Appalachian Clubhouse

Star1.26
21 reviews
500 Elkmont Road, Gatlinburg, TN

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Electric

Opens Great Smoky Mountains National Park (National Park Service) site

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Appalachian Clubhouse
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

1.26

Mixed Reviews

Based on 21 reviews

76 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomsspacious

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Appalachian Clubhouse, consistently giving it 5-star ratings. They highlight its beauty, rich history, and suitability as a venue for weddings, receptions, and group celebrations, often noting the great value for the price and helpful park staff."

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About Appalachian Clubhouse

Step back in time at the Appalachian Clubhouse, a lovingly restored 3,000-square-foot treasure from 1934 that captures the rustic charm of the Great Smoky Mountains' golden age. This atmospheric gathering space, faithfully rehabilitated to mirror its 1930s glory, welcomes visitors with a spacious open hall and a wraparound porch where forest whispers and creek songs provide the soundtrack to your special occasion.
The Appalachian Clubhouse is a historic event facility intended for meetings, parties and other group gatherings rather than traditional camping or lodging.
Historical SignificanceBuilt in 1934 as the social heart of the Appalachian Club, this remarkable structure once echoed with the laughter and stories of mountain club members and their guests who escaped here from the summer heat of nearby cities. These early conservationists built rustic cabins throughout what they affectionately called "Daisy Town," creating a mountain retreat community that would eventually become part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The National Park Service's meticulous rehabilitation honors this legacy, preserving the clubhouse's authentic 1930s character while welcoming a new generation of visitors to experience the same sense of mountain fellowship that drew people here nearly a century ago.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled in the enchanting southern reaches of Elkmont's historic district, the clubhouse sits at the confluence of Jakes Creek and Bearwallow Branch, where mountain water music fills the air year-round. Ancient forests cloak the steep ridges of the Upper Little River Valley, creating a cathedral of green that changes with the seasons—spring wildflowers giving way to summer's deep shade, then autumn's spectacular color show, and winter's stark, peaceful beauty. From the clubhouse porch, you're surrounded by nature's grandeur, with historic cabin sites and scenic trails beckoning just beyond the treeline, inviting exploration of this storied mountain landscape.
Geological RegionTennessee's Upper Little River Valley
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessible restrooms located approximately 150 ft from the clubhouse; restrooms include electric lights and hand dryers.
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring all event supplies and equipment (tableware, linens, AV equipment, extension cords, paper products). Provide guests with directions prior to arrival. Note there is no kitchen stove or refrigerator; warming kitchen offers limited counter space and electrical outlets for catering.

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Reserving a campsite

Groups
  • Event/group facility: 3,000 sq ft clubhouse with a 60' x 25' meeting hall, roofed porch, 12 round tables (60") seating 8 each, 8 rectangular (3'x6') tables, 110 folding chairs, warming kitchen (168 sq ft) with counter space and electrical outlets
  • restrooms located ~150 ft away.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutMain ballroom (60' x 25') with french doors along the entire east side opening onto a roofed porch. Ballroom provides four ceiling fans and 12 electrical outlets. Furnishings include 12 round tables (60") seating 8 each, 8 rectangular (3'x6') tables, 110 folding chairs, a sofa and chairs at one fireplace. Warming kitchen is 168 sq ft with 32 sq ft counter space and six electrical outlets. Accessible restrooms are located about 150 ft from the building.
Reservation PlatformsGreat Smoky Mountains National Park permits and reservations (see: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm). Special Use Permit required for weddings/wedding photography.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Primary use is indoor meetings, events and celebrations in the historic clubhouse; weddings and wedding photography require an additional Special Use Permit. The clubhouse is located in Elkmont with nearby outdoor recreation opportunities and historic and scenic attractions within walking distance.
Hiking
Two popular trailheads, Jakes Creek and Little River, are located near the clubhouse.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Appalachian Clubhouse

33
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 4.6 mph
Overcast

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresPorch overlooks a small creek; facility is between Jakes Creek and Bearwallow Branch and near the Little River and associated trailheads.

Campground Map

500 Elkmont Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Driving directionsProceed south from Gatlinburg, TN on Newfound Gap Road (aka US 441) 1.7 miles and turn right onto Little River Road towards Cades Cove. Proceed 5 miles to the Elkmont (Campground) Road and turn left. Go 1.4 miles and turn left just before the campground office (sign says: Elkmont Nature Trail 0.3, Little River Trail 0.6 and Jakes Creek Trail.). Follow the road to Jakes Creek and continue on around the one-way loop to the Appalachian Club.
Accessible via US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) south from Gatlinburg, then Little River Road and Elkmont (Campground) Road following posted signs to the Appalachian Club.
Nearby places
Gatlinburg (short drive)
Nearby supplies
Gatlinburg (offers restaurants, shops and services)

Reviews from booking and map sources

1.3
21 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Appalachian Clubhouse has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers overwhelmingly love Appalachian Clubhouse, consistently giving it 5-star ratings. They highlight its beauty, rich history, and suitability as a venue for weddings, receptions, and group celebrations, often noting the great value for the price and helpful park staff.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the clubhouse as a beautiful, rustic, and historically preserved venue with lots of charm, old cabins nearby, and scenic stream views. Many appreciate that it’s spacious and clean, with...
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Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

A few event hosts mention problems with people wandering in from the nearby ‘ghost town’/hiking area during private events, even when signs and chains were placed at the parking entrance. One...
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Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect a rustic, historic venue that works well for weddings, receptions, and group celebrations up to around 60–70 people, with enough space and good temperature control. If hosting a private event,...
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Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Amazing location for our small wedding. We had 68 guests on Oct 28, 2022. The lodge was a great size and stayed a perfect temperature throughout the event.” “Such a beautiful piece of history in the...
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Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Multiple Recreation.gov reviews reference the single reservable site “Appalachian Clubhouse” within the APPALACHIAN CLUBHOUSE loop. Users say it comfortably hosted events from about 60 to 68 guests,...
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Based on 21 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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