Tennessee / Sevier County / Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elkmont Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens March 14, 2026 and operates through November 30, 2026. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.

About

Elkmont Campground is the largest frontcountry campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the closest to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Set at an elevation of 2,150 feet in a moderate climate zone with mild winters and hot, humid summers, the campground has drawn generations of campers back year after year. The Little River and Jakes Creek run through the grounds, creating highly sought-after riverside camping sites and opportunities for fishing and cool summertime swimming. The campground features 200 standard tent and RV sites with paved driveways and gravel tent pads, plus 20 walk-in tent sites for a more secluded experience. Nine ADA-accessible sites provide wide concrete driveways, raised fire rings, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables near accessible restrooms. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. While there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups, the campground has flush toilets, cold running water in restrooms, and potable water spigots throughout. Elkmont serves as an excellent base for exploring the park's extensive trail system. Adjacent trailheads access the Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail, while the nearby Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-foot waterfall. Historic remnants of the Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer glimpses into the area's past. The campground's central location within the park, combined with riverside camping and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, makes it particularly popular during summer vacation months and October.

Directions

From Gatlinburg: Take Newfound Gap Road (US 441) south into the park. Turn right at Sugarlands Visitor Center. Proceed 4.5 miles on Little River Road 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 into Tennessee. Turn left at Sugarlands Visitor Center, then follow Little River Road 4.5 miles to the Elkmont entrance. RVs and trailers cannot access via Metcalf Bottoms bridge due to weight and length restrictions.

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