site capacity varies from 15 to 30 people. The park stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
A reservation is required to use a group camp. You must check-in with the campground office staff UPON ARRIVAL to complete your reservation. If you arrive after the office is CLOSED for the day then you must check-in with the campground staff the following day between 8:30 -…
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.

Best Time to Camp at Elkmont Group Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest, most dramatic reason to visit: the Smokies’ deciduous forest lights up with peak color at Elkmont around mid-October, and daytime highs are typically mild (40–65°F) with crisp mornings ideal for photography and hiking. Trails and rivers are quieter than summer (though mid-October weekends are busy), making it prime time for waterfall hikes, ridge views, and wildlife viewing without summer bugs and humidity. Services at the group camp are open through October 31, so you享 Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Open in spring; popular for hiking, early-season trails and fireflies mentioned.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 25, 2025 through October 31, 2025. Closed during off-season.

About Elkmont Group Camp

Elkmont Group Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, operated by the National Park Service with access to Little River and the historic Elkmont Ghost Town. This seasonal group campground offers primitive and tent sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings, serving as a base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The location provides well-spaced sites in a forested setting with designated quiet hours and a 14-day stay limit.

Elkmont Group Camp is a group camping facility offering spacious tent-only sites for 15-30 people. Sites are basic and cater to families or groups seeking a nature-focused experience without modern RV hookups or sophisticated amenities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest, most dramatic reason to visit: the Smokies’ deciduous forest lights up with peak color at Elkmont around mid-October, and daytime highs are typically mild (40–65°F) with crisp mornings ideal for photography and hiking. Trails and rivers are quieter than summer (though mid-October weekends are busy), making it prime time for waterfall hikes, ridge views, and wildlife viewing without summer bugs and humidity. Services at the group camp are open through October 31, so you享 Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2150 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Little River runs through the campground, its constant sound providing the soundtrack for your stay. The surrounding temperate deciduous forest creates dense canopy cover over most sites, with towering hardwoods that turn brilliant colors in mid-October. At 2,150 feet elevation, Elkmont sits in middle-elevation terrain where the forest floor stays green with ferns and moss-covered logs. The Smokies' characteristic blue haze forms as moisture evaporates from millions of trees, softening the layers of forested ridges visible from higher ground. This section of the park supports black bears, salamanders, and the synchronous fireflies that put on light shows in early summer. The ancient geology. Rocks nearly a billion years old. Creates the folds and valleys that define the landscape. Rivers and streams carve through these peaks, forming waterfalls accessible via nearby trails.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground is tent-only and does not offer additional lodging such as cabins or lodges.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground is located near historical sites, including the restored structures of the Elkmont Ghost Town, offering cultural insights into the area.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates 15-30 guests.

Groups

Group sites can host 15-30 people, with designated parking areas and multiple tent pads. Some sites, such as GP02 and GP01, are noted for their flat terrain and ample space.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov through their website and mobile app.

AccessibilitySome sites are designated as accessible, but pathways to these sites may be uneven or damaged. Reviews suggest that accessibility features could be improved.

Site SizeGroup sites can accommodate 15-30 people, with at least two tent pads per site.

PrivacySites are set apart, offering some level of privacy. Reviews highlight sites GP02 and GP01 for their space and flat terrain.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended sites for proximity to water and privacy include B2-B4, F13, N07, K16.

Best CampsitesReviews consistently highlight GP02 and GP01 for their flat terrain and space. Sites near the creek offer the best scenery and river sounds, though they go quickly during peak season.

Need help booking Elkmont Group Camp?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Elkmont Group Camp is a tent-only group camping site located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and proximity to popular hiking trails. Amenities include flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and easy trail access. Campers are advised to adhere to bear safety regulations as the area has a high bear population. There are no showers, electrical, water, or sewer hookups available.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Camp Store

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Elkmont Group Camp provides access to a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Campers can explore nearby trails, enjoy the scenic Little River, and visit historical sites within the campground area.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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.

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. For additional information about these firewood regulations, please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/frontcountry-camping .

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are available throughout the campground. Proper disposal of waste is strictly enforced to reduce wildlife encounters.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

552 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Elkmont Group Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Elkmont Group Camp highlight its natural beauty, proximity to trails, and group camping facilities. However, recurring complaints include the lack of showers, inconsistent restroom cleanliness, and occasional issues with staff demeanor.

Review Summaries

Based on 552 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the scenic location, well-spaced sites, and access to hiking trails and the Little River. Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the historical charm of...

Based on 552 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of showers, expensive firewood costs, and issues with restroom maintenance. Some users reported negative interactions with campground staff.

Based on 552 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

GP02 and GP01 are noted as the best group sites due to their flat terrain and spacious layout. GP04 is described as secluded, making it ideal for privacy. Bathrooms near group sites are criticized...

Based on 552 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing soap, as restroom facilities lack hand soap due to bear safety measures. Sites near the creek are highly sought after for their scenic views and soothing sounds.

Based on 552 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate the campground is most popular during peak seasons (spring and summer) for activities such as hiking and viewing fireflies. Fall is noted for its beautiful foliage, while winter sees...

Based on 552 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground spots themselves are really nice, some of the nicest we've ever stayed at as far as scenery.' - Jeremy Stephens 2. 'Love Elkmont. I've been camping there since the 1960s.' - Mary...

Based on 552 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews suggest that accessibility features for disabled campers could be improved, as some paths and parking areas are uneven or poorly maintained.

Based on 552 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No specific pet amenities are mentioned, and some reviewers noted the lack of pet-friendly trails.

Based on 552 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a group site in the Smokies with trail access, historical sites nearby, and don't mind primitive facilities.

Skip if

You need electric hookups, RV accommodations, or are bothered by bathroom maintenance issues.

Nearby Campgrounds

434 Elkmont Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

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.