About Elkmont Campground
Number of accommodations: 210
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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210 Sites Available
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Reviews (585)
What Guests Are Saying
Elkmont Campground is praised for its beautiful, well-maintained environment, friendly staff, and clean facilities, making it a great choice for campers looking for a peaceful experience in the Smoky Mountains. Many guests appreciate the primitive nature of the campground, with sites close to the river and ample privacy. However, some reviewers noted challenges with the reservation system and the closure of certain loops, which led to crowding in available areas. Overall, visitors enjoyed their time at Elkmont and expressed a desire to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Elkmont Campground is praised for its beautiful, well-maintained environment, friendly staff, and clean facilities, making it a great choice for campers looking for a peaceful experience in the Smoky Mountains. Many guests appreciate the primitive nature of the campground, with sites close to the river and ample privacy. However, some reviewers noted challenges with the reservation system and the closure of certain loops, which led to crowding in available areas. Overall, visitors enjoyed their time at Elkmont and expressed a desire to return.
Review Summary
Lindsay H
VerifiedJanuary 28, 2026 • Stayed at: B08, Loop: Generator Free
One of my favorite campsites! Love being by the water and having a tent platform/pad. Stayed here during heavy rainfall and had no issues
Mary C
VerifiedJanuary 21, 2026 • Stayed at: K15, Loop: Generator Use
We enjoy camping at Elkmont. It is easily accessible to the GSMNP activities.
Bruce P
VerifiedJanuary 12, 2026 • Stayed at: B23, Loop: Generator Free
Beautiful site, convenient bathrooms. We didn't realize that all tents had to fit in the designated area but we made it work.
Matthew G
VerifiedDecember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: B17, Loop: Generator Free
Great location in the Smokies! Wild turkeys visited our campsite every morning.
Jonathan H
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: A07, Loop: Generator Free
This is hands down one of the best experiences I have ever had camping. The campground is absolutely beautiful with clean facilities. Many of the sites here are right on the water. I can’t wait to come back!
Joseph H
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: J08, Loop: Generator Use
We really enjoyed our stay the last week of July. We had a site directly on the river, Site J8. It was a perfect location to hear the water all night and easy access to enjoy activities in the water. While the water was, and always is, cold, we still had a blast wading and tubing. We also liked the fact that there was no site to the right of our tent for a good distance which gave more privacy. The walk to the restroom also wasn’t too bad. The only wildlife we saw were turkeys and squirrels. We were also surprised at the selection at the camp store for such a small space. The only complaint I had was the bright lights our neighbors to our left had on all night on their camper. Other than that, everything was great.
Amy B
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: M03, Loop: Generator Free
Always a good time. Relaxing, peaceful, accessible. The turkeys were wandering around, which is always amusing.
Vance C
VerifiedDecember 17, 2025 • Stayed at: B11, Loop: Generator Free
Another great camping adventure at Elkmont Campground. The staff was very friendly, informative, and courteous. We can't wait for our next Elkmont camping adventure.
Kai B
VerifiedDecember 9, 2025 • Stayed at: E05, Loop: Generator Use
Came in after dark, while it was pouring down. After about fifteen minutes the rain died down and it did not come back for the rest of the night. We stayed in a site directly next to the river and it was very soothing. The campsites are very tidy and provide mostly everything you’d need. I was also surprised how clean the bathrooms were. No showers but that’s okay!!
Troy G
VerifiedDecember 8, 2025 • Stayed at: C02, Loop: Generator Use
Elkmont Campground was a great experience. We entered the park to see a herd of elk grazing near the visitors center. We lost cell service about 30 minutes into driving, but we were told this would happen and were instructed on planning ahead. There was plenty of information on preparing for bears and what to expect while camping. It rained A LOT, which would be my only complaint, but that's just how things go. The drive was incredible and the park was very clean and well maintained. The campsites are pretty close together, but not so much that you felt there were privacy issues. The trails nearby were great as well. Know that if you bring an animal, where you go is limited. Make sure to heed all warnings and precautions about bears and you should have a great trip.
Location Elkmont Campground
Address:
434 Elkmont Rd
Gatlinburg, TN, 37738
United States
From 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. (If coming from Pigeon Forge, take the Bypass 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.
Latitude & Longitude: 35.6588 / -83.5827
Elevation: 648 feet
Nearby National Park
Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate driving time: 32 min
Policies & Rules
General
- 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. If they park elsewhere in the park, a parking tag will be required. Please note that parking tags will be required for vehicles in excess of what is allowable for each campsite.
- Over the last 10 years, an average of 339 negative human-bear encounters have been reported each year; many more go unreported. Visitors should be aware that high bear activity can occur in any area, and that your safety is not guaranteed. To increase your odds for a safe visit, please follow best practices for living and recreating in bear habitat. Stay alert and be prepared to react appropriately during possible encounters, and always report any unusual bear interactions as soon as possible.
- Caution: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. All food, coolers, and equipment used to prepare and store food must be kept in a sealed vehicle or camping unit of solid, non-pliable material AT ALL TIMES when not in use. All scented items (candles, soap, etc.) as well as all water containers, MUST be stored. Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. Unattended or improperly stored coolers, food and/or scented items may be impounded by campground staff. Violators are subject to fines.
- 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.
- There are no showers, electric, water, or sewer hook-ups in the park. The dump and fill station is located approximately 6 miles away from the campground. Three handicap accessible ADA sites have 5 amp electrical service for use of medical equipment only. Proof of medical equipment required for use of electric hookup,
- Generator use is restricted to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Generators may not be left running unattended. Generator use is prohibited from May 15 through October 31 in loops A, B, L, M and N.
- 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. Failure to check-in with the office staff by noon following the day of your arrival will be considered a no show. This may result in a forfeit of your reservation. Current office hours are 9am-5pm. During November-April the office may be open intermittently; during these months campers occupying their site must be able to provide proof of occupancy when requested by park staff.
- 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 Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
- Pets are permitted, but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a six foot leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails.
- Tent pads at Elkmont measure 16 x 16 and will accommodate one large or two small tents. Tents must be pitched on the pad. Hammocks are permitted but must be hung in the footprint of the reserved campsite,
- Cades Cove and Smokemont are the only campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are open year round.
- Tennessee state law requires bicycle helmets for riders under 16 years of age. Skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are prohibited in the campground.
- For additional information, call 865-436-1200 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm.
- While GPS directions may route you to Elkmont via Line Springs Road and Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area, RVs and towed trailers are NOT allowed over the bridge at Metcalf Bottoms due to a narrow bridge with weight and length restrictions. RVs and trailers should access Elkmont campground from either the Gatlinburg or Townsend entrances.
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Last updated: June 4, 2026