Elkmont Campground
The Quick Take
Elkmont is the flagship campground of Great Smoky Mountains — the biggest, the busiest, and the most convenient base camp in the park's north district. Sitting just a short drive from Sugarlands Visitor Center, it trades wilderness solitude for unbeatable access to Laurel Falls, the Little River Trail, and the historic Elkmont ghost town. The campground sprawls along the Little River, and the riverside sites are legitimately beautiful — you can fall asleep to rushing water instead of your neighbor's generator. The trade-off is real, though: with over two hundred sites, peak summer weekends feel more like a small village than a backcountry escape. No showers, no hookups, and no cell service keep things from tipping into full resort territory. Choose Elkmont if you want a well-run home base for day-hiking the Smokies with kids or if you need RV-friendly sites without sacrificing scenery.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 211 sites are reservable.
Book at Great Smoky Mountains LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
Amphitheatre is wheelchair accessible. Accessible paths to restrooms and parking areas. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Fires:Campfires are permitted only in fire rings.
- Generators:Quiet hours are 10 pm-6 am.
Pro Tips
Riverside sites in the 'B' loop are the ones worth fighting for — they back up directly to the Little River and feel worlds away from the interior loops. Book exactly six months out the moment your dates open on Recreation.gov, because these specific sites vanish within hours.
Visit during the first two weeks of June for the synchronous firefly display, one of the most surreal natural events in North America. Elkmont is ground zero for viewing, but you will need a lottery-won parking pass — enter the lottery in late April and have a backup plan if you miss out.
No showers means you need a plan. The Little River is right there for a cold rinse, but Gatlinburg is only twenty minutes away if you need a proper shower day. Pack biodegradable soap and a solar shower bag to extend your comfort between town trips.
Photos
NPS Photo/Bielenberg
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
