Elkmont Campground

About

Elkmont Campground occupies a historic area along the Little River in the Tennessee portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At 2,150 feet elevation, the campground experiences mild winters and warm, humid summers. The campground is the park's largest, featuring 200 tent/RV campsites with paved driveways and gravel tent pads measuring 16x16 feet, plus 20 walk-in tent sites. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Flush toilets, potable water at spigots, and utility sinks are available seasonally. The Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering excellent trout fishing and summertime wading. Hikers have direct access to Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and the Elkmont Nature Trail. The popular Laurel Falls Trail, leading to a spectacular 80-foot waterfall, is nearby. Historic remnants of the Little River Lumber Company's logging operations and old resort buildings offer glimpses into Elkmont's past. Elkmont is also renowned for its synchronous firefly viewing in late May to early June, when Photinus carolinus fireflies produce their famous coordinated light display. A lottery system manages access during the firefly event. Gatlinburg is approximately nine miles away for supplies and additional attractions.

Directions

From Gatlinburg, TN: Take Newfound Gap Road (US 441) south into the park. Turn right at Sugarlands Visitor Center onto Little River Road. Proceed 4.5 miles to the Elkmont entrance and turn left at the Elkmont Campground sign. Go 1.5 miles to the campground office. From Cherokee, NC: Take Newfound Gap Road north through the park. Turn left at Sugarlands Visitor Center onto Little River Road and follow the same directions.