Elkmont Campground

With 220 sites, Elkmont is the largest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, set at 2,150 feet in elevation in a serene forest of maple and poplar trees. It’s centrally located near the Sugarland Visitor Center and the town of Gatlinburg, making it especially family-friendly. Come autumn, the tree leaves erupt into a vibrant array of yellows, oranges, and browns. The Little River and Jakes Creek weave right through the campground, providing campers with fishing and swimming holes, while tent and RV sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom access. No Elkmont campsites come with individual hookups.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

When to Go

Elkmont Campground is closed for winter, usually from November to May. You can call the park rangers at (865) 436-1200 for current season information. There are generally two busy seasons when campsites book out far in advance: summer break and October, when the fall foliage color transformation peaks. Because of its elevation, Elkmont requires that campers bring rain- and cold-weather gear year-round. Summer visitors should also bring mosquito protection. Spring visitors are typically treated to flowing waterfalls—drive west on Little River Gorge Road from Elkmont and you’ll pass numerous waterfall sites and falls trailheads, including Mannis Branch Falls, The Sinks, and Meigs Falls.